I 


STto. 


THE 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER; 

CONTAINING 


DESCRIPTIONS  OF  ALL  THE  STATES,  COUNTIES  AND  TOWNS 

IN 


ALSO 


DESCRIPTIONS  OF  THE  PRINCIPAL  MOUNTAINS,  RIVERS,  LAKES, 
CAPES,  BAYS,  HARBORS,  ISLANDS,  AND 

FASHIONABLE  RESORTS 


WITHIN  THAT  TERRITORY. 


ALPHABETICALLY  ARRANGED. 


By  JOHN  HAYWARD, 

Author  of  the  Columbian  Religious  Creeds,  &c.  &c. 


SEVENTH  EDITION. 


CONCORD,  N.  H : 

ISRAEL  S.  BOYD  AND  WILLIAM  WHITE. 
BOSTON: 

JOHN  HAYWARD. 

1 8 39. 


JOHN  HAYWARD, 


in  the  Clerk’s  Office  of  the  District  Court  in  Massachusetts 


BOSTON  COLLEGE  LIBRAB& 

CHESTNUT  HILL,  M fBSST 


STEREOTYPED  AND  PRINTED  BY 


WILLIAM  WHITE, 
CONCORD,  N.H. 


MAY  2 2 1985 


PREFACE. 


The  preparation  of  a Gazetteer  ot  New  England,  worthy  the 
patronage  of  its  enlightened  citizens,  is  no  easy  task  : those  only  who 
have  attempted  it  can  form  a just  conception  of  its  difficulties.  Long 
and  wearisome  journeys  must  be  performed ; hundreds  of  volumes  and 
local  histories  must  be  consulted,  and  thousands  of  letters  must  be  written. 

Although  a kind  Providence  has  blessed  the  editor  with  health,  and 
with  numerous  friends,  in  all  parts  of  New  England  ; yet,  after  a long 
period  of  devotedness,  he  is  mortified  that  his  work  is  not  more  complete. 

It  will  be  perceived  that  there  are  many  towns,  particularly  in  the 
eastern  section  of  New  England,  whose  names  are  merely  mentioned; 
and  that  notices  of  others,  in  many  cases,  are  exceedingly  deficient.  Had 
our  means  permitted,  fair  representations  of  the  character  and  resources 
of  those  towns  might  have  promoted  individual  and  public  interests ; and 
enhanced  the  value  of  our  volume.  There  are  lakes  and  rivers  in  the 
northern  and  eastern  parts  of  New  England,  whose  beauty,  volume  of 
water,  and  hydraulic  power,  might  vie  with  the  Winnepisiogee  and  Mer- 
rimack; but  whose  locations  and  even  names  are  but  indistinctly  known. 

But  we  have  the  consolation  to  Relieve  that  a Gazetteer  of  New  Eng- 
land, perfect  in  all  its  parts,  is  rather  desired  than  expected.  Our  coun- 
try is  new:  large  portions  of  the  territory  of  the  New  England  States, 
are  yet  a wilderness,  and  new  counties  and  towns  are  very  frequently 
constituted. 

The  progress  of  agricultural  science,  and  of  the  mechanic  arts ; the 
advancement  of  commerce,  both  at  home  and  abroad,  and  the  increasing 
success  of  the  fisheries,  united  with  the  determination  of  the  people  of 
New  England  to  connect  the  trade  of  the  western  oceans  with  their 
Atlantic  borders,  by  roads  of  iron,  which  frosts  cannot  impede,  are  so 
great  and  strong,  that  the  most  devoted  geographical  and  statistical  writers 
must  be  satisfied  with  following  at  a distance,  rather  than  keeping  pace 
with  the  rapid  car  of  improvement  in  New  England. 

A1 


PREFACE. 


In  the  performance  of  our  work  we  have  derived  assistance  from  many 
valuable  maps  and  books  on  New  England.  Among  the  number  a re- 
spectful tribute  is  due,  particularly,  to  Belknap’s  History  of  New 
Hampshire;  Williamson’s  Maine;  Dwight’s  Letters;  Savage’s 
Winthrop;  Thatcher’s  Plymouth;  Folsom’s  Saco  and  Biddeford ; 
Benton  and  Barret’s  Statistics: — Hale’s  Map  of  New  England; 
Stevens’  Rhode  Island;  Carrigain’s  New  Hampshire  ; and  Green- 
leaf’s  Maine: — to  Worcester’s  Gazetteer;  Thompson’s  Vermont; 
Pease  and  Niles’  Rhode  Island  and  Connecticut;  Spofford’s  Mas- 
sachusetts, and  Farmer  and  Moore’s  Gazetteer  of  New  Hampshire. 

From  the  latter  work,  and  from  its  authors,  the  lamented  John  Far- 
mer, Esq.,  a celebrated  antiquarian  and  writer,  and  Jacob  B.  Moore, 
Esq.,  of  Concord,  N.  H.,  author  of  several  valuable  historical  and  mis- 
cellaneous works,  we  are  indebted  for  much  of  that  which  is  valuable 
in  regard  to  New  Hampshire. 

From  a beautiful  volume,  entitled  “ Connecticut  Historical  Collec- 
tions,” by  John  Warner  Barber,  Esq.,  we  have  been  permitted  to 
enrich  our  pages  with  some  of  their  most  valuable  and  interesting  ar- 
ticles. 

To  Heads  of  Departments  at  Washington,  and  to  the  Secretaries  of  the 
several  States  to  which  the  work  refers,  for  valuable  public  documents ; 
to  Postmasters  ; and  to  numerous  other  friends  who  have  kindly  assisted 
us  in  our  labors ; whose  names  we  should  feel  proud  to  mention,  were  it 
in  accordance  with  their  wishes ; we  tender  the  acknowledgments  of  a 
grateful  heart. 

For  the  purpose  of  enlarging  our  work,  as  well  as  for  its  correction, 
our  editions  will  be  designedly  small : contributions  are  therefore  respect- 
fully solicited. 

While  it  is  our  determination  to  devote  our  time  and  humble  talents  to 
render  our  publications  worthy  of  general  approbation ; we  are  gratified 
with  the  assurance  of  co-operation  from  eminent  men  in  all  parts  of  the 
country ; and  we  trust  with  confidence  to  receive  that  patronage,  which 
Yankees,  both  at  home  and  abroad,  invariably  bestow  on  every  effort 
whose  obvious  design  is  usefulness. 

Boston,  May , 1839. 


THE 


NORTHERN  REGISTER. 


It  was  our  intention  to  have  connected  this  publication  with  the  Gaz* 
etteer  ; but  it  was  found  that  by  compressing  the  matter,  sufficiently  to 
unite  them  in  one  volume,  both  would  fail  of  the  object  contemplated. 

A great  mass  of  materials  for  the  Register  is  already  received  ; indeed, 
a considerable  portion  is  now  ready  for  the  press;  but  as  we  have  extend- 
ed our  plan,  some  months  will  elapse  before  its  appearance. 

The  work  will  comprise  the  rise  and  progress  of  all  the  important  lit- 
erary, religious,  moral  and  charitable  institutions  in  New  England  : — 
an  account  of  the  Churches  and  Ministers  in  the  several  towns,  from 
their  origin,  and  settlement  to  the  present  time  : — the  rise  and  extent  of 
internal  improvements  : — statistics  of  various  kinds  : lists  of  Courts,  At- 
torneys at  law,  Physicians,  Literary  and  Religious  Journals,  Newspa- 
pers, Banks,  Postmasters,  &c.  &c.  : to  which  will  be  added  brief  notices 
of  distinguished  men.  In  short,Jhe  Register  is  designed  to  comprise 
all  that  may  be  considered  important  and  useful, in  a work  of  this  kind,  in 
relation  to  New  England,  and  which  is  not  contained  in  the  Gazetteer. 

The  number  of  eminent  men,  of  every  profession,  who  have  kindly 
tendered  the  Editor  their  co-operation,  is  so  great,  that  we  feel  confident 
that  the  Register  will  be  entitled  to  a share  of  public  favor. 


U3  All  letters  and  papers  for  the  Editor , are  requested  to  he  left  at 
the  Boston  Post  Office. 


. > '*•.  r ». 


’ : * V' 


* 


y 


. > - 


. 


! 

m 

' } 


■ • . 

.*  * 

* < 


. 

- 

4> 


* - I / 


* 


> 


“»  • 


V 


Mk  y 

!«’  J 


NEW  ENGLAND. 


In-  presenting  the  public  with  a Gazetteer  of  New  England,  it  has  seemed 
proper  to  make  a few  introductory  remarks  of  a general  nature,  on  the 
character  of  its  inhabitants.  They  may  with  great  propriety  be  called 
a peculiar  people : and  perhaps  New  England  and  Pennsylvania  are  the 
only  parts  of  the  new  world,  which  have  been  colonized  by  a class  of 
men,  who  can  be  regarded  in  that  light.  The  whole  of  Spanish  and  Por- 
tuguese America  was  organized,  under  the  direct  patronage  of  the  mother 
countries,  into  various  colonial  governments,  as  nearly  resembling  those  at 
home  as  the  nature  of  the  case  admitted.  The  adventurers  who  sought 
their  fortunes  beyond  the  sea,  in  those  golden  tropical  regions,  carried  the 
vices  and  the  virtues  with  the  laws  and  the  manners  of  their  native  land, 
along  with  them,  and  underwent  no  farther  change  than  was  unavoidably 
incident  to  the  new  physical  and  political  condition  in  which  they  were 
placed  in  America.  The  same  remark,  with  nearly  the  same  force,  may 
be  made  of  the  Virginia  colonists  : they  differed  from  Englishmen  at 
home  in  no  other  way,  than  a remote  and  feeble  colony  must  of  necessity 
differ  from  a powerful  metropolitan  state.  Pennsylvania  was  settled  by 
a peculiar  race ; but  its  peculiarity  was  of  that  character  which  eventu- 
ally exhausts  itself;  and  would  speedily  perish  but  for  an  amalgamation, 
necessary  though  uncongenial,  with  the  laws,  the  manners,  and  institu- 
tions of  the  world.  If  all  mankind  were  Friends  they  might  subsist  and 
prosper.  A colony  of  Friends,  thrown  upon  a savage  shore  and  environed 
by  hostile  influences  from  foreign  colonial  establishments,  would  perish, 
if  not  upheld  by  forces  and  principles  different  from  its  own.  In  the  set- 
tlers of  New  England  alone  we  find  a peculiar  people; — but  at  the  same 
time  a people  whose  peculiarity  was  founded  on  safe  practical  principles; 
reconcileable  with  the  duties  of  life  ; capable  of  improvement  in  the  pro- 
gress of  civilization,  and  of  expanding  into  a powerful  state,  as  well  as  of 
animating  a poor  and  persecuted  colony. 


NEW  ENGLAND. 


Had  not  America  been  discovered  and  a tract  upon  our  continent  reserv- 
ed for  English  colonization ; — nay,  further,  had  it  not  been  precisely 
such  an  uninviting  spot  as  furnished  no  temptation  to  men  of  prosperous 
fortunes,  the  world  would  have  lost  that  noble  developement  of  character 
which  the  fathers  of  New  England  exhibit.  A tropical  climate  would 
have  made  it  uninhabitable  to  Puritans ; or  rather  would  have  filled  it  up 
with  adventurers  of  a different  class.  A gold  mine  would  have  been  a curse 
to  the  latest  generation.  Had  the  fields  produced  cotton  and  sugar,  they 
would  not  have  produced  the  men  whom  we  venerate  as  the  founders  of 
the  liberties  of  New  England. 

Puritanism  sprang  up  in  England,  but  there  it  could  not  develope  itself 
with  vigor  or  consist  with  happiness.  The  conflict  with  the  hostile  in- 
stitutions of  society  was  too  sharp,  and  admitted  of  the  cultivation  of  none 
but  the  militant  or  patient  elements  of  character.  To  struggle  with 
temporary  success  and  to  bow  in  permanent  subjection  was  the  necessary 
fate  of  the  persecuted  sect.  So  it  was  wisely  ordained.  Had  Puritan- 
ism permanently  mastered  the  church  and  the  throne  in  England,  it 
would  have  been  corrupted.  It  would  have  picked  up  and  worn  the 
trampled  diadem : it  would  have  installed  itself  in  the  subjected  church. 
Regarding  Cromwell  and  the  Rump  Parliament  as  the  gift  of  Puritanism 
to  English  liberty,  it  is  a bequest  at  which  we  know  not  whether 
most  to  sigh  or  smile.  The  seed  sown  in  England  fell  by  the  way  side 
and  the  fowls  came  and  devoured  it  up.  The  cause  of  political  and  social 
reform,  which  was  conducted  with  self-denying  wisdom  and  moderation 
in  the  outset,  by  single-hearted,  honest  men,  degenerated  as  it  prospered. 
In  the  moment  of  its  triumph  it  sunk  under  the  corruptions  of  selfish- 
ness, as  a noble  vessel  which  has  braved  the  tempest  in  mid-ocean  some- 
times goes  to  pieces  on  the  rocks  as  it  approaches  land. 

But  the  precious  seeds  of  liberty,  civil  and  religious,  which  were  sown 
in  New  England,  fell  upon  a genial  soil,  and  brought  forth  worthy  and 
abiding  fruit.  Undertaking  the  same  work  which  was  undertaken  by 
their  brethren  in  England,  our  fathers  conducted  it  through  the  days  of 
small  things,  through  hardships,  trial,  and  disasters,  to  a triumphant  issue. 
It  is  true  there  were  greater  obstacles  to  be  encountered  in  England,  in 
the  resistance  of  established  institutions.  Deep  rooted  errors  were  to  be 
torn  up  ; the  towers  of  feudal  oppression,  which  had  stood  for  centuries, 
were  to  be  overthrown.  But  the  influence  of  these  formidable  institutions 
was  not  limited  to  Old  England.  The  rod  of  arbitrary  power  reached 
across  the  Atlantic.  The  little  colonies  had  to  struggle  with  the  crown 
and  the  hierarchy,  with  the  privy  council  and  with  special  commissions, 
with  writs  and  acts  of  parliament ; and  they  had  besides  to  struggle  with  the 


NEW  ENGLAND. 


hardships  of  the  wilderness,  the  dangers  of  the  savage  foe,  of  a sterner 
climate  than  that  of  their  native  land,  the  privations  of  a settler’s  life, 
the  alternating  neglect  and  oppression  of  the  mother  country; — but  they 
struggled  successfully  with  all.  The  reformers  of  abuses  in  England,  as 
they  claimed  to  be  called,  brought  a king  to  the  block,  scattered  a house 
of  lords,  and  saw  their  great  military  leader  clothed  with  all  the  powers 
of  state;  and  in  twelve  years  the  son  of  that  king  returned  to  the  throne, 
not  merely  by  an  unconditional  restoration,  but  amidst  a jubilee  of  na- 
tional rejoicing  and  without  one  security  for  liberty.  All  the  while  the 
fathers  of  New  England  held  on  their  even  way;  not  betrayed  into 
extravagance  when  their  cause  at  home  (as  they  fondly  called  Old  Eng- 
land) was  triumphant;  nor  in  despair  at  the  miserable  relapse  which  en- 
sued. They  did  not  indeed  live  to  reap  the  fruit  of  their  principles  and 
their  sacrifices ; and  it  reflects  but  the  greater  honor  upon  them  that  they 
persevered  in  their  great  work  from  a sense  of  duty,  deep-seated,  con- 
trolling, fearless,  and  not  the  less  so  although,  while  they  lived,  unre- 
warded by  worldly  success. 

In  fact  the  founders  of  New  England  were  actuated  by  the  only  prin- 
ciple sufficient  to  produce  this  result.  It  need  not  be  said  that  this  was 
religious  principle.  How  easily  it  is  uttered  of  our  Pilgrim  fathers  that 
they  were  actuated  by  religious  principle  ; howr  little  in  these  prosper- 
ous days  do  we  realize  all  that  is  wrapped  up  in  that  description  of  their 
character!  It  is  difficult  to  comprehend  of  others  what  we  have  not 
experienced  in  ourselves.  That  easy  frame  of  mind  which  prevails  among 
a highly  favored  people,  in  periods  of  halcyofl  prosperity,  is  scarcely 
capable  of  being  placed  in  sympathy  with  the  moral  heroism,  the  spir- 
itual courage,  the  sublime  equanimity  of  a generation  truly  animated 
by  the  religious  principle,  exalted  by  persecution,  and  purified  by  hard- 
ship. Happy  if  in  such  a period  we  can,  by  diligent  contemplation  of  the 
venerated  men  of  other  days,  exalt  our  imaginations,  till  by  conceiving 
we  form  a desire  to  imitate  their  virtues  ! In  proportion  as  we  do  this, 
we  shall  realize  the  secret  of  their  perseverance  and  success.  They  did  all 
things  through  Christ  strengthening  them.  What  cannot  man  do  when 
he  has  learned  habitually  and  distinctly  to  regard  this  life  as  a preparatory 
scene, — a brief  hour, — nay  a fleeting  moment,  introductory  to  an  eternal 
being?  The  fathers  of  New  England  were  enabled,  with  their  scanty 
means  and  feeble  powers,  to  establish  the  foundation  of  institutions  which 
will  last  to  the  end  of  time,  for  the  very  reason  that  they  regarded  all  hu- 
man interests  and  delights  as  transitory.  That  paradox  in  our  moral  na- 
tures which  educes  strength  out  of  weakness,  triumph  out  of  self-denial, 
worldly  power  and  success  out  of  a stern  preference  of  things  not  of 


NEW  ENGLAND. 


this  world,  received  its  most  illustrious  confirmation  in  the  career  of  the 
pilgrim  fathers  of  New  England. 

This  principle  of  our  natures  is  the  key  to  the  great  problem  of  the 
success  which  attended  the  forlorn  hope  of  humanity  that  landed  on 
these  shores.  There  is  indeed  a fanaticism,  which  violates  all  the  laws 
of  our  nature,  alike  the  higher  ulterior  principles  which  belong  to  an 
immortal  spirit,  and  the  humbler  influences  which  grow  from  the  rela- 
tions of  ordinary  life.  It  leads  to  surprising  deeds ; it  forms  characters 
which  dazzle  us  with  brilliant  eccentricities.  It  is  near  allied  to  mad- 
ness; often  runs  into  it.  But  the  religiousness  of  the  fathers  of  New 
England  was  a far  different  principle.  It  was  eminently  practical.  It 
allied  itself  with  wise  institutions  of  government ; it  sought  the  guidance 
of  education ; it  encouraged  the  various  pursuits  of  industry ; it  provided 
for  the  public  safety  and  defence ; and  with  chaste  discrimination  admit- 
ted the  courtesies  of  polished  life.  It  is  difficult  to  say  what  sort  of  a 
commonwealth  George  Fox  would  have  founded,  had  circumstances  call- 
ed him  to  assume  the  province  of  the  legislator.  It  is  most  certain,  that 
in  setting  up  an  immediate  divine  inspiration  as  the  guide  of  every  man, 
he  maintained  a principle  at  war  with  the  very  idea  of  a politcal  system 
and  all  its  institutions  ; nor  is  it  less  certain  that  the  constitution  which 
was  actually  granted  to  Pennsylvania,  by  its  pure  and  noble-spirited  pro- 
prietor, possessed  little  of  the  peculiarities  of  his  sect  but  their  mild, 
peaceful,  and  equitable  temper.  But  the  fathers  of  New  England  stop- 
ped short  of  the  point  where  solemn  conviction  passes  into  enthusiasm. 
They  pursued  the  ordinary  occupations  of  life,  planted  the  field,  built 
vessels  and  navigated  the  sea,  and  carried  on  the  usual  mechanic  arts. 
They  made  provision  for  protection  against  the  Indians  and  the  French. 
They  organized  a plan  of  civil  government;  they  established  by  law  a 
system  of  common  school  education,  for  the  first  time  in  the  history  of  the 
world,  and  they  founded  a college  for  the  avowed  purpose  of  training  up 
a class  of  educated  men,  well  qualified  to  take  the  place  of  the  learned 
and  pious  ministers  who  had  emigrated  with  the  first  generation  of  pil- 
grims. These  are  the  doings  of  intelligent  and  practical  men,  not  of  en- 
thusiasts or  fanatics ; and  yet  they  are  the  doings  of  men  so  resolutely 
bent  upon  the  exercise  of  the  right  of  worshipping  God  according  to  the 
dictates  of  their  consciences,  that  they  were  willing  to  sacrifice  to  it 
home,  fortune,  and  all  that  the  mass  of  men  hold  dear. 

To  say  that  the  fathers  of  New  England  were  not  faultless,  is  merely 
to  say  that  they  were  men ; to  say  that  they  established  no  instiftitions, 
the  object  of  which  was  to  bind  the  consciences  of  their  successors  is 
praise  as  just  as  it  is  high.  If  they  adhered  with  undue  tenacity  to  their 


NEW  ENGLAND. 


own  opinions,  and  failed  in  charity  towards  those  who  differed,  they  at 
least  left  their  posterity  free,  without  the  attempt  to  secure  before  hand 
the  control  of  minds  in  other  ages  by  transmitted  symbols  and  tests.  Hu- 
manity mourns  over  the  rigors  practised  towards  Roger  Williams,  the 
Quakers,  and  the  unhappy  persons  suspected  of  witchcraft ; but  let  it 
not  be  forgotten  that,  as  late  as  1749,  a witch  was  executed  at  Wurzburg, 
and  that  even  in  1780  two  women  were  thrown  into  the  water  in  Leices- 
tershire, in  England,  to  ascertain  by  their  sinking  or  swimming  whether 
they  were  witches.  Above  all,  it  may  deserve  thoughtful  enquiry,  before 
we  condemn  the  founders  of  New  England,  whether  a class  of  men  less 
stern  in  their  principles  and  austere  in  their  tempers,  could  have  accom- 
plished, under  all  the  discouragements  that  surrounded  them,  against  all 
the  obstacles  which  stood  in  their  way,  the  great  work  to  which  Provi- 
dence called  them, — the  foundation  of  a family  of  republics,  confederated 
under  a constitution  of  free  representative  government.  There  is  every 
reason  to  believe,  great  and  precious  as  are  the  results  of  their  principles, 
hitherto  manifested  to  the  world,  that  the  quickening  power  of  those 
principles  will  be 'more  and  more  displayed,  with  every  leaf  that  is  turned 
in  the  book  of  Providence. 

That  part  of  the  United  States  denominated  New  England,  compri- 
ses SIX  STATES,  SIXTY  ONE  COUNTIES,  and  TWELVE  HUNDRED  AND 

eighty  towns.  Their  extent,  divisions,  and  population  at  several 
periods,  are  as  follows  : 


States. 

Square  miles 

2 

o 

5 

09 

No.  Towns. 

Pop. 1790. 

Pop.  1800. 

Lop  1810. 

Pop.  1820. 

Pop.  1830. 

^3 

O 

V 

OD 

z# 

Pop.  to  sq. 
mile. 

Me. 

. | 
32,000 

12 

341. 

95.540 

151,719 

228,705 

298,335 

399,437 

476,034 

15 

N.  H. 

9 280 

8 

224 

141,885 

133,858 

214,460 

244,161 

269, 32£ 

288,746 

31 

Vt. 

10,212 

14 

237 

85,539 

154,465 

217, S95 

235,764 

280,657 

318,084 

31 

Mass. 

7,500 

14 

306 

3:8,787 

422,845 

472.  C40 

523,287 

610,408 

701,331 

94 

R.  I. 

1,350 

5 

31 

63,825 

69,122 

75,931 

83,059 

97,199 

108,769 

80 

Ct. 

4,674 

9 

136 

237,946 

251,002 

251,942 

27.^20. 

297,675 

304,755 

f5 

65,026  |6l 

1,280 

1,009.522 

1,233,011 

1,471.973 

1 .559,90s 

1,954.704 

2.197,733 

34 

The  population  of  Maine  and  Massachusetts,  in  1837,  is  given  as  by 
a census  taken  in  that  year.  The  population  of  New  Hampshire,  Ver- 
mont, Rhode  Island  and  Connecticut,  for  1837,  is  estimated  according  to 
the  ratio  of  increase,  from  1820  to  1830. 

1 


NEW  ENGLAND. 


In  1830,  there  were  in  New  England  1,112  persons  deaf  and  dumb  > 
798  blind,  and  18,668  aliens.  The  number  of  colored  persons  in  1S20, 
was  20,782—1830,  21,310. 

New  England  increased  in  population,  from  1790,  to  1800,  22.1  per 
cent:  from  1800,  to  1810,  19.3  per  cent:  from  1810,  to  1S20,  12*7  per 
cent:  from  1820,  to  1830,  17.7  per  cent;  and  from  1830,  to  1337,  12.4 
cent.  When  it  is  considered,  that  most  of  the  western  states  were  origi- 
nally peopled  by  New  Englanders,  and  that  vast  numbers  annually  emi- 
grate to  those  states,  this  increase  of  population  is  favorable,  compared 
with  other  Atlantic  stated.  The  population  of  New  England  in  1700, 
is  stated  at  120,000  ; in  1755,  at  345,000;  and  in  1775,  at  714,000. 

Boundaries  and  extent.  This  territory  is  bounded  north  and 
northwest  by  Lower  Canada,  about  375  miles,  and  east  by  the  Province  of 
New  Brunswick,  275  miles.  Its  whole  eastern,  southeastern  and  southern 
borders  are  washed  by  the  Atlantic  ocean  and  the  waters  of  Long  Island 
Sound,  a distance  of  about  600  miles.  It  is  bounded  west  by  the  state 
of  New  York,  280  miles.  Its  circumference  is  about  1,530  miles. 

New  England  is  situated  between  41°,  and  48°  12'  north  iaM'ude,  and 
65°  55',  and  74°  10'  west  longitude  from  Greenwich.  Its  greatest 
length  is  between  the  sources  of  the  Madawaska,  Me.,  and  Greenwich, 
Ct.,  about  575  miles  ; and  its  greatest  breadth  is  between  Machias,  Me., 
and  Highgate,  Vt.,  300  miles.  Its  narrowest  part  is  between  Boston 
and  West  Stockbridge,  Mass.,  135  miles. 

Name.  During  the  unsuccessful  attempts  of  Sir  Walter  Raleigh  to 
plant  colonies  within  the  territory  of  North  America,  from  1584  to  1587, 
the  whole  country  was  called  Virginia,  in  honor  of  Queen  Elizabeth,  who 
was  then  on  the  British  throne.  In  1606,  James  I.  divided  the  country 
into  two  sections,  North  and  South  Virginia ; but  the  French  having 
taken  possession  of  the  Canadas,  and  founded  Quebec,  in  1608,  and  the 
Dutch  having  established  colonies  at  New  York  and  Albany,  in  1613. 
the  intermediate  territory,  now  the  New  England  States,  was  called 
New  England,  in  compliment  to  its  luxuriance  and  beauty,  and  in  honor 
to  his  native  land,  by  the  celebrated  John  Smith,  one  of  the  first  settlers 
of  Virginia,  in  1607  ; and  who  visited  this  coast  in  1614. 

The  New  England  people  are  frequently  called  Yankees  We  are 
warranted  in  stating,  from  the  best  authority,  that  of  the  late  learned 
Heckewelder,  that  the  Lena  Lenape,  a tribe  of  Indians  belonging  to 
the  Six  Nations,  on  the  arrival  of  our  fore  fathers  to  these  shores,  pro- 
nounced the  word  English,  Yengees.  The  word  was  thus  originally 
spelt,  but  in  the  course  of  years,  in  common  with  thousands  of  other 
Indian  names  and  phrases,  it  became  corrupted  to  Yankee.  The  first 


NEW  ENGLAND. 


settlers  of  New  England  were  English,  or  Englishmen,  from  Old  Eng- 
land ; and  however  the  term  Yankee,  or  English,  may  be  applied  to 
New  Englanders — the  descendants  of  the  Puritans  consider  the  term 
honorable  to  themselves,  and  reproachful  only  to  those  who  misap- 
ply it. 

Surface,  Soil  and  Productions.  New  England  is  distinguish- 
ed for  its  varied  surface.  Mountains  in  immense  ranges,  bold  spurs, 
and  solitary  eminences  ; beautiful  swells,  extended  valleys,  and  alluvial 
intervales  meet  the  eye  in  every  direction.  Large  rivers,  unrivalled  for 
their  rapid  courses  and  hydraulic  power;  brooks,  rivulets,  expansive 
lakes,  countless  ponds  ; and  a sea  coast  of  more  than  six  hundred  miles, 
decorated  with  delightful*  bays,  harbors,  and  romantic  islands,  form  and 
beautify  the  outline  of  a picture  of  New  England. 

The  soil  of  New  England  is  as  varied  as  its  surface  Loam,  clay,  and 
sand  exist  in  all  their  varieties  and  mixtures.  The  soil  most  gener- 
ally diffused  through  this  country,  is  a light  brown  loam,  mixed  with 
gravel;  fitted,  in  different  degrees  of  moisture  and  dryness,  for  every 
production  common  to  the  climate;  and  capable,  with  proper  culture, 
of  the  highest  fertility. 

The  agricultural  productions  of  this  country  are  exceedingly  numer- 
ous and  valuable.  The  staple  articles,  and  such  as  are  cultivated  in  all 
their  varieties,  are  grass,  Indian  corn,  wheat,  rye,  barley,  oats,  beans, 
peas,  flax,  hemp,  broom  corn,  millet,  potatoes,  onions,  beets,  carrots, 
turnips,  squashes,  melons,  &c. 

The  fruits  of  New  England,  both  wild  and  cultivated,  are  also  nu- 
merous and  abundant.  Apples,  pears,  peaches,  plums,  cherries,  quin- 
ces, grapes,  in  all  their  varieties ; walnuts,  chesnuts,  Madeira  nuts, 
butternuts  ; strawberries,  whortleberries,  blackberries,  mulberries,  rasp- 
berries, &c.  This  is  but  the  commencement  of  a list  of  the  fruits,  plen- 
tiful in  New  England,  and  remarkable  for  their  richness  and  flavor. 

The  forests  of  New  England  exhibit  a noble  variety  of  trees,  not  only 
delightful  to  the  eye,  but  valuable  for  all  the  uses  of  man.  The  number 
of  these  is  so  great  that  a catalogue  of  them  would  cover  pages. — 
Among  the  most  valuable  are  the  varieties  of  the  pine,  cedar,  oak,  wal- 
nut, spruce,  maple,  beech,  birch,  ash  ; the  hemlock,  hacmatack,  elm, 
fir,  &c. 

The  botanical  resources  of  New  England  are  not  inferior  to  any  other 
section  of  our  country.  Among  the  most  beautiful  native  flowering 
shrubs  are  the  laurel,  rose,  honeysuckle,  and  woodbine. 

Mineralogy.  New  England  unquestionably  possesses  a vast  and 


NEW  ENGLAND. 


rich  variety  of  minerals  ; but  until  recently  hs  people  have  been  too  busy 
in  ploughing  the  ocean,  or  digging  on  its  surface,  to  search  for  treasures 
within  the  bosom  of  it3  hills  and  valleys.  A spirit  of  exploration  how- 
ever, has  arisen,  which  promises  the  most  favorable  results.  Learned 
and  indefatigable  men  are  in  the  field,  and  the  wisdom  of  our  legislatures 
will  keep  them  there. 

Granite  or  sienite,  in  all  its  varieties,  are  common  in  all  the  states : 
marble  of  various  hues,  varying  in  quality,  most  of  which,  bearing  a fine 
polish,  is  abundant;  coal  is  found  in  various  places,  amd  strongly  sus- 
pected to  exist  in  others.  Peat  is  abundant  on  Cape  Cod,  where  there 
is  no  wood  ; and  it  is  found  in  meadows  surrounded  by  forests.  Copper 
exists  in  various  parts  of  New  England;  and  iron  ore,  of  a pure  quality, 
is  abundant  in  various  sections  of  the  country.  Gold  and  silver  are  said 
to  exist,  but  we  hope  not.  Fine  clay,  sandstone,  manganese  ; slatestone, 
for  roofing  buildings  ; and  various  other  articles  for  necessary  use  are 
abundant.  Garnets,  cobalt,  rock  crystals,  and  other  minerals  have 
been  discovered  in  various  parts  of  New  England,  and  which  are  men- 
tioned under  their  localities  within  the  volume. 

Climate.  The  climate  of  New  England  is  exceedingly  various: 
the  temperature  ranges  from  15°  below  the  zero  of  Fahrenheit  to  95° 
above.  The  mercury  has  been  known  to  descend  from  20°  to  30°  below, 
and  to  102°  above  ; but  such  cases  rarely  occur. 

European  philosophers  have  imagined  that  the  coldness  of  this  part  of 
America  was  caused  by  our  northwest  winds,  proceeding,  as  they  have 
thought,  from  the  great  lakes,  which  are  situated  in  the  interior  of  North 
America : but  since  it  has  been  discovered  that  the  great  lakes  lie  west- 
ward of  the  true  N.  W.  point,  that  opinion  has  been  exploded. 

A second  cause  to  which  the  coldness  of  these  winds  has  been  attribu- 
ted, is  a chain  of  high  mountains  running  from  southwest  to  northeast , 
in  Canada  and  New  Britain,  at  a great  distance  beyond  the  St.  Lawrence. 
A third  opinion  is  that  of  the  venerated  Dr.  Holyoke,  of  Salem,  who 
supposed  that  the  numerous  evergreens  in  this  country  are  the  source 
of  the  peculiar  cold  which  it  experiences.  A fourth  opinion  is,  that  the 
coldness  of  these  winds  proceeds  from  the  forested  state  of  the  country. 
Dr.  Dwight  entertained  an  opinion  different  from  all  those  we  have  men- 
tioned, viz : that  the  winds  which  generate  the  peculiar  cold  of  this 
country  descend,  in  most  cases,  from  the  superior  regions  of  the  atmos- 
phere. The  N.  W.  wind  rarely  brings  snow,  but  when  it  does,  the  de- 
gree of  cold  is  increased.  The  deepest  snows  fall  with  a N.  E.  wind,  and 
storms  from  that  quarter  are  most  violent  and  of  longest  duration.  On 
the  mountains,  the  snow  falls  earlier  and  remains  later  than  in  the  low 


NEW  ENGLAND. 


grounds.  On  those  elevated  sun  mits,  the  winds  have  greater  force  in 
driving  the  snow  into  the  long  and  deep  gullies  of  the  mountains,  where 
it  is  so  consolidated,  as  not  to  be  dissolved  by  the  vernal  sun.  Spots  of 
snow  are  seen  on  the  south  sides  of  mountains  as  late  as  May,  and  on 
the  highest  till  July.  A southeast  storm  is  often  as  violent,  but  com 
monly  shorter,  than  one  from  the  northeast.  If  it  begin  with  snow, 
it  soon  changes  to  rain.  A brisk  wind  from  the  W.  or  S.  W.  with  snow 
or  rain,  sometimes  happens,  but  its  duration  is  very  short.  Squalls  of 
this  kind  are  common  in  March. 

One  of  the  greatest  inconveniences  suffered  by  the  inhabitants  of  our 
country,  is  derived  from  the  frequent  changes  in  the  state  of  the  atmos- 
phere. The  temperature  has  been  known  to  change  44°  in  twenty  four 
hours.  Changes  are  frequent,  though  seldom  in  the  same  degree. 
Changes  from  wet  to  dry,  and  from  dry  to  wet,  are  at  times  unpleasant, 
and  probably  unhealthy.  There  is  no  month  in  the  year  which  is  not 
sometimes  very  pleasant,  and  sometimes  disagreeable.  In  a series  of 
years,  our  most  pleasant  months  are  June,  September  and  October. 
Often  the  first  two,  and  not  unfrequently  the  first  three  weeks  in  Sep- 
tember are,  however,  very  warm.  From  the  20th  of  September  to  the 
20th  of  October,  the  weather  is  delightful.  The  temperature  is  mild, 
the  air  is  sweet,  and  the  sky  singularly  bright  and  beautiful.  This  is 
the  period  denominated  the  Indian  Summer.  Some  persons  think  June 
to  be  a more  pleasant  month  than  either  September  or  October.  In  June, 
there  are  usually  a few  days  of  intense  heat.  In  all  other  respects, 
except  the  brilliancy  and  beauty  of  the  heavens,  this  month  must  be 
confessed  to  have  the  superiority  over  all  others.  The  progress  of  vege- 
tation is  wonderful ; and  it  seems  as  if  the  creative  hand  was,  in  a 
literal  sense,  renewing  its  original  plastic  efforts,  to  adorn  the  world  with 
richness  and  splendor.  All  things  are  alive  and  gay.  “ The  little  hills 
rejoice  on  every  side.  The  pastures  are  clothed  with  flocks.  The 
valleys  are  also  covered  with  corn,  and  shout  for  joy.”  Health  at  the 
same  time  prevails  in  a peculiar  degree.  The  Spring  is  often  chilled  by 
easterly  winds  and  rendered  uncomfortable  by  rains.  The  Winter  months, 
when  the  earth  is  clad  with  its  mantle  of  snow,  is  the  season  for  relaxa- 
tion and  pleasure. 

The  number  of  fair  days  in  a yea*  compared  with  the  cloudy,  is  as 
three  to  one.  We  have  had  but  few  meteorological  journals  kept.  For 
several  years  past  they  have  become  more  frequent,  and  it  is  hoped,  that 
from  the  increasing  attention  to  the  subject,  comparative  results  of  the 
weather  will  become  more  numerous  and  exact. 

Navigatiox  and  Commerce.  The  people  of  New  England, 
from  the  first  settlement  of  the  country  to  the  present  time,  have  been 

1* 


NEW  ENGLAND. 


celebrated  for  their  fine  ships,  nautical  prowess,  and  commercial  spirit. 
Their  extended  Atlantic  sea  coast,  and  their  noble  forests  of  ship  timber, 
give  them  as  great,  if  not  greater  facilities  for  these  enterprises,  than 
can  be  found  in  this  or  any  other  country. 

The  number  of  vessels  built  in  the  United  States  in  1833,  was  1,188; 
tonnage,  161,626  tons;  of  which  there  were  built  in  New  England  590: 
tonnage,  95,146.  The  number  of  seamen  employed  in  navigation  in 
the  United  States,  was  67,744,  of  which  37;i42  belonged  to  New 
England. 

In  consequence  of  the  absence  of  both  natural  and  artificial  channels 
to  the  fertile  countries  on  the  borders  of  the  great  lakes,  and  west  of  the 
Alleghany  mountains,  the  exports  and  imports  of  New  England,  compar- 
ed with  the  whole  of  the  United  States,  appears  small;  but  it  must  be 
borne  in  mind  that  a large  proportion  of  the  ships  and  seamen  employed 
in  this  commerce  belong  to  New  England,  and  that  a vast  amount  of  the 
exports  from  other  states  consist  of  the  products  of  the  manufacturing 
industry  and  fishery  of  that  section  of  the  country. 

The  value  of  the  imports  of  New  England,  during  the  year  ending 
30  September,  1837,  was  $22,052,414.  Exports,  $11,878,324.  The 
total  value  of  the  imports  of  the  United  States,  in  that  period,  was 
$140,989,217;  of  exports,  $117,419,376. 

During  that  period  the  American  tonnage  of  New  England,  entered, 
compared  with  that  of  the  United  States,  was  as  follows : New  England, 
1,944  vessels,  393,877  tons:  United  States,  6,024  vessels,  1,299,720  tons. 
During  that  time  there  were  949  vessels  built  in  the  United  States; 
tonnage,  122,987  tons  ; of  which  389  were  built  in  New  England,  meas- 
uring 51,983  tons. 

Fishery.  This  important  branch  of  industry,  and  one  of  the  great- 
est sources  of  wealth  to  the  American  people,  has,  from  time  immemo- 
rial, been  almost  exclusively  cairied  on  by  New  England  vessels,  men, 
and  capital. 

In  1837,  there  were  508  vessels  in  the  United  States  engaged  in  the 
whale  fishery ; the  total  tonnage  was  127,239  tons ; of  which  number 
459  belonged  to  the  New  England  states  ; measuring  115,194  tons.  The 
same  year  there  were  127,678  tons  employed  in  the  cod  and  mackerel 
fishery  ; 126,963  tons  of  which  were  owned  in  New  England. 

Manufactures.  From  the  first  settlement  of  the  country,  to  the 
general  peace  in  Europe  in  1815,  New  England  was  emphatically  a com- 
mercial country.  During  the  long  wars  in  Europe,  when  the  flag  of 
the  U.‘  S.  was  the  only  passport  among  the  belligerent  nations,  New 
England  ships  became  the  carriers  of  almost  the  whole  of  the  eastern 


NEW  ENGLAND. 


continent.  The  change  from  war  to  peace,  in  Europe,  shook  New  Eng- 
land to  its  centre.  It  however  stood  firm.  During  a pause,  in  which 
conflicting  interests  in  regard  to  the  tariff  on  imports  were  settled,  the 
resources  of  the  country  were  examined, arid  it  was  found  that  a large  por- 
tion of  the  capital  which  had  been  accustomed  to  float  on  every  gale ; and 
subjected  to  the  caprice  of  every  nation,  might  profitably  be  employed  at 
home, in  supplying  our  own  necessities,  and  placing  our  independence  on 
a more  sure  foundation.  A manufacturing  spirit  arose  in  New  England, 
whose  power  can  only  be  excelled  by  the  magnitude  and  grandeur  of  in- 
numerable streams  on  which  it  is  seen  to  move. 

Our  statistics  on  this  highly  important  subject  are  exceedingly  imper- 
fect : those  only  of  Massachusetts  are  attempted  to  be  given.  When  we 
find  that  every  state  in  New  England  are  making  rapid  advances  in  this 
branch  of  our  national  wealth,  particularly  Rhode  Island  and  Connecti- 
cut ; and  that  the  amount  of  manufactures  in  Massachusetts,  in  a single 
year,  was  $86,  282,  616,  we  may  safely  indulge  the  pleasing  hope  that 
the  period  is  not  distant  when  our  exports  will  exceed  our  imports,  and 
that  our  work  shops  will  no  longer  remain  in  Europe. 


r 

« 


K Vi 


>■  • . * ? 

. 

. 


: • ' • ' v 

. H»  * * 

* • . \ ' . ■:  . • 


• * 

« . : ; • > . 4 


.*>  . ( 


P:  • ‘ ,.n  J f 

f 

% 


. ..  . 

■>:  • ** 

V. 


tf 

• 

. , 


4 


ITEMS. 


There  are  several  items  in  this  volume  which  do  not  strictly  pertain 
to  the  general  character  of  the  work.  Some  of  them  are  here  noted. 

Routes  to  the  White  Mountains,  - See  White  Mountains. 

Distances  on  Long  Island  Sound  and  Hudson  river,  Long  I.  Sound. 
Saratoga  and  Ballston  Springs,  - - White  Mountains. 

Lake  George,  N.  Y.,  - “ 

Whitehall,  N.  Y.,  - “ 

The  North  Eastern  Boundary  Question  briefly  stated,  Maine. 

Confidence  in  God,  - Sharon,  Ct. 

Troy,  N.  Y.,  - - - Long  Island  Sound. 

New  Lebanon  Springs,  N.  Y.,  - - Hancock , Mass. 

Firmness  of  n)ind,  - Stamford , Ct. 

Catskill  Mountains,  N.  Y.,  - - Long  Island  Sound. 

A venerable  minister,  - - - Hartford,  Ct. 

Curious  Courtship,  - - - Lyme,  Ct. 

BayofFundy,  ....  Fundy,  Bay 

St.  John’s,  N.  B.,  ....  « 

A Congregation  made  Prisoners,  - - Darien,  Ct 

Brave  Women,  Dustan’s  Island,  Gorham,  Me.,  and  Dorchester,  Mass 
A good  shot,  ....  Dalton,  JV.  H 

Goffe  and  Whalley,  - Hadley,  Mass.,  and  Woodbndge,  Ct 

Peddling,  - - Alexanders'  Lake,  and  Berlin,  Ct. 

The  “ Old  Black  Bull,”  ...  Colchestei’,  Ct. 

Prices  of  sundry  articles  in  1750^  - - * Gorham,  Me. 

Faithful  Missionaries,  - Roxhury,  Mass.,  and  Haddam,  Ct. 

Burning  of  Fairfield,  ...  Fairfield,  Ct. 

Mount  Auburn  Cemeterj-,  - - Cambridge , Mass. 

Fairlee  and  Whiting,  Ft. 

Cornwall,  Ct. 

!-  Duxbury,  Mass. 

Epping,  AT.  II. 
Belchertown,'  Mass. 

• - - Ledyard,  Ct. 

Liberty  and  A'orridgewock,  Me. 
Litchfield,  Ct.,  and  Manchester,  AT.  H. 

Pomfret,  Ct. 


Transplanting  fish, 

Obookiah,  ... 

Large  Apple  Tree, 

Thermometrical  observations, 

Fortunate  Stageman, 

Tribute  to  female  character, 

Large  Pines, 

Generals  Allen  and  Stark, 

General  Putnam  and  the  Wolf, 

Tornadoes,  Warner  and  A'ew  London,  AT.  H.,  and  Winchendon,  Mass. 


ITEMS. 


c^< 


Meteoric  Stones, 

Story  of  the  Frogs, 

Smart  Old  Men, 

A modest  office  seeker. 

Land  Title  settled  by  combat, 

The  “ Devils  Den,”  a good  ice  house, 

Large  Trout,  - - 

Floating  Islands,  - Atkinson , N.  H.,  and 
Singular  motive  for  marriage, 

“Lovewell’s  Fight,” 

Curious  Epitaphs, 

Poised  Rock, 

A Turtle  well  marked, 

Mohegan  Village, 

A relic  of  olden  times. 

The  New  Hampshire  Giant, 

Purgatory  Cavern,” 

Ice  Beds, 

**  Satan’s  Kingdom,” 

Names  of  Towns, 

A “ South  Shore”  White  nak, 

Tak,  a slave,  the  captor  of  a British  General, 
Horrible  butchery  of  a family, 

Penobscot  Indians,  ... 

“ The  Pool,” 

First  mail  stage  in  the  United  States, 

Indian  Mound,  - 

George  III.  and  John  Adams, 

The  Hermitess,  ... 

Tough  words  for  stammerers, 

Mineral  Springs, 

Avalanches,  .... 

Autumnal  Foliage,  - 
A worthy  maiden  Lady, 

A Connecticut  river  law  suit. 

The  Drum  Rock,  .... 

An  atrocious  murder, 

A New  England  Clergyman  of  1686, 

Ancient  Epitaphs,  Plymouth, , Mass. 

A runaway  pond,  .... 


See  Weston,  Ct. 
Windham,  Ct. 
and  Shutesbury,  Mass. 
Stratford , N.  H. 
Lyme,  Ct. 
Sterling,  Ct. 
Strong,  Me. 
Whitingham,  Vt. 
Wethersfield , Ct. 
Fryeburgh,  Me. 
Dorchester,  Mass. 
Farmington,  A1'.  H. 
Middlebo rough,  Mass. 

Montville,  Ct. 
Ashford,  Ct. 
New  Market,  N.  H. 
Sutton,  Mass. 
Wallingford,  Vt 
New  Hartford,  Ct. 
North  Bridgewater,  Mass. 

Plympton,  Mass. 

Tiverton,  R.  I. 
Wethersfield,  Ct. 
Orono,  Me. 
Oxford,  Ct 
Shrewsbury,  Mass 
Ossipee,  N.  H 
Quincy,  Mass. 
Ridgefield,  Ct. 
Roxbury,  and  Webster,  Mass. 
Stafford,  Ct.,  and  Hopkinton,  Mass. 

White  Mountains. 

_ CC 

Taunton,  Mass. 
Wethersfield,  Ct. 
Warwick,  R.  I. 
Washington,  Ct. 
Wenham,  Mass. 
and  Windsor,  Ct. 
Glover,  Vt. 


Lake  scenery. 


Winnepisiogee  Lake% 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Abbot,  Me. 

Piscataquis  co.  This  town  lies 
76  miles  N.  by  E.  from  Augusta, 
130  N.  by  E.  from  Portland,  and 
about  40  N.  N.  E.  from  Norridge- 
wock.  It  is  bounded  N.  by  Mon- 
son,  E.  by  Guilford  and  S.  by  Park- 
man.  The  Piscataquis  river  passes 
nearly  through  its  centre.  It  was  | 
incorporated  in  1827.  Population, 
1837,  649. 

Abington,  Mass. 

Plymouth  co.  This  town  is  on 
the  high  land  between  Massachu- 
setts and  Narraganset  bays.  Three 
rivers  rise  here,  two  of  which  emp- 
ty into  the  Taunton,  the  other  into 
the  North.  It  lies  19  miles  S.  S.  E. 
from  Boston,  22  N.  W.  from  Plym- 
outh, 18  N N.  E.  from  Taurtton, 
and  8 S.  of  Weymouth  landing. 
This  town  is  noted  for  its  manufac- 
tures of  boots,  shoes,  and  tacks.  TBte 
total  value  of  its  manufactures,  in 
one  year,  was  $847,294,  of  which 
the  amount  of  $82,000  was  for  tacks, 
and  $746,794  tor  boots  and  shoes. 
There  were  847  males  and  470  fe- . 
males  employed  in  the  manufacture 
of  the  latter.  Population,  1837,  I 
3,057.  This  town  was  incorporated 
in  1712.  Its  Indian  name  was  Man- 
amooskeagin. 

Ac  oaks  et  River, 

Rises  on  the  border  of  the  town 
of  Fall  River,  and  meets  an  arm  of 
Buzzard’s  bay,  at  Westport,  12  miles 
S.  W.  of  New  Bedford,  Mass. 


Acton,  Me. 

An  interior  town,  in  the  county 
of  York,  recently  taljen  from  Shajv 
leigh.  It  lies  near  the  head  waters 
of  Salmon  river,  by  which  it  is  di- 
vided, on  the  W.,  from  New-Hamp- 
shire.  It  is  107  miles  S.  W.  from 
Augusta,  and  15  W.  from  Alfred. 

| Population,  1837,  1409. 

Acton,  Vt. 

Windham  co.  This  town  was 
first  settled  in  1781,  and  in  1782- 
it  was  incorporated.  It  has  some 
fine  brooks,  but  no  important  mill 
streams.  It  lies  about  15  miles  N. 
of  Newfane,  and  about  90  S.  of 
Montpelier.  Population  1830,  176. 

Acton,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  This  is  a pleas- 
ant farming  town  of  good  soil.  The 
Assahet  river  passes  through  it.  It 
j is  5 miles  N.  W.  by  W.  of  Concord, 
and  21  N.  W.  of  Boston.  Incorpo- 
rated 1735.  Population  1837, 1071. 

Acworth,  N.  II. 

Sullivan  co.  This  town  is  chiefly 
agricultural  in  its  pursuits.  The 
soil  is  generally  good.  Cold  river, 
which  rises  from  Cold  pond  in  this 
town,  affords  some  good  mill  seats. 
This  town  was  formerly  noted  for 
the  culture  of  flax,  which  was  man- 
ufactured by  some  of  the  inhabitant* 
into  the  finest  linen,  equal  to  any 
imported  from  Ireland.  The  town 
was  settled  in  1768,  and  incorporat- 
ed in  1771.  Population  1830,  1401. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


It  lies  13  miles  S.  of  Newport,  and 
44  W.  of  Concord. 

Adams,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  This  is  a flourish- 
ing agricultural  and  manufacturing 
township,  comprising  two  villages, 
north  and  south,  whose  trade  goes 
to  New  York.  It  is  40  miles  E.  of 
Troy,  N.  Y.,  120  W.  N.  W.  of  Bos- 
ton, 29  N.  of  Lenox,  and  7 miles^S. 
E.  of  Williamstown  college.  The 
Hoosack  river  passes  through  this 
town,  and  affords  a great  water 
power.  There  are  in  this  town  19 
cotton  mills,  4 satinet  factories,  and 
2 calico  printing  establishments. 
There  are  also  in  this  town  large 
machine  shops,  4 taneries,  3 air  and 
cupola  furnaces,  and  manufactories 
of  shovels,  spades,  hoes,  forks, 
chairs  and  cabinet  ware.  The  total 
value  of  the  manufactures  of  this 
place  in  the  year  ending  April  1, 
1837,  amounted  to  $1,045,417. 

Between  the  years  1746  and  1756, 
this  town  was  the  scene  of  much 
Indian  warfare.  Traces  of  old 
Fort  Massachusetts  are  still  found. 
Saddle  Mountain,  the  summit  of 
which  is  called  Gray  lock, the  high- 
est of  Massachusetts  mountains,  lies 
chiefly  in  this  town,  and,  although 
it  is  3,600  feet  above  the  level  of 
the  sea,  is  of  easy  ascent.  A view 
from  Gray  lock  probably  gives  “ an 
idea  of  vastness  and  even  of  im- 
mensity” better  than  any  other 
landscape  in  New  England,  Mt. 
Washington,  in  N.  H.  excepted. 
The  natural  bridge  on  Hudson’s 
Brook,  in  this  town,  is  a curiosity 
worthy  the  notice  of  travellers. 
The  waters  of  this  brook  have  worn 
a fissure  from  30  to  60  feet  deep  and 
80  rods  in  length,  through  a body 
of  white  marble,  or  limestone,  and 
formed  a bridge  of  that  material,  50 
feet  above  the  surface  of  the  water. 
There  is  a cavern  in  this  town,  30 
feet  long,  20  high,  and  20  wide. 
Incorporated  1778.  Population  1820 
1,836—1830,  2,648—1834,  3,000— 
and  in  1837,  4,191 


Addison,  Me. 

Washington  co.  This  town  was 
incorporated  in  1797.  Population, 
1837,  901.  It  lies  14  miles  W.  by 
S.  from  Machias,  and  135  E.by  N. 
from  Augusta.  Addison  lies  be- 
tween Pleasant  and  Indian  rivers, 
and  near  the  south  entrance  into 
Mispecky  reach.  Addison  Point , 
or  Cape  Split,  jutting  out  int<^the 
sea,  off  which  are  several  small 
islands,  is  the  principal  harbor  and 
place  of  trade. 

Addison  County,  Vt., 

Middlebury  is  the  chief  town. 
This  county  is  bounded  on  the  N. 
by  Chittenden  county;  E.  by  Wash- 
ington and  Orange  counties,  and  a 
part  of  Windsor  county;  S.  by 
Rutland  county,  and  W.  by  Lake 
Champlain.  It  \fras  incorporated  in 
1787,  and  contains  about  700  square 
miles.  Large  quantities  of  white 
and  beautifully  variegated  marble, 
which  receives  a fine  polish,  is 
found  in  this  county,  and  large 
quantities  of  it  are  quarried  and 
transported  to  various  markets. — 
This  county  is,  admirably  well  wat- 
ered by  Otter  Creek,  which  rises 
near  its  southern  boundary,  and  ex- 
tends nearly  through  its  centre  ; — 
by  Mad  and  White  rivers ; and  by 
Lake  Champlain,  which  affords  it 
many  navigable  privileges.  The 
soil  is  good,  particularly  in  those 
towns  below  the  mountains,  and 
bordering  the  lake  and  rivers.  This 
countv  contains  22  towns.  Popu- 
lation* 1820,  20,469—1830,  24,940. 
Inhabitants  to  a square  mile,  35. 

Addison,  Vt. 

Addison  co.  This  is  supposed  to 
be,  the  first  place  settled  by  the 
whites,  in  this  state,  west  of  the 
mountains.  The  town  is  pleasantly 
located  on  the  east  side  of  lake 
Champlain,  and  nearly  opposite  to 
Crown  Point,  in  the  state  of  New- 
York.  At  this  place  the  lake  is 
about  3 miles  broad.  The  French, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


it  is  said,  commenced  a settlement 
herein  1731;  the  same  year  that 
they  erected  a fort  at  Crown  Point. 
The  English  came  here  about  1770. 
Otter  Creek  passes  into  the  town, 
but  affords  no  important  mill  sites. 
The  surface  of  the  town  is  low  and 
level.  Mill  and  Pike  rivers,  are 
small  streams,  which  fall  into  the 
lake  opposite  to  Crown  Point.  This 
town  lies  about  12  miles  W.  N.  W. 
from  Middlebury,  and  40  W.  S.  W. 
from  Montpelier.  Population  1S30, 
1,306. 

Agamenticus  Motmtain, 

So  called,  being  three  elevations 
of  land  in  York,  Me.,  about  4 miles 
from  the  sea,  and  a noted  land  mark 
for  those  on  the  coast  to  the  north- 
ward and  eastward  of  Portsmouth 
harbor.  The  highest  summit  is  673 
feet  above  the  ocean.  It  is  said 
that  Saint  Aspinquid  died  on  this 
mountain,  in  1682,  and  that  his 
funeral  was  celebrated  by  the  In- 
dians, by  the  sacrifice  of  6711  wild 
animals. 

Agawam,  Mass. 

The  Indian  name  of  a river  in 
Wareham,  and  of  a part  of  Westfield 
river ; and  the  name  of  a village  on 
Westfield  river,  2 miles  S.  W.  from 
Springfield. 

Albany,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  This  town  was  incor- 
porated in  1803.  It  lies  about  17 
miles  W.  by  N.  from  Paris,  and  58 
W.  from  Augusta.  It  is  the  source 
of  Crooked  river,  which  empties  in- 
to Sebago  Lake.  Population,  1837, 
598. 

Albany,  P«.  H., 

Strafford  co.,  lies  60  miles  N.  by 
E.  from  Concord,  and  67  N.  N.  W. 
from  Dover.  The  principal  river 
in  Albany,  is  Swift  river,  which 
passes  from  W.  to  E.  into  the  Saco, 
at  Conway.  There  are  several 
small  streams  in  different  parts  of 
the  town,  furnishing  convenient 
2 


mill  privileges.  These  streams 
were  once  the  residence  of  num- 
bers of  the  beaver,  otter,  &c. — 
There  are  several  lofty  hills  and 
mountains  in  this  town,  the  highest 
of  which  is  called  Chocorua,  and  is 
visible  from  a great  extent  of  coun- 
try. It  received  its  name  from 
Chocorua,  an  Indian,  who  was  kil- 
led on  the  summit  by  a party  ol 
hunters  in  time  of  peace,  before 
the  settlement  of  the  place.  The 
predominant  rock  of  these  hills  is 
granite — a soft,  decomposing  varie- 
ty, in  which  the  crystals  and  grains 
of  feldspar  are  very  large.  The  foil 
is  fertile,  being  a sandy  loam,  mix- 
ed occasionally  with  coarse  gravel. 
There  are  some  fertile  intervale 
lands  on  the  borders  of  Swift  river. 
This  town  has  been  considerably 
retarded  by  a peculiar  disease  which 
afflicts  neat  cattle.  Young  cattle 
cannot  be  reared,  nor  can  cows  or 
oxen  be  kept  here  for  a series  of 
years,  without  being  attacked  by  a 
singular  and  fatal  distemper.  It 
commences  with  a loss  of  appetite 
— the  animals  refuse  hay,  grain  and 
salt — become  emaciated  ; an  obstin- 
ate costiveness  attends,  but  the  ab- 
domen becomes  smaller  than  in 
health,  and  is  diminished  to  one  third 
its  original  bulk.  After  these  symp- 
toms have  continued  for  an  indefi- 
nite period,  a brisk  scouring  comes 
on,  and  the  animals  fall  away  and 
die.  Though  superstition  may  have 
found  a reason  in  the  dying  curse 
of  the  murdered  Chocorua,  philoso- 
phy has  not  yet  ascertained  a satis- 
factory cause  for  the  disease.  It  is 
probably  owing  to  the  properties 
contained  in  the  waters.  This  town 
was  granted  Nov.  6,  1766,  to  Clem- 
ent March,  Joseph  Senter  and  oth- 
ers, and  until  the  2d  July,  1833,  it 
bore  the  name  of  Burton.  Popula- 
tion in  1830,  325. 

Albany,  Vt. 

Orleans  co.  This  town  was  grant- 
ed in  the  year  1781,  by  the  name 
of  Lutterloh  ; in  1815  it  was  chang- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ed  to  its  present  name.  It  is  water 
ed  by  a number  of  ponds,  and  by 
Black  river  and  its  branches.  Al- 
bany lies  34  miles  N.  from  Mont- 
pelier, and  9 S.  of  Irasburgh.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  683. 

Albion,  Me. 

Kennebec  co.  This  fine  farming 
town  lies  on  the  stage  road  from 
Augusta  to  Bangor;  24  miles  N. 
E.  from  the  former,  and  44  S.  W. 
from  the  latter.  Population,  1837, 
1609.  This  town  produced  10,728 
bushels  of  wheat,  in  1837. 

Alburgb,  Vt. 

Grand  Isle  co.  Settlements  com- 
menced here  by  emigrants  from 
Canada,  in  1782.  This  town  lies  at 
the  N.  W.  corner  of  the  state  and 
of  New  England  ; 10  miles  N.  from 
North  Hero,  and  79  miles  N.  W. 
from  Montpelier.  It  is  bounded  by 
the  waters  of  Lake  Champlain,  ex- 
cept on  the  north,  where  it  meets 
the  Canada  line,  in  north  latitude 
45°.  The  soil  is  good  and  finely 
timbered.  It  has  a mineral  spring, 
of  some  repute  in  scrofulous  cases. 
Population,  1830,  1,239. 

Alexander,  Me. 

Washington  co.  About  25  miles 
N.  by  W.  from  Machias,  and  S.  of 
Baileyville,  and  Baring,  which  bor- 
der on  the  river  St.  Croix.  In  this 
town  are  some  ponds,  which,  with 
the  large  pond  in  Baring  and  Alex- 
ander, produce  a large  stream  which 
empties  in+o  Cobscook  bay.  Popu- 
lation, 1837,  457. 

Alexandei’’s  Lake. 

This  beautiful  sheet  of  water,  of 
about  a mile  in  length  and  half  a 
mile  in  breadth,  lies  in  the  town  of 
Killingly,  Ct.,  and  was  formerly 
known  to  the  Indians  by  the  name 
of  Mashapaug.  Its  present  name 
is  derived  from  Nell  Alexander,  a 
man  who  settled  at  Killingly  in 
1720,  and  became  proprietor  of  a 
large  portion  of  the  town.  As  this 


person  gained  his  wealth  in  a man- 
ner which  illustrates  the  antiquity 
of  the  propensity  of  the  inhabitants 
of  this  state  to  the  once  honored, 
yet  now  despised  employment  of 
peddling,  we  will  give  the  reader 
a short  notice  of  his  history.  He 
came  from  Scotland,  with  a great 
number  of  other  emigrants,  in  a 
ship  which  was  to  land  them  at 
Boston.  Just  before  leaving  the 
ship  he  discovered  a gold  ring  up- 
on deck,  for  which  he  could  find  no 
owner.  Thus  fortunately  provided, 
after  his  arrival  he  pawned  the  gold 
ring  for  small  articles  of  trade, 
which  he  peddled  in  Boston  and 
Roxbury.  He  was  very  prosper- 
ous, and  finally  became  able  to  i*e- 
deem  the  author  of  his  success,  and 
pursue  his  business  without  embar- 
rassment. After  a few  years  of 
constant  activity,  he  acquired  suffi- 
cient property  to  purchase  a planta- 
tion of  3,500  acres  in  Killingly. 
The  gold  ring  was  transmitted  as  a 
sort  of  talisman,  to  his  only  son 
JYell,  who  transferred  it  to  his  only 
son  JYell ; who  is  now  living  at  an 
advanced  age,  and  has  already  pla- 
ced it  in  the  hands  of  his  grandson 
JYell ; and  so  it  will  doubtless  con- 
tinue from  J\,'ell  to  JYell,  agreeably 
to  the  request  of  the  first  JYell, 
until  the  “ last  knell  of  the  race  is 
tolled!” 

A singular  tradition  has  been 
handed  down  to  us  by  the  abori- 
gines concerning  the  origin  of  this 
lake. 

In  ancient  times,  when  the  red 
men  of  this  quarter  had  long  enjoy- 
ed prosperity,  that  is,  when  they 
had  found  plenty  of  game  in  the 
wroods,and  fish  in  the  ponds  and  riv- 
ers,they  at  length  fixed  a time  for 
a general  powwow,  a sort  of  festival 
for  eating,  drinking,  smoking,  sing- 
ing and  dancing.  The  spot  chosen 
for  this  purpose  was  a sandy  hill,  or 
mountain,  covered  with  tall  pines, 
occupying  the  situation  where  the 
lake  now  lies.  The  powwow  lasted 
four  day9  in  succession,  and  was  to 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


continue  longer  had  not  the  Great 
Spirit,  enraged  at  the  licentiousness 
which  prevailed  there,  resolved  to 
punish  them.  Accordingly,  while' 
the  red  people  in  immense  numbers 
were  capering  about  upon  the  sum- 
mit of  the  mountain,  it  suddenly 
“ gave  way”  beneath  them,  and 
sunk  to  a great  depth,  when  the 
water  from  below  rushed  up  and 
covered  them  all  except  one  good 
old  squaw,  who  occupied  one  of 
the  peaks,  which  now  bears  the 
name  of  Loon’s  Island. 

Mr.  Barber  in  his  admirable  work 
entitled  “ Connecticut  Historical 
Collections ,”  from  which  this  ac- 
count is  taken,  observes,  “ whether 
the  tradition  is  entitled  to  credit  or 
not,  we  will  do  it  justice  by  affirm- 
ing that  in  a clear  day,  when  there 
is  no  wind  and  the  surface  of  the 
lake  is  smooth,  the  huge  trunks  and 
leafless  branches  of  gigantic  pines 
may  be  occasionally  seen  in  the 
deepest  part  of  the  water,  some  of 
them  reaching  almost  to  the  surface, 
in  such  huge  and  fantastic  forms  as 
to  cause  the  beholder  to  startle !” 

Alexandria,  IV.  II. 

Grafton  co.  A small  part  of  N e w- 
found  lake  lies  in  this  town.  Al- 
exandria is  30  miles  N.  W.  from 
Concord,  and  40  S.  £.  from  Haver- 
hill. Population,  1830, 1,033.  In- 
corporated, 1782.  On  Fowler’s  and 
Smith’s  rivers  and  several  other 
smaller  streams  are  about  2000  acrfcs 
of  intervale  land,  which  produce 
flax,  potatoes  and  grass  in  abund- 
ance. Other  parts  of  the  town  are 
favorable  for  wheat  and  maize. — 
This  town  was  first  settled  by  Jon- 
athan, John  M.  and  William  Cor- 
liss, in  1769. 

Alfred,  Me. 

One  of  the  shire  towns  of  York 
county.  It  lies  24  miles  N.  from 
York,  35  S.  from  Portland  and  86 
S.  W.  from  Augusta.  Incorpora- 
ted, 1808.  Population,  1837, 1,360. 
This  is  a good  farming  town  and  is 


well  watered  by  the  higher  sources 
of  Mousum  river,  which  meets  the 
sea  at  Kennebunk.  In  this  town 
is  a society  of  those  neat  and  indus- 
trious horticulturists  and  artizans, 
denominated  “ Shakers.” 

Alford,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  On  the  line  of  the 
state  of  New  York,  and  watered 
by  branches  of  Green  river.  Some 
manufactories  of  leather  and  shoes. 
125  miles  W.  from  Boston,  14  S.  by 
W.  from  Lenox,  and  24  E.  of  Hud- 
son, N.  Y.  Population,  1837,  441. 
Incorporated,  1773. 

Allenstown,  N.  H. 

Merrimack  co.  On  the  Suncook 
river,  11  miles  S.  E.  from  Concord, 
and  38  W.  from  Portsmouth.  The 
land  generally  is  of  an  ordinary 
quality,  though  there  are  some  fine 
farms.  The  town  is  principally 
covered  with  a growth  of  oak  and 
pine  timber ; and  great  quantities  of 
lumber  are  annually  taken  down 
the  river.  Allenstown  is  well  wa- 
tered, though  no  large  stream  pass- 
es through  it.  Great  Bear  brook 
furnishes  the  principal  mill  seats. 
Catamount  hill  is  the  highest  land 
in  town.  At  the  E.  end  of  this  hill 
is  a precipice  of  70  feet  nearly  per- 
pendicular, at  the  foot  of  which  is  a 
cavern  of  some  extent,  inclining  up- 
wards. The  first  settlers  were  Rob’t 
Buntin  and  others.  In  1748,  while 
at  work  on  the  western  bank  of  the 
Merrimack  river, opposite  the  mouth 
of  the  Suncook,  in  company  with 
James  Carr,  Mr.  Buntin  and  his  son, 
ten  years  of  age,  were  surprised  by 
a party  of  Indians.  Carr  attempted 
to  escape,  and  was  shot  down.  Bun- 
tin and  his  son,  making  no  resist- 
ance, were  not  harmed;  but  taken 
through  the  wilderness  to  Canada, 
and  sold  to  a French  trader  at  Mont- 
real ; with  whom  they  remained 
about  eleven  months,  escaped,  and 
fortunately  reached  home  in  safety. 
Andrew,  the  son,  continued  on  his 
father’s  farm  until  the  commence- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


mcnt  of  the  revolution,  when,  en- 
tering the  service  of  his  country, 
he  died  in  her  defence  at  White 
Plains,  Oct.  28, 1776.  Incorporated 
July  2, 1831.  Population,  1830, 421. 

Aina,  Me. 

This  town  is  situated  in  the  coun- 
ty of  Lincoln,  10  miles  N.  from 
V.'iscasset,  54  N.  E.  from  Portland, 
and  20  S.  S.  E.  from  Augusta.  In- 
corporated 1794.  Population,  1837, 
1,138.  This  is  a pleasant  town  and 
well  watered  by  Sheepscot  river. 

Alstead,  N.  II., 

Cheshire  co.,  is  12  miles  S.  E. 
from  Charlestown, 14  N.from  Keene 
and  50  W.  by  S.  from  Concord. 
This  town  is  well  watered  by  small 
streams.  Cold  river  passes  through 
the  N.  W.  part;  and  some  of  the 
branches  of  Ashuelot  river  have 
their  sources  in  this  town.  There 
are  a number  of  ponds,  the  princi- 
pal of  which  is  Warren’s  pond;— 
length,  250  rods,  breadth,  150. 
Perch  and  pickerel  are  here  caught 
in  great  abundance.  The  soil  is 
strong  and  productive,  and  the  farms 
generally  well  cultivated.  Manu- 
factures flourish  in  this  town,  and 
great  attention  is  paid  to  education. 
Alstead  was  originally  called  New- 
ton, and  was  granted  by  charter, 
August  G,  1763,  to  Samuel  Chase 
and  68  others.  General  Amos  Shep- 
ard, who  was  for  many  years  a 
member  of  the  General  Court  of 
this  state,  and  President  of  the  Sen- 
ate from  1797  to  1804,  resided  in 
this  town,  and  was  one  of  its  prin- 
cipal inhabitants  from  1777  to  the 
time  of  his  death,  Jan.  1, 1812.  By 
his  persevering  industry,  his  econ- 
omy and  correctness  in  business, 
and  at  the  same  time,  by  a rigid  ad- 
herence to  uprightness  and  integri- 
ty in  his  dealings  with  his  fellow 
men,  he  acquired  a handsome  for- 
tune, and  was  in  many  things,  a 
pattern  worthy  of  imitation.  Pop- 
ulation in  1830,  1,552.  This  town 
has  6000  sheep. 


Alton,  N.  M. 

Strafford  co.  This  town  lies  22 
miles  N.  E.  from  Concord,  and  25 
N.  W.  from  Dover,  and  is  bounded 
N.  by  Winnepisiogee  lake  and  bay. 
The  town  is  rough  and  uneven  ; the 
soil  hard  and  rocky,  but  productive 
when  well  cultivated.  The  growth 
of  wood  is  chiefly  oak,  beech,  maple 
and  pine.  The  principal  elevations 
are  Mount-Major  and  Prospect  Hill 
Merrymeeting  bay  extends  S.  about 
1S00  rods  into  this  town,  where  it 
receives  the  waters  of  Merrymeet- 
ing river.  Half-moon  pond,  be- 
tween Alton  and  Barnstead,  is  300 
rods  long  and  150  wide.  This  town 
was  originally  called  JYew  Dur- 
ham Gore,  and  wras  settled  in  1770, 
by  Jacob  Chamberlain  and  others. 
It  was  incorporated  Jan.  15,  1796. 
Population  in  1830,  1,993.  This 
town  has  2000  sheep. 

Amestmi’y,  Mass. 

This  town  is  situated  on  the  N 
side  of  Merrimack  river,  in  the 
county  of  Essex,  40  miles  N.  E. 
from  Boston,  6 N.  W.  from  New* 
buryport,  and  7 N.  E.  from  Haver- 
hill. Population,  1837,  2,567.  It 
was  taken  from  Salisbury  in  1668, 
and  is  separated  from  it  by  Powow 
river,  a navigable  stream  for  vessels 
of  300  tons.  A pond,  covering 
about  1000  acres,  back  of  the  town, 
90  feet  above  the  sea,  serves  as  a 
reservoir  for  a constant  and  exten- 
sive water  power.  The  manufac- 
ture of  flannel  and  satinet  is  very 
extensively  pursued.  The  amount 
of  those  articles  manufactured  in 
the  year  ending  April  1,  1837,  was 
$425,000.  Many  vessels  are  built 
here  of  superior  timber,  and  the 
manufacture  of  boots,  shoes,  leath- 
er, chairs,  phaetons,  gigs,  and  car- 
ryalls is  very  considerable.  The 
total  amount  of  the  various  manu- 
factures of  this  place  is  about  $500,- 
000  annually.  About  half  the  pop- 
ulation of  the  town  is  engaged  in 
mechanical  labor.  Josiah  Bartlett, 
M.  D.  one  of  the  signers  of  the 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


declaration  of  independence  was 
born  here,  in  1729.  He  died  May- 
19,  1795. 

Amherst,  Me. 

Hancoek  co.  This  town  is  boun- 
ded on  the  S.  by  Mariaville.  The 
head  waters  of  Union  river  pass 
through  it.  It  lies  about  25  miles  E. 
of  Bangor.  Population,  1837,  198. 

Amherst,  N.  H. 

An  important  town,  and  the  seat 
of  justice  in  Hillsborough  county, 
is  situated  on  Souhegan  river.  It 
is  2S  miles  S.  from  Concord,  about 
the  same  distance  from  Hopkinton, 
47  N.  W.  from  Boston,  40  E.  from 
Keene,  60  S.  E.  from  Windsor,  Yt. 
and  484  from  Washington.  Souhe- 
gan is  a considerable  and  very  im- 
portant stream,  and  in  its  course 
to  the  Merrimack  river  from  this 
town,  affords  some  of  the  finest  wa- 
ter privileges  in  the  county.  Bab- 
boosuck,  Little  Babboosuck  and  Jo 
English  ponds  are  the  largest  col- 
lections of  water.  In  some  parts, 
and  particularly  on  Souhegan  river, 
the  soil  is  of  an  excellent  quality, 
producing  abundant  crops.  In  oth- 
er parts,  on  the  hills  elevated  above 
the  village,  the  soil  is  of  a good 
quality,  and  several  valuable  farms 
are  found  under  good  cultivation. 
The  village  is  pleasant  and  contains 
many  handsome  buildings.  There 
is  a spacious  common  between  tfie 
two  principal  rows  of  houses,  which 
is  often  used  for  public  purposes. 
There  is  what  is  termed  a mineral 
spring,  about  1 1-2  miles  E.  of  the 
meeting  house.  The  water  has 
been  found  useful  in  rheumatic 
complaints,  and  in  scrofulous  and 
scorbutic  habits ; for  poisons  by  ivy, 
dog-wood,  &.c.  This  town  was 
granted  in  1733,  by  Massachusetts, 
to  those  persons  living  and  the  heirs 
of  those  not  living,  who  were  offi- 
cers and  soldiers  in  the  Narragan- 
set  war  of  1675.  It  was  called  JV'ar- 
raganset  JVo.3,  and  afterwards  Sou- 
hegan- W est.  The  number  of  pro- 
2* 


prietors  was  120,  of  whom  a consid- 
erable number  belonged  to  Salem, 
Mass.  The  town  was  incorporated 
Jan.  18,  1760,  when  it  assumed  the 
name  of  Amherst,  in  compliment  to 
Lord  Jeffrey  Amherst.  Among 
the  worthy  citizens  of  Amherst 
who  deserve  remembrance,  may  be 
mentioned  Hon.  Moses  Nichols,  a 
native  of  Reading,  Mass.,  who  was 
a colonel  under  Gen.  Stark  in  the 
Battle  of  Bennington:  Hon.  Samuel 
Dana,  a native  of  Brighton,  Mass. 
Hon.  William  Gordon,  eminent 
in  the  profession  of  the  law. — 
Hon.  Robert  Means,  who  died  Jan. 
24,  1823,  at  the  age  of  80,  was  for 
a long  period  of  time  a resident  in 
Amherst.  He  was  a native  of  Ire- 
land. In  1764,  he  came  to  this 
country,  where  by  his  industry  and 
application  to  business,  he  acquired 
a large  property,  and  great  respect. 

Amherst  did  its  duty  manfully 
during  the  revolutionary  contest. 
During  the  first  four  years  of  that 
war  about  one  in  seventy  of  its 
people  died  in  the  service.  The 
expenses  of  that  war,  to  this  town, 
“ in  addition  of  any  bounties,  travel 
or  wages  given  or  promised  by  the 
State  or  the  United  States,  was 
found  to  be  in  specie,  £3,511.’* 
Population,  1830,  1,657. 

Amlierst,  Mass. 

Hampshire  co.  The  college  and 
village  in  this  town  are  on  elevated 
ground  and  command  a very  beau- 
tiful prospect  of  the  surrounding 
country.  Amherst  was  taken  from 
Hadley,  and  incorporated  in  1759. 
Population,  1837,  2,602.  It  lies  7 
miles  E.  by  N.  from  Northampton, 
108  S.  from  Dartmouth  college,  anil 
82  miles  W.  from  Boston.  There  are 
good  mill  sites  in  this  town  on  two 
streams,  which  empty  into  the  Con- 
necticut at  Hadley.  Its  manufac- 
tures are  various,  consisting  of 
woollen  cloth,  boots,  shoes,  leather, 
hats,  paper,  chairs,  cabinet  ware, 
tin  ware,  axes,  ploughs,  palm-leaf 
hats,  carriages,  wagons,  (large  and 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


small)  joiners’  planes,  stoves,  steel 
hammers,  pistols,  and  bowie  knives. 
Total  annual  amount  of  manufac- 
tures, about  $200,000.  See  Reg- 
ister. 

Amity,  Me. 

Washington  co.  Township  No. 
10,  first  range  of  townships  from  the 
east  line  of  the  state, — about  100 
miles  N.  E.  from  Bangor.  Incor- 
porated 1836.  Population,  1837, 
130.  This  town  has  fine  soil  for 
wheat. 

Amonoosnck  Rivers,  M.  H. 

Upper  and  Lower.  The  Upper 
Amonoosuck  rises  in  the  v.ngranted 
lands  north  of  the  White  Mountains, 
and  passing  N.  E.  into  Dunimer, 
approaches  to  within  a few  miles  of 
the  Androscoggin ; thence  turn- 
ing abruptly  to  the  S.  W.  it  pursues 
that  direction  and  falls  into  Connec- 
ticut river  near  the  centre  of  North- 
umberland. Its  whole  length  is 
about  50  miles.  The  valley  of  the 
Upper  Amonoosuck  is  7 Or  S miles 
in  breadth,  and  more  than  20  in 
length  : it  is  scooped  out  with  great 
beauty,  the  surface  gently  rising  to 
the  summits  of  the  mountains  on 
the  N.  The  Lower  Amonoosuck 
rises  on  the  W.  side  of  the  White 
Mountains,  and  after  running  a 
course  of  50  miles,  falls  into  the 
Connecticut  just  above  Haverhill, 
by  a mouth  100  yards  wide.  At 
the  distance  of  two  miles  from  its 
mouth,  it  receives  the  Wild  Amo- 
noosuck, a stream  40  yards  wide, 
and,  when  raised  by  freshets,  very 
swift  and  furious  in  its  course. 
The  waters  of  the  Amonoosuck 
are  pure,  and  its  bed  clean;  the 
current  lively,  and  in  some  places 
rapid.  The  valley  of  the  Lower 
Amonoosuck  is  about  half  a mile 
in  width,  and  was  probably  once 
the  bed  of  a lake,  its  S.  W.  limit 
being  the  rise  of  ground  at  its  foot, 
over  wrhich  the  waters  descended 
in  their  course  to  the  Connecticut. 
There  is  a fine  fall  in  this  river  about 


6 1-2  miles  from  the  Notch  of  the 
White  Mountains,  where  the  de- 
scent is  50  feet,  cut  through  a mass 
of  stratified  granite. 

Amoskeag  Falls  &■  Village,  N.  H. 

These  falls  are  in  the  Merrimack 
river;  between  Goffstown  on  the 
W.  and  Manchester  on  the  E.  -The 
whole  fall  of  the  i*iver,  within  the 
distance  of  half  a mile,  is  54  feet, 
producing  a great  hydraulic  pow- 
er. A company,  with  a large  cap- 
ital, have  commenced  forming  ca- 
nals and  erecting  buildings  for  man- 
ufacturing purposes  on  a very  ex- 
tensive scale.  Their  plan  provides 
for  37  mills,  each  containing  6000 
spindles.  Two  canals,  2 factories, 
a number  of  dwelling  houses,  ma- 
chine shops,  &c.  are  now  nearly 
completed.  The  canals  are  each  a 
mile  in  length,  and  will,  when  com- 
pleted, be  equal  to  any  works  of  the 
kind  in  our  country.  The  village 
is  in  Goffstown,  16  miles  below  Con- 
cord and  18  miles  above  Nashua; 
delightfully  situated  on  the  banks 
of  these  majestic  falls.  Amoskeag 
is  already  a place  of  considerable 
business,  and  must  eventually  be- 
come the  mart  of  large  manufac- 
turing operations.  The  vicinity  of 
these  falls  was  much  frequented  by 
the  Indians.  The  Sachem  Wono- 
lanset  resided  here.  The  tribe  un- 
der him  was  sometimes  molested  by 
the  Mohawks,  who  carried  terror 
to  the  hearts  of  all  the  eastern  In- 
dians. In  time  of  war  between 
these  hostile  tribes,  the  Indians  liv- 
ing in  the  neighborhood  of  the  falls, 
concealed  their  provisions  in  the 
large  cavities  of  the  rocks  on  the 
island  in  the  middle  of  the  upper 
part  of  the  fall.  They  entertained 
an  idea  that  their  deity  had  cut  out 
these  cavities  for  that  purpose. 

Andover,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  This  town  was  incor- 
porated in  1804.  Population,  1837, 
551.  It  lies  about  30  miles  N.  W. 
from  Paris,  61  W.  N.  W.  from  Au- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


gusta,  and  70  N.  W.  from  Portland. 
It  is  finely  watered  by  Ellis’  river,  a 
branch  of  the  Androscoggin.  This 
town  is  an  extensive  glebe  of  up- 
land and  intervale  of  excellent 
quality,  surrounded  by  White  Cap, 
Bald  Pate,  Blue  and  Cone  moun- 
tains. The  town  was  first  settled 
by  industrious  and  intelligent  farm- 
ers from  Essex  county,  Mass.,  in 
1790,  and  most  of  its  present  popu- 
lation maintain  the  characteristics 
of  their  fathers. 

Andover,  Jf.  H. 

Merrimack  co.  It  lies  20  miles 
N.  W.  from  Concord,  and  about  18 
E.  by  N.  from  Newport.  Popula- 
tion, 1S30,  1,324.  The  Blackwa- 
ter  in  the  S.  W.  part  of  the  town, 
is  the  principal  stream  ; but  nu- 
merous rills  and  brooks  find  their 
way  down  the  hills  into  the  ponds 
or  Blackwater.  There  are  six 
ponds  in  Andover,  the  largest  of 
which  are  Chance  and  Loon  ponds, 
both  picturesque,  and  their  wa- 
ters pure.  The  surface  of  this 
town  is  extremely  uneven,  and 
in  some  parts  rocky  and  barren. 
The  Ragged  Mountains  pass  along 
the  N.,  and  the  Kearsarge  extends 
its  base  along  the.W.  The  soil  is 
in  many  parts  of  good  quality,  and 
pleasant  villages  arc  formed  in  dif- 
erent  parts  of  the  town.  This  town 
was  granted  in  1746,  and  was  called 
New  Breton,  in  honor  of  the  captors 
of  Cape  Breton  in  1745 ; in  which 
expedition  several  of  the  grantees 
were  engaged.  It  retained  this 
name  until  June  25,  1779,  when  it 
was  incorporated  by  its  present 
name.  The  first  inhabitant  of  Ando- 
ver was  Joseph  Fellows,  who  mov- 
ed into  the  place  in  1761 : he  died 
March  14,  1811,  aged  84.  Among 
the  deceased  citizens  who  are  re- 
membered with  respect  by  the  in- 
habitants, we  may  mention  Dr.  Silas 
Barnard,  the  first  physician  in  town, 
a native  of  Bolton,  Mass.,  who  died 
June  25, 1795  : Dr.  Jacob  B.  Moore, 
a native  of  Georgetown,  Me.,  born 


Sept.,  5,  1772;  settled  in  Andover 
in  1796;  died  Jan.  10,  1818.  He 
-possessed  respectable  poetical  tal- 
ents; was  a writer  on  political  sub- 
jects in  the  public  papers,  and  was 
eminent  in  his  profession.  Jonathan 
Weare,  Esq.,  a civil  magistrate, 
highly  respected  for  his  integrity, 
died  in  1816.  Mr.  Joseph  Noyes 
was  much  honored  for  his  charitable 
disposition.  In  1782  a congrega- 
tional church  was  formed  and  the 
Rev.  Jossiah  Babcock,  of  Milton, 
Mass.,  was  ordained.  Andover, 
though  rough,  is  well  adapted  for 
grazing.  It  feeds  about  4,000  sheep. 

Andover,  Vt. 

Windsor  co.  Emigrants  from  En- 
field, Ct.,  first  made  a permanent 
settlement  in  this  town,  in  1776.  It 
was  organized,  as  a town,  in  1781. 
It  is  a mountainous  township.  Mark- 
hum  and  Terrible  mountains  lie  in 
the  western  part.  The  land  is  une- 
ven, the  soil  is  hard,  and  the  town 
possesses  but  few  water  privileges. 
Population,  1830,  975.  It  lies  20 
miles  S.  W.  from  Windsor  , 87  N. 
E.  from  Bennington,  and  68  S.  from 
Montpelier.  The  number  of  sheep 
in  this  town  is  about  4,500. 

Andover,  Mass. 

Essex  co.  This  town  lies  on  the 
south  side  of  the  Merrimack  river, 
and  is  well  watered  by  the  Shaw- 
sheen  river;  and  by  Great  Pond 
and  Haggett’s  Pond,  covering  an 
area  of  721  acres.  It  is  20  miles 
N.  by.  W.  of  Boston,  15  N.  N.  W. 
of  Salem,  10  E.  of  Lowell,  and  43 
S.  S.  E.  of  Concord,  N.  H.  This 
town  was  first  settled  in  1643.  In- 
corporated, 1646.  Population,  1837, 
4,878.  This  town  has  a valuable 
water  power,  which  is  used  for 
manufacturing  purposes  Kto  a great 
extent.  The  value  of  its  manufac- 
tures, for  the  year  ending  April  1, 
1837,  amounted  to  $624,450.  They 
consisted  of  woollen  goods,  boots, 
shoes,  leather,  flax,  soapstone,  ma- 
chinery, tin  and  cabinet  wares. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


chairs  and  hats.  This  is  a very- 
beautiful  town  of  fine  soil  and  un- 
der excellent  cultivation.  It  is  on 
high  ground  and  commands  a vari- 
ety of  beautiful  landscape.  The 
access  to  Andover  from  Boston  by 
the  railroad,  is  easy  and  very  pleas- 
ant. This  town  has  long  been  cel- 
ebrated for  its  literary  and  theologi- 
cal institutions.  There  is  no  place 
in  New  England  better  situated 
for  seminaries  of  learning.  See 
Register. 

Androscoggin  River, 

Or  JLmeriscoggin.  Its  most  north- 
erly branch  is  the  Margallaway 
river  which  receives  the  waters  of 
Dead  and  Diamond  rivers,and  unites 
with  those  flowing  from  Umbagog 
lake,  about  a mile  distant  from  its 
outlet.  From  this  junction,  the 
confluent  stream  pursues  a souther- 
ly course  till  it  approaches  near  the 
White  Mountains,  where  it  receives 
several  considerable  tributaries,  and 
passes  into  Maine, N.  of  Mount  Mo- 
riah. It  there  bends  to  the  E.  and 
S.  E. ; in  which  course,  through  a 
fertile  country,  it  passes  near  the 
sea-coast,  and  turning  N.  runs  over 
the  falls  at  Brunswick,  not  far 
from  Bowdoin  College,  into  Merry- 
meeting  bay,  forming  a junction 
with  the  Kennebec,  20  miles  from 
the  sea. 

Ann,  Cape,  Mass. 

See  Gloucester , Mass. 

Anson,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  Anson  lies  about 
10  miles  N.  E.  from  Norridgewock, 
112  W.  from  Portland,  and  40  N. 
E.  from  Augusta.  Incorporated, 
1798.  Population,  1837,  1,894.  It 
lies  at  the  junction  of  Seven  Mile 
Brook  with  the  Kennebec,  on  the 
western  side  of  that  river.  Here 
are  fine  farms  and  good  husband- 
men. In  1837,  12,713  bushels  of 
wheat  was  raised. 

Antrim,  N.  H. 

Hillsborough  co.  It  is  20  miles 


N.  W.  from  Amherst,  30  S.  W. 
from  Concord,  and  67  from  Boston. 
The  E.  part  of  Antrim  lies  on  Con- 
toocook  river  j and  though  some- 
what hilly,  is  a tract  of  productive 
land,  a considerable  proportion  of 
which  is  arable.  On  the  river 
there  are  valuable  tracts  of  allu- 
vial land.  The  North  Branch  river, 
so  called,  a small  stream  originat- 
ing from  several  ponds  in  Stoddard, 
furnishes  several  valuable  mill  seats 
and  in  some  parts  of  its  course,  it 
is  bordered  by  tracts  of  intervale. 
The  W.  part  of  the  town  is  moun- 
tainous, but  suitable  for  grass,  and 
affords  an  extensive  range  of  good 
pasturage.  There  are  six  natural 
ponds  well  stored  with  perch  and 
pike.  A curiosity  has  been  dis- 
covered in  the  middle  branch  of 
Contoocook  river,  a rock,  about  10 
feet  long  and  8 feet  wide,  covered 
with  a shallow  coat  of  moss,  afford- 
ing sustenance  to  21  different  kinds 
of  plants  and  shrubs,  three  of  which 
produce  edible  fruit.  Antrim  was 
incorporated  March  22,  1777.  The 
first  settlement  was  made  by  Dea. 
James  Aiken  about  the  year  1768. 
Dea.  Aiken  was  a native  of  Lon- 
donderry. where  he  was  born  in 
1731.  He  died  July  27, 1817.  He 
was  a professor  of  the  Christian  re- 
ligion more  than  60  years,  and 
adorned  it  by  a serious  and  exem- 
plary life.  Population,  1830,  1,309. 
Antrim  has  about  4,400  sheep. 

Appleton,  Me. 

Waldo  co.  This  town  lies  20 
miles  S.  W.  from  Belfast,  84  N.  W. 
from  Poi'tland,  and  35  E.  by  S.  from 
Augusta.  Incorporated,  1829. — 
Population,  1837,  839.  It  is  situa- 
ted between  the  head  waters  of 
the  Muscongus  and  St.  George’s 
rivers.  Considerable  wheat  is  grown 
here. 

Argyle,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  This  is  a new 
town,  but  fertile,  and  flourishing 
in  its  agricultural  pursuits.  It  pro- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


duces  the  best  of  wheat.  It  lies 
89  miles  N.  E.  from  Augusta. — 
Population,  1830,  326  ; in  1837,  601. 

Arlington,  Vt. 

Bennington  co.  This  town  was 
first  settled  in  1763.  The  time  of 
its  organization  is  not  known,  as  one 
Bisco,  a tory,  the  town  clerk  in 
1777,  destroyed  the  records.  It  is 
finely  watered  by  Green  river,  Mill 
and  Warm  brooks,  and  Roaring 
branch  which  fall  into  the  Batten- 
kill,  at  the  north  part  of  the  town. 
These  streams  afford  excellent  mill 
sites,  and  on  their  banks  are  large 
bodies  of  superior  meadow  land. 
West  and  Red  mountains  extend 
through  the  west  part  of  the  town 
and  supply  a great  variety  of  good 
timber.  Excellent  marble  is  found 
here  ; — considerable  quantities  of 
which  are  wrought  and  transported. 
Here  is  a medicinal  spring,  and  a 
cavern  of  large  dimensions.  The 
spring  is  not  of  much  note,  but  the 
cavern  is  a great  curiosity.  This 
is  a flourishing  town  in  both  its  ag- 
ricultural and  manufacturing  pur- 
suits. The  number  of  sheep  in 
this  town  in  1836,  was  10,077.  It 
lies  15  miles  N.  from  Bennington, 
106  S.  W.  from  Montpelier,  and  40 
N.  E.  from  Troy,  N.  Y.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  1,207. 

Aroostook  River. 

This  river  rises  in  the  interior- 
part  of  Penobscot  county,  Me.,  and 
after  traversing  more  than  100  miles, 
and  receiving  many  and  powerful 
tributaries  in  that  state,  it  falls  into 
the  river  St.  Johns  in  New  Bruns- 
wick. The  lands  on  this  river  and 
its  branches  are  very  fertile,  and  are 
said  to  be  equal  to  the  celebrated 
Genesee  lands  for  the  culture  of 
wheat. 

Ascutney  Mountain,  Vt. 

This  mountain  is  situated  in  the 
towns  of  Windsor  and  Weathers- 
field.  It  is  3,116  feet  above  the 
Connecticut  river,  at  Windsor;  and 


3,320  feet  above  the  level  of  the 
sea.  It  consists  of  granite  and  is 
nearly  destitute  of  vegetable  cov- 
ering. From  Windsor,  to  the  base, 
is  4 miles.  Its  ascent  is  generally 
steep,  but  travellers  who  delight 
to  view  rich  and  variegated  scene- 
ry, will  be  amply  rewarded  for  the 
toil  of  a pilgrimage  to  its  summit. 

Ashburnham,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  township 
was  granted  to  Thomas  Tileston  and 
others  of  Dorchester,  for  services 
in  an  expedition  against  Canada,  in 
the  year  1690.  For  many  years  it 
was  called  “ Dorchester  Canada.” 
It  was  incorporated  as  a town  in 
1765.  Ashburnham  lies  on  the 
height  of  land  between  the  Con- 
necticut and  Merrimack  rivers.  It 
is  watered  by  large  ponds  which 
furnish  good  mill  seats.  Its  manu- 
factures consist  of  cotton  goods, 
boots,  shoes,  leather,  chairs,  cabin- 
et ware,  fur  and  palm-leaf  hats ; the 
annual  value  of  which  is  about 
$100,000.  This  town  is  30  miles 
N.  from  Worcester,  50  N.  W.  from 
Boston,  and  35  W.  from  Lowell. 
Population,  1837,  1,758. 

Asliby,  Mass. 

This  is  a pleasant  town,  in  the 
county  of  Middlesex,  on  the  line  of 
N.  H.  It  is  25  miles  N.  W.  from 
Concord,  42  W.  N.  W.  from  Boston 
and  8 S.  E.  from  New  Ipswich,  N. 
FI.  Population,  1837,  1,201.  It  has 
some  manufactures  of  palm-leaf  hats 
boots,  shoes,  chairs,  wooden  ware, 
and  curled  hair. 

Asliiield,  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  This  town  was  first 
settled  in  1754,  and,  until  its  incor- 
poration, in  1764,  it  was  called 
Huntstown.  Population,  1837, — 
1,656.  This  town  is  on  elevated  land 
between  Deerfield  and  Westfield 
rivers,  to  each  of  which  it  sends  a 
small  tributary.  It  has  small  man- 
ufactures of  leather,  scythe  snaiths, 
spirits  and  essences,  and  about 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


SOOO  sheep.  It  is  105  miles  W.  from 
Boston,  12  S.  W.  from  Greenfield, 
and  15  X.  W.  from  Xorthampton. 

AsliToru,  Ct. 

Windham  eo.  This  town  was 
first  settled  in  1710.  Incorporated, 
1714.  It  is  watered  by  several 
small  streams  which  afford  a water 
power  for  one  cotton  and  three 
woollen  factories.  The  surface  of 
the  town  is  rough  and  stony,  but 
excellent  far  The  num- 

ber of  sheep  in  this  town  is  about 
5,000.  It  lies  31  miles  E.  from 
Hartford,  and  14  X.  W.  from  Brook- 
lyn. Population,  1S30,  2,660.  The 
following  is  said  to  have  occurred  in 
this  town,  and  is  told  to  illustrate  the 
manners  and  customs  of  ancient 
times.  “ A concourse  of  people 
were  assembled  on  the  hill  in  front 
of  the  meeting  house,  to  witness 
the  punishment  of  a man  who  had  j 
been  convicted  of  neglecting  to  go  I 
to  meeting  on  the  ; 
riod  of  three  months.  According 
to  the  existing  law  for  such  delin- 
quency, the  culprit  was  to  be  pub- 
licly whipped  at  the  post.  Just  as 
the  whip  was  about  to  be  applied, 
a stranger  on  horseback  appeared, 
rode  up  to  the  crowd  of  spectators, 
and  enquired  for  what  purpose  they 
were  assembled.  Being  informed 
of  the  state  of  the  case,  the  strange 
gentleman  rose  upright  in  his  stir- 
rups, and  with  emphasis  addressed 
the  astonished  multitude  as  follows : 
‘You  men  of  Ashford,  serve  God 
as  if  the  D...1  was  in  you ! Do  you 
think  you  can  ichip  the  grace  of 
God  into  men  ? Christ  will  have 
none  but  volunteers.’  The  people 
stared,  while  the  speaker,  probably 
not  caring  to  be  arraigned  for  con- 
tempt of  court,  put  spurs  to  his 
horse,  and  was  soon  out  of  sight : 
nor  was  he  ever  more  seen  or  heard 
of  by  the  good  people  of  Ashford.” 
Col.  Thomas  Knowlton  was  a na- 
tive of  this  town.  He  was  at  the 
battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  and  fell  at 
Hserlem  Heights,  in  1776.  Wash- 


ington termed  him,  in  a general  or- 
j der  after  his  death,  “the  gallant  and 
brave  Col.  Knowlton,  who  would 
; have  been  an  honor  to  any  coun- 
I try.’’ 

Aslmelot  River,  X.  H., 

Or  Ashwillet,  a river  in  Chesh- 
ire county,  which  has  its  source  in 
a pond  in  Washington.  It  runs  in 
| a southerly  course  through  Marlow 
and  Gilsum,  to  Keene,  where  it  re- 
ceives a considerable  branch  issu- 
I Lag  from  ponds  in  Stoddard.  From 
Keene  it  proceeds  to  Swanzey, 
where  it  receives  another  consider- 
able branch  which  originates  in  Jef- 
frey and  Fitzwilliam.  It  pursues 
its  course  southerly  and  westerly 
through  Winchester  into  Hinsdale, 
where,  at  the  distance  of  about  3 
miles  from  the  S.  line  of  the  state, 
it  empties  into  the  Connecticut. 

Assabet  River,  Kass. 

This  river  rises  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  We st borough  • — it  passes 
through  Marlborough,  Xorthbo- 
rough  and  Slow,  and  joins  Sudbury 
river  at  Concord. 

Athens,  3Ie. 

Somerset  co.  This  town  was 
incorporated  in  1303.  Population, 
1837,  1,424.  It  is  about  13  miles 
X.  X.  E.  from  Xorridgewock,  114 
X.  X.  E.  from  Portland  and  45  X. 
from  Augusta.  It  is  watered  by  a 
| tributary  of  Kennebec  river. 

Athens  Yt. 

Windham  co.  This  town  lies  14 
miles  X.  from  Xewfane,  98  S.  from 
Montpelier,  10  W.  from  Beilows’ 
Falls,  and  about  40  X.  E.  from  Ben- 
nington. Population,  1830,  415. 
This  town  was  first  settled  in  1780, 
by  people  from  Rindge,  X.  H.,  and 
Winchendon,  Mass.  They  encoun- 
tered great  hardships.  “ The  snow 
was  four  feet  deep  when  they  came 
into  town,  and  they  had  to  beat 
their  own  path  for  8 miles  through 
the  woods.  A small  yoke  of  oxen 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


were  the  only  domestic  animals 
that  they  took  with  them.”  This 
is  a good  township  of  land,  particu- 
larly for  grazing.  It  has  2000  sheep. 
Here  are  productive  orchards,  pine 
timber,  and  a small  mill  stream. 

Athol,  diass. 

Worcester  co.  The  Indian  name 
of  this  town  was  Paquoig.  This 
pleasant  place  lies  60  miles  W.  X. 
W.  from  Boston,  2S  N.  41  . from 
Worcester,  and  about  24  W.  from 
Fitchburg.  Miller’s  river  is  a fine 
stream,  and  affords  Athol  a great 
water  power.  The  manufactures 
of  Athol  consist  of  cotton  goods, 
hoots,  shoes,  leather,  paper,  iron 
castings,  scythes,  ploughs,  cabinet 
ware,  machinery,  straw  bonnets, 
palm  leaf  hats,shoe  pegs,  harnesses, 
shoe  and  hat  boxes,  pails,  sashes, 
doors  and  blinds: — annual  amount 
about  $175,000.  Incorporated.176'2. 
Population,  1837,  1,603. 

Atkinson,  3Ie. 

Piscataquis  co.  This  township 
was  incorporated  in  1819.  It  lies 
about  35  miles  X . X.  W.  from  Ban- 


] lution,  and  served  as  chaplain  in 
the  regiment  under  CoL  Poor,  sta- 
tioned at  Winter-Hill.  The  acade- 
my in  this  town  is  one  of  the  oldest 
and  most  respectable  institutions  in 
the  state ; it  was  incorporated  Feb. 
17,  1791.  “ In  a large  meadow  in 

this  town,  there  is  an  island,  con- 
taining 7 or  8 acres,  which  was  for- 
merly loaded  with  valuable  pine 
timber  and  other  forest  wood.  When 
the  meadow  is  overflowed,  by  means 
of  an  artificial  dam,  this  island  rises 
in  the  same  degree  as  the  water 
rises,  which  is  sometimes  six  feet. 
Near  the  middle  of  this  island,  is  a 
small  pond,  which  has  been  gradu- 
ally lessening  ever  since  it  was  first 
known,  and  is  now  almost  covered 
with  verdure.  In  the  water  of  this 
pond,  there  have  been  fish  in  plen- 
ty ; which,  when  the  meadow  hath 
j teen  Cowed,  have  appeared  there, 
and  when  the  water  hath  been 
drawn  off,  have  been  left  on  the 
meadow  ; at  which  time  the  island 
settles  to  its  usual  place.”  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  555. 

AttltT»oron^li,  Alas  s. 


gor.  132  X.  E.  from  Portland,  and 
79  X.  E.  from  Augusta.  Popula- 
tion, 1837,  557.  It  is  bounded  on 
the  X.  by  Piscataquis  river.  This 
town  has  a good  soiL  Wheat  crop, 
1837,  5,168  bushe  s. 

Atkin  son.  N.  H. 

Rockingham  co. 


This  town  lies  at  the  X.  W.  cor- 
ner of  the  county  of  Bristol ; 12 
miles  X.  from  Providence,  R.  I.,  8 
X.  W.  from  Taunton,  and  28  S. 
from  Boston.  A branch  of  the 
Pawtucket  rises  here,  and  several 
j other  rivers  pass  through  the  town. 
8-  It  possesses  a fine  water  power.  It 
It  is  situated  was  first  settled,  1644,  and  incorpo- 


30  miles  S.  W.  from  Portsmouth,  rated  in  1694.  Populadon,  1837, 
and  32  S.  E.  from  Concord.  The  2,396.  The  value  of  the  mamufac- 
surface  of  Atkinson  is  uneven : the  tures  at  this  place,  for  the  year 
soil  of  a superior  quality,  and  well  ending  April  1,  1837,  amounted  to 
cultivated.  The  cultivation  of  the  about  $500,000.  That  of  cotton 
apple  has  received  much  attention  goods  alone  to  $229,571.  The  oth- 
here,  and  the  finest  fruit  is  pro-  er  manufactures  consisted  of  boots, 
duced.  Incorporated  Sept.  3, 1767.  shoes,  leather,  metal  buttons,  combs 
by  its  present  name,  in  honor  of  j jewelry,  clocks,  planing  machines, 
Theodore  Atkinson.  Several  of  carpenter’s  tools,  straw  bonnets, 
the  first  settlers  lived  to  a great  age.  chairs  and  cabinet  ware.  This  town 
The  Rev.  Stephen  Peabody  was  the  suffered  much  during  the  reirn  of 
first  settled  minister  in  Atkinson,  the  celebrated  Indian  King  Philip. 
He  was  a native  of  Andover,  Mass.  In  1675,  Attleborough  was  a fron - 
lie  took  an  active  part  in  the  revo-  i tier  settlement. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Auburn,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  Until  1837,  this 
town  had  been  called  W ard,  in  hon- 
or of  General  Ward,  of  the  revolu- 
tionary army.  It  was  incorporated 
in  1778.  Population,  1837,  1.183. 
Auburn  is  a pleasant  agricultural 
town.  French  river  passes  through 
it.  It  lies  5 miles  S.  by  W.  from 
Worcester,  and  45  W.  S.  W.  from 
Boston. 

Augusta,  Me. 

This  delightful  town,  the  Capi- 
tal. of  the  state,  and  chief  town 
of  the  county  of  Kennebec,  is  in 
N.  Lat.  44°  18'  43''  and  W.  Lon. 
69°  50'.  It  lies  146  miles  N.  E. 
from  Concord,  N.  H.;  182  E.  N.  E. 
from  Montpelier,  Vt. ; 163N.N.E. 
from  Boston,  Mass.  ; 203  N.  N.  E. 
from  Providence,  R.  I. ; 260  N.  E. 
from  Hartford,  Ct. ; and  595  miles 
N.  E.  from  Washington.  Augusta  is 
situated  at  the  head  of  sloop  naviga- 
tion on  Kennebec  river,  43  miles 
from  the  sea.  The  town  lies  on 
both  sides  of  the  Kennebec,  and 
contains  an  area  of  8 by  6 miles. 
It  was  first  settled  in  1771,  and  in- 
corporated in  1797.  In  1836  it  con- 
tained 6,300  inhabitants.  Its  In- 
dian name  was  Cushnoe.  There 
was,  in  its  early  settlement,  a fort, 
and  four  block  houses  built  of  tim- 
ber, to  afford  protection  to  the  in- 
habitants from  the  Indians,  who 
were  then  very  troublesome.  The 
fort  was  called  Fort  Western,  and 
is  still  standing  on  the  east  bank  of 
the  river,  and  is  now  occupied  as  a 
dwelling  house.  This  is  already  a 
very  flourishing  town,  not  only  in 
its  agricultural  pursuits,  but  in  its 
commerce  and  manufactures.  The 
tonnage  of  the  place  is  about  3000 
tons.  Its  exports  are  lumber  of  all 
kinds,  oats,  peas,  beans,  hay,  pota- 
toes, wool,  cider,  apples,  fie. — 
When  the  extent  and  resources  of 
the  noble  Kennebec  and  its  tributa- 
ries, above  tide  water,  are  consid- 
ered, some  idea  may  be  formed  of 
the  vast  quantity  of  lumber  that 


must  pass  this  place  on  its  passage 
to  market. 

The  Kennebec  bridge,  uniting  the 
east  and  west  parts  of  the  town  is 
a fine  structure.  It  was  built  in 
1799;  is  520  feet  in  length,  and 
cost  $28,000.  The  town  rises  by 
an  easy  ascent  on  both  sides  of  the 
river  to  a level  surface  ; it  is  well 
laid  out,  neatly  built,  and  contains 
many  handsome  dwelling  houses. 
Many  of  the  streets  are  decorated 
by  trees,  planted  on  each  side  ; — a 
striking  evidence  of  the  good  taste 
of  the  inhabitants. 

The  State  House  is  a spacious  and 
elegant  structure,  located  upon  a 
beautiful  eminence  about  half  a 
mile  from  the  village,  on  the  road 
towards  Hallo  we  11,  and  commands 
an  extensive  and  very  delightful 
prospect.  It  is  built  of  hammered 
granite,  or  rather  gneiss  of  a white 
color,  and  very  much  resembles 
marble,  at  a distance.  The  materi- 
al of  which  it  was  built,  was  quar- 
ried from  the  spot  on  which  it  stands. 
It  has  a spacious  hall  for  the  Rep- 
resentatives; two  of  convenient  size 
for  the  Senate  and  the  Executive 
Departments,  and  rooms  for  all  the 
offices  immediately  connected  with 
the  Government.  In  front  is  an  ex- 
tensive common , adorned  with  trees 
tastefully  arranged,  which,  when 
grown  into  shades,  will  afford  a de- 
lightful promenade. 

The  United  States * Arsenal 
buildings  are  situated  upon  the  east 
bank  of  the  river,  in  view  of  the  vil- 
lage, and  are  Chiefly  constructed  of 
stone,  and  present  a very  fine  ap- 
pearance. The  Government  has 
expended  large  sums  of  money  in 
their  construction,  and  it  is  expect- 
ed that  soon  the  Government  will 
make  it  an  Arsenal  of  Construc- 
tion. There  are  at  present  about 
2000  stand  of  arms  deposited  here, 
besides  cannon  and  other  munitions 
of  war.  The  Post  is  commanded  by 
a captain  of  the  Ordnance  Depart- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ment,  aided  by  a Lieut,  of  the  same 
corps. 

The  State  Insane  Hospital.  This 
splendid  granite  edifice,  an  honor 
to  the  state  and  to  humanity,  occu- 
pies a plat  of  elevated  ground,  of 
seventy  acres,  on  the  east  side  of 
the  river.  Its  situation  is  unrival- 
ed for  the  beauty  of  its  scenery. 
This  building  was  commenced  in 
1836,  and  will  probably  be  complet- 
ed and  prepared  to  receive  patients, : 
in  1839.  It  will  cost  the  state,  and 
some  beneficent  individuals,  who 
have  made  liberal  donations  towards 
its  erection,  about  $100,000.  It  is 
of  the  model  of  the  Lunatic  Hos- 
pital at  Worcester,  Mass.,  and  is  | 
much  admired  for  its  external  arch- 
itecture and  internal  arrangement. 
The  centre  building  and  wjngs  are 
262  feet  long ; the  cMitre  foiilding 
is  82  feet  in  length,  46  fee*  faille,  4 
stories  high,  besides  the  basement 
and  attic,  having  a chapel  in  tl»  attic 
80  by  40.  The  wings  are  9%  feht 
long  in  front,  and  100  in  the  rear, 
38  feet  wide,  and  3 stories  high,  di- 
vided into  126  rooms,  120  of  which 
are  designed  for  patients,  the  re- 
maining 6 for  water  closets  and  oth- 
er purposes,  with  halls  between  the 
rooms  12  feet  wide  running  the  en- 
tire length  of  each  wing,  and  com- 
municating with  the  dining  rooms 
in  the. centre  building. 

The  Augusta  High  School,  is  an. 
elegant  brick  building,  situated  up- 
on a beautiful  eminence,  2 stories 
high,  65  feet  long  by  50  wide,  hav- 
ing a pediment  front  supported  by 
doric  columns,  and  contains  two 
large  school  rooms,  beside  a labora- 
tory and  four  recitation  rooms,  and 
cost  about  $7,000. 

The  above  is  a brief  sketch  of  the 
prominent  features  of  this  beauti- 
ful and  flourishing  town ; — such  as 
it  has  become  by  the  common  ef- 
forts of  an  intelligent  and  enter- 
prising people,  joined  to  the  natur- 
al advantages  of  the  place. 

3 


But  a new  era  is  opened  to  Au- 
gusta. The  mighty  waters  of  the 
Kennebec  have  been  arrested  in 
their  course.  That  proud  stream, 
which,  for  ages,  has  rolled  its  rapid 
current  to  the  ocean,  unimpeded  by 
the  devices  of  man,  is  destined  for 
ages  to  come,  to  pay  perpetual 
homage  to  Yankee  perseverance 
and  skill,  and  to  lend  its  gigantic 
strength  to  aid  the  arts  and  sciences 
in  supplying  the  wants  of  millions. 

We  may  perhaps,  be  suspected  of 
partiality  towards  this  lovely  Vil- 
lage of  the  East,  for  giving  it  so  ex- 
tended a notice  ; — but,  as  accounts 
of  works  of  great  public  utility  are 
interesting  to  most  of  our  readers, 
both  duty  and  inclination  prompt  us 
to  give  a brief  description  of  the 
Kennebec  Dam  ; — a magnificent 
structure; — bold  in  its  design — curi- 
ous in  its  workmanship, — and  prob- 
ably unrivaled  by  any  work  of  sim- 
ilar character  and  for  similar  pur- 
poses, in  this  or  any  other  country. 

Although  Augusta  enjoys  the 
pleasure  of  seeing  this  noble  enter- 
prise accomplished  within  its  own 
borders,  and  by  the  energy  of  its 
own  people ; yet  improvements  of 
this  character  are  by  no  means  lo- 
cal in  their  effects.  The  benefits 
of  this  undertaking  will  be  felt,  not 
only  in  the  valley  of  the  Kennebec, 
but  throughout  the  state. 

These  works  were  commenced 
in  1836,  by  the  Kennebec  Locks 
and  Canals  Company , and  com- 
pleted in  September,  1837.  The 
cost  was  about  $300,000.  They 
are  about  half  a mile  above  the  cen- 
tre of  the  village,  and  were  con- 
structed under  the  superintendence 
of  Col.  William  BoARDMAN,of 
Nashua,  N.  H.,  as  chief  engineer, 
from  whose  report  many  of  the  fol- 
lowing facts  are  elicited. 

The  length  of  the  Dam,  exclu- 
sive of  the  stone  .abutments  and 
Lock,  is  584  feet — the  base,  127 
feet — the  height,  i5  feet  above  or- 
dinary high  watei  mark.  It  is  built 
with  cribs  of  timber,  bolted  and 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


trenailed  strongly  together,  and  is 
filled  with  ballast,  to  the  very  top. 
The  upper  slope  is  covered  with 
five  inch  pine  plank,  jointed  and 
perfectly  tight ; the  lower  with  five 
and  three  inch  hemlock  plank. — 
The  crest,  terminating  at  the  sluice, 
near  the  middle  of  the  overfall,  is 
level,  and  covered  entirely  with 
stone  eight  feet  in  length,  and 
strongly  secured  with  iron  straps 
and  bolts.  The  sluice,  sixty  feet 
in  length,  is  covered  in  the  same 
manner,  and  is  about  twenty  inches 
lower  than  the  wings.  The  walls 
of  the  Lock  are  170  feet  in  length, 
its  chamber  101  feet  by  28  1-3  feet 
in  the  clear,  with  a single  lift ; the 
west  wall  serves  as  the  eastern 
abutment  of  the  Dam — it  is  28  feet 
thick  at  the  base,  graduated  to  25 
at  the  top.  The  head  and  east  walls 
are  of  corresponding  strength. — 
Both  are  built  wholly  of  granite. 
The  face  courses  hammered,  bed 
and  joint,  rabbitted,  and  laid  in  ce- 
ment, and  the  rabbit  filled  with 
cement  The  floor  of  the  Lock  is 
constructed  of  timber  fifteen  inches 
deep,  and  covered  with  five  inch 
pine  plank,  tongued  and  grooved, 
with  an  additional  flooring  of  five 
inch  hard  wood  plank,  commencing 
at  the  head  of  the  Lock  and  ex- 
tending fourteen  feet.  The  main 
gates  of  the  Lock,  and  guard  gates 
of  the  Canals,  are  of  white  oak  from 
the  Chesapeake,  and  the  wicket 
gates  of  cast  iron.  The  large  stone 
piers  above  the  Dam,  for  the  pro- 
tection of  the  Lock  and  abutments, 
are  each  30  feet  square  on  the  base, 
graduated  to  25  feet  on  the  top,  and 
about  34  feet  high,  and  built  of 
granite,  clamped  and  strapped  with 
iron. 

The  Canals  on  each  side  of  the 
river  are  50  feet  wide  in  the  clear, 
carrying  10  feet  of  water  from  the 
level  of  the  top  of  the  dam.  The 
walls  are  22  feet  high,  7 1-2  feet 
thick  at  the  base,  and  5 feet  at  the 
top.  They  are  finished  as  far  as,  and 


including,  the  guard  gates.  The 
gates  are  of  great  strength,  built  of 
heavy  oak  timber,  and  in  the  most 
substantial  manner,  revolving  in 
stone  coins,  with  which  stone  and 
sheet-piling  is  connected,  extending 
across  and  25  feet  into  each  bank, 
and  driven  10  feet  below  the  bottom 
of  the  Canals. 

The  walls  on  the  banks  of  the 
river,  above  and  below  the  Dam, 
extending  about  500  feet,  are  of  the 
same  height  as  the  Canal  walls, 
and  8 feet  thick  at  the  base.  On 
the  upper  side  of  the  Dam  is  a 
sheet  of  timber-piling,  tongued  and 
grooved,  and  either  resting  on  the 
bare  ledge,  or  driven  as  far  as  they 
could  be  made  to  penetrate  into  the 
solid  bed  which  covers  a portion  of 
its  surface,  and  connected -with 
the  piling Aytocii  passes  untied  and 
acrosa-^e  Lome  into  the  east  l?ank, 
and jllfip swith  that  which  is  driven 
in  jijte  rwest  bank  of  the  river. — 
Alkrtol  this;  and  extending  to  the 
toSp  cm  the*  Dam,  so  as  to  cover  the 
entire  planking  of  the  upper  slope, 
is  a fnass  of  gravel  from  20  to  30 
feet  deep. 

2,500,000  feet  o.f  timber  and  about 
25  tons  of  iron  have  been  used  in 
constructing  the  Dam,  and  about 
75,000  tons  of  ballast  have  been  de- 
posited in  it. 

The  Lock,  Piers,  River  and  Mill 
walls,  with  the  Canal  walls,  ex- 
tending to  and  including  the  guard 
gates,  contain  about  800,000  cubic 
feet  of  stone. 

During  the  progress  of  the  work, 
and  especially  while  the  course  of 
the  river  was  contracted  to  a space 
of  17  feet  wide  by  24  deep  (a  time 
peculiarly  favorable  for  forming  an 
estimate,  and  rarely  offered  in  a 
stream  of  this  magnitude)  repeated 
observations  were  made  upon  the 
velocity  of  the  current,  and  at  no 
time  was  there  found  a less  quanti- 
ty than  2,500  cubic  feet  per  second. 
It  is  proper  to  add  that  the  seasons 
of  1836  and  1837,  were  both  re- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


markable  for  the  small  quantity  of 
water  running  in  all  the  streams  in 
this  vicinity. 

The  pond  formed  by  this  Dam 
covers  1200  acres.  It  is  16  1-2  miles 
in  length,  and  its  average  depth  is 
16  feet. 

Augusta  presents  advantages 
for  manufacturing  establishments, 
equal,  if  not  superior  to  any  in  New 
England.  It  is  located  in  the  heart 
of  a large  and  powerful  state,  rap- 
idly increasing  in  population  and 
wealth ; surrounded  by  a fertile 
country,  rich  in  every  necessary 
agricultural  product,  and  stored  with 
granite,  clay,  lumber,  lime,  iron 
ore — every  building  material ; all 
of  which  are  found  near  the  spot, 
and  at  very  low  prices. 

The  facilities  afforded  at  this 
place,  for  transportation,  are  of  in- 
estimable value  to  a large  manufac- 
turing town.  Cotton  and  other  raw 
materials,  and  manufactured  goods, 
may  be  transported  by  water,  to  and 
from  the  very  doors  of  the  mills. 
At  no  distant  period  the  great  east- 
ern railroad  from  Boston  and  Port- 
land will  pass  through  this  town, 
in  its  course  to  Bangor.  At  this 
time,  steamboats  pass  from  Augus- 
ta to  Boston  in  eleven  hours. 

The  greatest  consideration,  how- 
ever, in  regard  to  Augusta,  as  a 
manufacturing  town,  is  its  unfail- 
ing supply  of  water.  The  main^ 
branch  of  the  Kennebec  is  the  outlet 
of  an  immense  lake,  with  numer- 
ous powerful  tributaries,  connected 
with  other  lakes  or  large  reservoirs 
of  water.  On  its  passage  to  Augus- 
ta, Dead  river,  Seven  Mile  Brook, 
the  Sandy,  Sebasticook,  and  many 
other  less  powerful  streams  pay  their 
tribute  to  it.  Indeed,  all  the  waters 
of  the  extensive  valley  of  the  Ken- 
nebec, above  the  Dam,  meet  at  this 
place.  It  may  be  said  with  safety, 
that  this  place  possesses  a water 
power  amply  sufficient  to  drive 
200,000  spindles,  day  and  night, 
throughout  the  year ; and  an  almost 


inexhaustable  surplus  power  from 
November  to  July. 

Preparations  are  making  for  the 
erection  of  buildings  for  extensive 
manufacturing  operations. 

Aurora,  Me. 

Hancock  co.  This  town  lies  106 
miles  from  Augusta.  With  a popu- 
lation of  only  140,  this  town  pro- 
duced, in  133T,  among  its  agricul- 
tural products,  855  bushels  of  wheat. 

Averill,  Vt. 

Essex  co.  This  town  lies  on  the 
Canada  line,  about  30  miles  N.  of 
Guildhall.  It  has  several  large 
ponds  and  a branch  of  Nulhegan 
river.  Some  of  these  waters  pass 
to  the  Connecticut,  and  some  to  the 
river  St.  Francis.  The  soil  of  Aver- 
ill is  cold  and  broken,  with  few  cul- 
tivators. 

Avon,  Me. 

Franklin  co.  Avon  lies  35  miles 
W.  by  N.  from  Norridgewock,  and 
50  N.  N.  W.  from  Augusta.  It 
was  incorporated  in  1S02.  Popu- 
lation, 1837,  767.  It  is  watered  by 
some  of  the  head  branches  of  San- 
dy river.  In  1837,  this  town  pro- 
duced 3,220  bushels  of  wheat. 

Avon,  Ct. 

Hartford  co.  This  town  was  tak- 
en from  Farmington,  in  1830.  Pop- 
ulation, 1,025.  It  lies  between  two 
mountainous  ridges  and  has  consid- 
erable rich  level  land  on  the  bor- 
ders of  Farmington  river.  This  is 
a handsome  agricultural  town  and 
possesses  some  very  beautiful  scen- 
ery. The  view  from  Montevideo, 
on  Talcott  mountain,  nearly  1000 
feet  above  the  waters  of  the  Con- 
necticut, is  quite  enchanting. — 
“Wardsworth’s  Tower,”  or  Monte 
Video,  is  much  resorted  to  by  par- 
ties of  pleasure  in  summer  months. 
Avon  is  6 miles  N.  from  Farming* 
ton,  and  9 W.  N.  W.  from  Hart* 
ford. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Bachelder,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  This  township  lies 
between  two  mountains  on  the  line 
of  New  Hampshire,  20  miles  W. 
by  N.  from  Paris,  and  60  W.  from 
Augusta. 

Bailey-ville,  Me. 

W ashington  co.  This  town  is  on 
the  line  of  New  Brunswick,  about 
45  miles  N.  by  W.  from  Machias, 
and  80  E.  N.  E.  from  Bangor.  In- 
corporated, 1828.  Population,  1837, 
331.  Baileyville  is  watered  on  the 
E.  by  the  St.  Croix,  and  on  the  N. 
by  the  outlet  of  Schoodic  lakes. 

Baker’s  River,  N.  H. 

Baker’s  river,  a considerable 
stream  in  Grafton  county,  is  form- 
ed of  two  branches.  The  N.  branch 
has  its  source  near  Moosehillock 
mountain  in  Coventry.  It  runs 
southerly  through  Warren  into 
Wentworth,  where  it  unites  with 
the  S.  branch  which  originates  in 
Orange.  After  the  union  of  these 
branches,  the  river  pursues  a S.  E. 
and  an  easterly  course  thx-ough  the 
S.  part  of  Rumney  and  the  N.  part 
of  Plymouth,  where  it  forms  a junc- 
tion with  Pemigewaset  river  just 
above  Plymouth  village.  It  was 
on  this  river,  in  the  township  of 
Rumney,  that  General  Stark  was 
captured  by  the  Indians,  on  the  28th 
of  April,  1752. 

Bakersfield,  Vt., 

Franklin  co.,  lies  30  miles  N.  E. 
from  Burlington,  38  N.  N.  W.  from 
Montpelier,  and  15  miles  E.  from 
St.  Albans.  Branches  of  Missis- 
que  river  pass  through  it.  This 
town  is  well  timbered  with  hard 
wood  , the  land  is  warm,  but  some- 
what broken.  4,000  sheep.  First 
settled  about  1789.  Population, 
1830,  1,087. 

Baldwin,  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  This  town  is 
bounded  E.  by  Sebago  pond  and  W. 
by  Saco  river.  It  contains  a num- 


ber of  ponds,  affording  fish  of  vari- 
ous kinds.  Baldwin  was  incorpo- 
rated in  1802.  Population,  1S37, 
1,133.  It  is  26  miles  W.  S.  W. 
from  Portland. 

Baltimore,  Vt. 

Windsor  co.  This  town  was  tak- 
en from  Cavendish  in  1793.  Hawk 
mountain  is  the  division  line.  The 
soil  is  warm  but  stony.  1,200  sheep. 
An  abundance  of  gneiss  and  granite 
is  found  here.  It  is  10  miles  N.  W. 
from  Windsor  and  about  65  S.  from 
Montpelier.  Population,  1830, 179. 

Bangor,  Me. 

This  is  the  .chief  town  of  Penob- 
scot county.  It  lies  in  N.  lat.  44° 
47'  50".,  W.  long.  68°  47'.  It  lies 
66  miles  E.  N.  E.  from  Augusta, 
120  N.  E.  by  E.  from  Portland,  230 
N.  E.  from  Boston,  Mass.,  115  S. 
from  Eastport,  and  675  N.  E.  from 
Washington.  The  first  settlement 
in  this  place,  by  the  whites,  was 
made  in  the  winter  of  1769 — 1770. 
In  1772, the  Plantation^Kenduskeag, 
as  it  was  then  called,  consisted  of 
twelve  families.  In  1790,  the  pop- 
ulation of  Bangor  was  169 ; in  1800, 
277  ; in  1810,  S50  ; in  1820,  1,221 ; 
in  1830,  2,868,  and  in  1837,  9,201. 
This  place  is  situated  at  the  head  oi 
navigation  on  the  west  side  of  Pe- 
nobscot river,  30  miles  N.  by  E. 
from  Belfast  bay,  60  to  Matawam- 
keag  Point,  120  to  Houlton,  and 
about  60  miles  from  the  open  sea. 
The  compact  part  of  the  population 
reside  on  both  sides  of  Kenduskeag 
stream,  about  190  yards  in  width  at 
its  mouth,  over  which  are  three 
bridges,  and  on  which,  at  the  foot 
of  the  falls,  about  a mile  from  the 
city,  are  numerous  mills.  The 
bridge  across  the  Penobscot,  100 
rods  above  the  mouth  of  the  Ken- 
duskeag, is  about  440  yards  in 
length.  It  cost  $50,000.  The  basin 
at  and  below  the  mouth  of  the  Ken- 
duskeag, where  the  shipping  lie 
to  receive  their  cargoes,  is  90  rods 
in  width,  and  affords  good  anchor- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


age.  The  tide  generally  rises  about 
IT  feet.  Ship  building  is  exten- 
sively pursued  at  this  place ; but 
commerce  in  lumber,  of  all  the  va- 
rious kinds  in  use,  is  the  principal 
occupation  of  the  inhabitants.  An 
immense  amount  of  that  article  is 
annually  rafted  down  the  rivers, 
and  transported  to  almost  all  parts 
of  the  world.  Bangor  is  the  great- 
est depot  for  lumber  on  the  conti- 
nent of  America. 

On  the  Penobscot  river  and  its 
tributary  streams,  above  Bangor, 
are  more  than  250  saw-mills,  capa- 
ble of  cutting  at  least  two  hundred 
million  feet  of  boards  a year;  all 
of  which,  except  what  is  used  in 
building,  must  be  shipped  at  the 
harbor  of  Bangor.  The  value  of 
the  boards,  timber,  clapboards,  shin- 
gles, oars,  scantling,  wood,  &c., 
shipped  at  this  port,  varies  from  a 
million  to  a million  and  a half  of 
dollars,  annually.  About  1200  ves- 
sels of  about  110  tons  burthen  are 
annually  employed  during  the  sea- 
son of  navigation,  in  freighting  lum- 
ber, timber,  &c.,  to  various  places. 
There  are  belonging  to  this  place, 
about  100  sail  of  coasting  vessels, 
50  engaged  in  foreign  commerce, 
and  15  or  20  other  vessels  engaged 
in  the  fisheries. 

Bangor  was  incorporated  as  a town 
in  1791.  In  1834  it  became  a city. 
Its  government  is  under  a Mayor 
and  seven  Aldermen,  who  consti--. 
tute  the  upper  Board  ; and  twen- 
ty-one Common  Council  men,  who, 
when  they  have  elected  a Presi- 
dent, constitute  the  lower  Board. 
A city  court  sets  every  Monday. 

The  site  of  the  city  is  pleasant, 
commanding  fine  views  of  the  riv- 
ers and  the  adjoining  country.  The 
buildings,  both  public  and  private, 
are  constructed  with  neatness  and 
taste,  and  some  in  a style  of  supe- 
rior elegance.  Conveyances  for 
travellers  from  the  city  are  frequent 
and  comfortable  ; both  by  land  and 
water.  A railroad  i3  in  operation 
to  Oldtown,  12  miles,  and  steam- 

3* 


boats  ply  to  and  from  Portland  and 
Boston,  during  the  season  of  navi- 
gation, which  generally  continues 
eight  months  in  the  year.  The 
great  eastern  railroad  from  Boston 
will  doubtless  reach  this  eastern  city 
before  the  lapse  of  many  years. 

On  the  banks  of  the  Penobscot, 
within  the  city,  three  miles  above 
the  mouth  of  the  Kenduskeag,  is 
what  is  called  “ Fort  Hill,”  the  site 
of  a fortification,  supposed  to  be  the 
ancient  “Negas,”  destroyed  by  Cap- 
tain Heath,  with  a party  of  men, 
in  1725,  who,  it  is  said,  “ fell  on  a 
village  of  about  50  Indian  houses, 
and  committed  them  to  the  flames. 
The  Indian^  becoming  alarmed,  de- 
serted them.” 

Bangor  is  on  one  of  the  noblest 
rivers  in  the  Northern  States; — the 
product  of  an  almost  innumerable 
number  of  tributary  streams.  Na- 
ture has  seated  Bangor  at  the  nat- 
ural outlet  of  these  mighty  waters, 
as  the  mart  of  one  of  the  most  ex- 
tensive, and  one  of  the  richest  al- 
luvial basins  east  of  the  Ohio  val- 
ley. It  is  true  that  this  section  of 
country  is  in  a high  degree  of  lati- 
tude, and  that  the  icy  chains  of 
winter  are  felt  with  greater  force 
and  for  a longer  period  than  in  more 
southern  climes.  But  this  seeming 
disadvantage  is  more  than  compen- 
sated by  the  unrivalled  purity  of 
the  air  and  water, — two  of  the  in- 
dispensable requisitions  of  health 
and  longevity.  There  is  probably 
no  portion  of  country  in  the  world 
where  the  great  staples  of  wheat, 
beef  and  wool  can  be  produced  with 
greater  facility  ; where  surplus  pro- 
duce can  find  a market  at  less  ex- 
pense, or  where  the  industrious  ag- 
riculturalist can  reap  a more  sure 
reward.  When  the  present  popu- 
lation of  this  immense  territory, 
extending  from  tide  water  to  Mad- 
awaska,  is  compared  with  that  of 
older  settlements  of  a less  fertile 
soil,  of  less  navigable  facilities,  and 
in  nearly  as  high  a degree  of  lati- 
tude, the  mind  is  favorably  struck 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


with  the  flattering  prospects  of  the 
valley  of  the  Penobscot,  and  with 
pleasing  anticipations  of  the  pros- 
perity of  its  city.  See  Register. 

Baring,  Me* 

Washington  co.  This  town  is 
bounded  N.  by  the  St.  Croix  river, 
E.  by  Calais  and  Robinston,  and  W. 
by  a large  and  beautiful  pond  which 
empties  into  the  St.  Croix.  Incor- 
porated, 1825.  Population,  1837, 
286.  The  railroad  from  Calais,  4 
miles,  will  soon  be  completed  to 
this  place.  209  miles  N.  E.  by  E. 
from  Augusta. 

Barkliampstead,  Ct. 

Litchfield  co.  This  town  is  wa- 
tered by  branches  of  Farmington 
river.  The  soil  is  more  particular- 
ly adapted  to  grazing  : considerable 
beef  and  the  products  of  the  dairy 
are  sent  to  market.  It  is  26  miles 
N.  W.  from  Hartford,  and  20  N.  N. 
E.  from  Litchfield.  Population, 
1830,  1,715.  First  settled,  1746. 
Incorporated,  1779.  Granite,  iron 
ore  and  limestone  are  found  here. 
The  hilly  part  of  the  town  presents 
some  fine  scenery.  Hitchcockville, 
north  of  the  centre  of  the  town,  is 
a flourishing  manufacturing  village, 
with  great  water  privileges. 

Barn  aril,  Me. 

All  the  knowledge  we  can  obtain 
in  regard  to  this  town  is,  that  it  lies 
in  the  county  of  Piscataquis,  108 
miles  from  Augusta ; — that  in  1837, 
there  were  132  people  in  the  town, 
and  that  they  raised  444  bushels  of 
wheat,  the  same  year; — that  this 
town  received  $264  of  the  surplus 
revenue  ;-^that  in  1837,  Augustus 
W.  W'alker  and  others,  obtained  an 
act  of  the  legislature  for  quarrying 
slate,  and  that  Stephen  Palmer  is, 
or  was,  Postmaster. 

Now,  the  good  people  of  Barnard 
are  hereby  respectfully  requested 
to  give  the  editor  their  latitude  and 
longitude,  and  other  necessary  in- 
formation for  future  editions.  Cit- 


izens of  other  towns,  similarly  sit- 
uated, and  of  all  towns,  who  may 
wish  more  full  descriptions  of  their 
resources,  &c.  than  we  are  able,  at 
present,  to  give,  are  also  requested 
to  forward  their  communications. 

Barnard,  Vt. 

Windsor  co.  First  settled,  1774. 
Incorporated,  1778.  Population, 
1830,  1,881.  It  is  watered  by 
Broad  Brook  which  empties  into 
White  river  in  Sharon  ; and  by  Lo- 
cust Creek,  which  also  empties  in- 
to White  river  in  Bethel.  On  this 
Creek,during  the  revolutionary  war, 
there  was  erected  a Fort,  where 
the  militia  of  this  and  other  towns 
were  stationed  as  a defence  against 
Indian  depredations — they  having 
surprised  and  carried  to  Canada  a 
number  of  its  first  settlers,  in  1780. 
In  the  centre  of  this  town  is  the 
village,  and  a beautiful  pond,  from 
which  issues  a stream  on  which 
there  are  mills.  On  this  Creek  is 
an  establishment  for  the  manufac- 
ture of  starch  from  potatoes.  This 
stream  joins  its  waters  with  the 
Creek  one  mile  from  the  pond.  The 
surface  of  this  town  is  hilly.  The 
soil  is  well  adapted  to  grazing ; and 
there  are  but  few  towns  that  turn 
off  yearly  more  cattle,  butter  and 
cheese,  sheep  and  wool.  The  num- 
ber of  sheep  is  about  6,000.  It  lies 
10  miles  north  of  Woodstock,  and 
40  miles  south  of  Montpelier. 

It  is  stated  as  a singular  fact,  that 
the  firing  on  Bunker  Hill,  on  the 
17th  of  June,  1775,  was  distinctly 
heard  in  this  town,  130  miles  N. 
W.  from  Charlestown. 

Barnet,  Vt. 

Caledonia  co.  This  town  lies  on 
Connecticut  river,  at  the  15  mile 
falls,  and  opposite  to  Lyman,  N.  H. 
It  has  a good  soil,  and  is  an  excel- 
lent farming  town,  with  slate  and 
iron  ore.  It  lies  35  miles  E.  from 
Montpelier,  10  S.  by  E.  from  Dan- 
ville, and  65  N.  by  E.  from  Wind- 
sor. Population,  in  1830,  1,764. — 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


First  settled,  about  1763.  Many  of 
the  inhabitants  are  of  Scotch  de- 
scent. This  town  has  a great  water 
power  on  Passumpsic  and  Stevens’ 
rivers.  On  the  latter,  are  falls  of 
100  feet,  in  the  distance  of  10  rods. 
This  water  power  is  improved  by 
three  flannel  and  other  manufacto- 
ries. There  are  a number  of  pleas- 
ant and  fertile  islands  in  the  river 
between  this  place  and  Lyman,  and 
some  beautiful  ponds  in  Barnet, 
which  afford  fish  of  various  kinds. 
This  is  quite  a romantic  place,  and 
lies  at  the  head  of  navigation  on 
the  Connecticut  river.  In  1835, 
the  product  of  the  farms,  carried  to 
market,  amounted  to  $26,381.  One 
farmer  sold  3,000  lbs.  of  butter,  and 

3.000  lbs.  of  pork.  There  are  about 

4.000  sheep  in  the  town. 

Barnstable  County  Mass. 

Barnstable  is  the  chief  town. — 
This  county  was  incorporated,  1685. 
Population,  1820,  24.046—1830,  28- 
525 — and  in  1837,  31,109;  area, 
about  330  square  miles.  This  coun- 
ty includes  the  whole  of  Cape  Cod, 
extending  E.  and  N.  into  the  At- 
lantic ocean,  and  which  Gosnold 
discovered  in  1602.  It  is  bounded 
N.  W.  by  Plymouth  county,  and 
W.  by  Buzzard’s  bay.  Cape  Cod 
lies  in  the  form  of  an  arm,half  open  ; 
the  elbow  is  at  Chatham,  20  miles 
E.  of  Barnstable ; the  hand,  the 
wrist  inclining  inward,  is  at  Race 
Point,  33  miles  N.  by  W.  of  Chat- 
ham. The  whole  length  of  the 
Cape  is  65  miles,  and  the  average 
breadth  about  5.  This  count}*  .is 
principally  diluvium.  Below  the 
town  of  Barnstable  the  county  is 
quite  sandy,  so  much  so  that  the 
people  are  generally  dependant  on 
Boston  and  other  towns  for  a large 
proportion  of  their  meats  and  bread- 
stuffs.  This  deficit  is  amply  com- 
pensated by  the  unrivalled  privi- 
leges enjoyed,  and  well  improved 
by  them,  in  the  cod,  mackerel  and 
other  fisheries.  This  county  has 
but  little  wood,  but  it  is  well  stored 


with  peat.  About  two  millions  of 
dollars  are  invested  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  salt.  There  were  manu- 
factured in  this  countv  in  the  year 
ending  April  1, 1837,  669,064  bush- 
els of  salt,  valued  at  $219,870.  The 
manufactures  of  cotton  and  woollen 
goods,  boots,  shoes,  iron  castings, 
glass,  cabinet  and . tin  wares,  cord- 
age, &c.,  amounted  to  $496,602. 
There  are  in  this  county  370  ves- 
sels employed  in  the  whale,  cod 
and  mackerel  fishery.  The  tonnage, 
24,378  tons.  The  value  of  the  fish- 
ery, in  one  year  previous  to  April, 
1837,  was  $557,737.  Tonnage  of 
the  District,  1836,  30,278  tons.  The 
annual  amount  of  tonnage  of  vessels 
built  is  about  1,000  tons;  value, 
$63,318.  Total  annual  value  of 
the  fisheries  and  manufactures,  $1,- 
337,527.  The  number  of  sheep  in 
the  county  in  1837,  was  7,332. 

Barnstable  county  is  noted  for  its 
fine  sailors  and  men  of  superior  nau- 
tical talents.  The  ladies  are  cele- 
brated for  their  fair  complexions 
and  good  housewifery  ; but  are  pe- 
culiarly subject  to  the  vicissitudes 
pertaining  to  a maritime  situation. 
By  a statement  recently  made,  it 
appears  that  there  were  in  this 
county  nearly  a thousand  widows 
living,  who  had  lost  their  husbands 
by  the  dangers  of  the  sea.  In  two 
towns,  (Harwich  and  Wellfleet,) 
there  were  223  widows  who  had 
thus  lost  their  companions.  This 
county  has  13  towns ; and  91  inhabit- 
ants to  a square  mile. 

Barnstable,  Mass. 

This  is  the  chief  town  of  Barn- 
stable county,  and  a port  of  entry, 
it  is  65  miles  from  Boston.  Sandy 
JYeck,  on  the  N.  side,  forms  a good 
harbor  for  vessels  of  8 feet  of  water. 
Hyannis,  on  the  S.  side,  6 miles  S. 
E.  of  Barnstable  C.  H.,  is  now  a 
good  harbor ; but  by  an  expensive 
Breakwater,  constructing  at  that 
place  by  the  U.  S.  government,  it 
will  soon  become  perfectly  safe 
from  all  winds,  for  all  classes  of 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


vessels  navigating  the  Sound,  and 
passing  round  the  Cape.  The  “ Pil- 
grim Fathers”  landed  here,  Nov. 
11,  1620,  and  borrowed  some  com 
of  the  Mattaclieeset  Indians.  The 
celebrated  patriot,  James  Otis,  was 
born  here,  Feb.  5,  1725.  He  died 
at  Andover,  May  23,  1783.  The 
manufacture  of  salt  was  commenced 
here  as  early  as  1779.  It  then  sold 
for  $6  a bushef.  There  was  made 
27,125  bushels  of  salt  in  this  town 
in  1837.  Between  50  and  60  sail  of 
fishing  and  coasting  vessels  belong 
to  this  place.  This  town  has  nu- 
merous ponds,  a considerable  water 
power,  some  fine  upland,  and  ex- 
tensive salt  marshes.  The  manu- 
facture of  vessels,  salt,  boots,  shoes, 
hats,  leather,  cabinet  ware,  chairs, 
and  wooden  ware,  amounted  in  one 
year  to  $56,562.  Pop.  1837,  4,017. 

Bamstead,  N.  II. 

Strafford  co.  This  town  lies  26 
miles  W'.  by  N.  from  Dover,  36  N. 
W.  from  Portsmouth,  and  20  N.  E. 
from  Concord.  Incorporated,  1767. 
Population,  1830,  2,047.  Barnstead 
is  not  mountainous,  but  has  large 
swells  of  land,  good  for  grazing. 
About  2,500  sheep  are  kept  here. 
The  soil  is  easy  and  productive. 
There  are  several  ponds  in  this  town 
— the  largest  are  the  two  Suncook 
ponds,  which  lie  near  each  other, 
Brindle  pond,  and  Half-moon  pond, 
on  Alton  line.  These  waters  are 
stocked  with  fish,  and  are  discharg- 
ed into  the  Suncook.  Barnstead 
was  granted  May  20,  1727,  to  the 
Rev.  Joseph  Adams  and  others. 
Settlements  commenced  in  1767. 

Barre,  Vt. 

A pleasant  and  flourishing  town 
in  W ashington  county,  six  miles 
S.  of  Montpelier,  and  48  N.  by  W. 
of  Windsor.  This  is  considered 
one  of  the  best  farming  towns  in 
the  state.  Large  quantities  of  pot 
and  pearl  ashes,  beef,  pork,  butter 
and  cheese,  are  annually  taken  from 
this  place  to  Boston  market.  About 


7,000  sheep  are  kept  here.  It  is 
well  watered  by  Stevens’  and  Jail, 
branches  of  Onion  river,which  afford 
good  mill  privileges.  Inexhausti- 
ble quantities  of  granite  are  found 
here,  of  the  excellent  quality  with 
which  the  capitol  at  Montpelier  is 
built.  This  is  a great  thoroughfare 
for  travellers,  particularly  for  large 
teams  from  the  north  to  Boston,  by 
the  Gulf  road.  A large  number  of 
these  noted  six  and  eight  horse 
teams  are  owned  here.  Barre  was 
first  settled  in  1788.  Present  pop- 
ulation, about  2,500. 

Barre,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  excellent  ag- 
ricultural township  is  on  high  land, 
and  is  well  watered,  particularly  by 
Ware  river,  on  which  are  many 
mills.  The  manufactures  of  Barre 
for  the  year  ending  April  1,  1837, 
amounted  to  about  $365,000.  The 
articles  manufactured  were  woollen 
and  cotton  goods,  ($161,600)  copper 
pumps,  boots,  shoes,  carriages, 
leather,  palm-leaf  hats,  ($167,200) 
straw  bonnets,  axes,  scythe's,  and 
gunpowder.  Large  quantities  of 
beef,  butter,  cheese,  &c.,  are  an- 
nually sent  from  this  town  to  Bos- 
ton market.  It  was  incorporated  in 
1774.  Population,  1837, 2,713.  It 
lies  65  miles  W.  by  S.  from  Boston, 
24  N.  by  W.  from  Worcester,  and 
15  N.  E.  from  Ware.  Barre  took  its 
name  in  honor  of  Col.  Barre,  an  el- 
oquent friend  of  America  in  the 
British  Parliament. 

Barrington,  N.  H. 

Strafford  co.  It  lies  20  miles  N. 
W.  from  Portsmouth,  10  W.  from 
Dover,  and  30  E.  from  Concord. 
The  surface  of  Barrington  is  some- 
what broken  and  rocky,  the  soil  be- 
ing principally  a gravelly  loam. — 
The  town  is  abundantly  supplied 
with  ponds,  of  which  there  are  no 
less  than  thirteen  of  considerable 
magnitude,  from  whence  issue 
streams  affording  excellent  mill 
seats.  At  one  of  these  mill  seats. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


on  the  Isinglass  river,  is  a perpen- 
dicular fall  of  30  feet.  There  is, 
about  two  miles  from  the  centre  of 
the  town,  a remarkable  cavern,  or 
fissure  in  a rock,  commonly  called 
the  Devil’s  den.  The  entrance  is 
on  the  side  of  a hill,  and  is  suffi- 
ciently large  to  admit  a person  in  a 
stooping  posture.  Having  entered 
5 feet  in  a horizontal  direction, 
there  is  a descent  of  4 or  5 feet,  on 
an  angle  of  45°,  large  enough  only 
to  admit  the  body  of  a middling  siz- 
ed man.  After  squeezing  through 
this  passage,  you  enter  a chamber 
60  feet  in  length,  from  10  to  15  in 
height,  and  from  3 to  8 in  width. — 
Communicating  with  this,  are  sev- 
eral other  fissures  of  equal  height, 
and  from  10  to  15  in  length.  Bar- 
rington was  incorporated  May  10, 
1722,  and  the  settlement  commen- 
ced in  1732.  Population,  1830, 
1,895. 

Barrington,  R.  I. 

Bristol  co.  This  small  town,  of 
about  8 square  miles,  originally  be- 
longed to  Massachusetts.  It  was 
attached  to  Rhode  Island  in  1746, 
and  incorporated  in  1771.  It  is 
hounded  southerly  by  Narraganset 
bay,  and  is  well  watered  by  Palm- 
er’s river,  and  by  an  inlet  of  War- 
ren river,  over  which  is  a bridge. 
The  soil  of  the  town  is  of  a fertile, 
sandy  loam,  and  quite  productive. 
Large  quantities  of  sea-weed  are 
collected  on  its  shores.  A large 
tract  in  Barrington,  called  “ the 
cave,”  now  covered  with  water  to 
a considerable  depth,  is  supposed  to 
have  once  been  a forest,  as  timber 
and  fuel  are  obtained  from  its  bot- 
tom. Some  salt  is  made  in  this 
town,  and  shell  and  other  fish  are 
abundant.  Barrington  lies  8 miles 
E.  S.  E.  from  Providence,  and 
about  7 miles  N.  by  W.  from  Bris- 
tol. Population,  1830,  612. 

Bartlett,  N.  II., 

Coos  co.,  is  45  miles  S.  E.  from 
Lancaster,  82  N.  N.  E.  from  Con- 


cord, and  85  N.  N.  W.  from  Ports- 
mouth. It  lies  at  the  foot  of  the 
White  Mountains,  on  the  eastern 
side.  Its  soil  is  various,  and,  on  the 
Saco,  in  some  parts,  good.  This 
river  meanders  through  the  centre 
of  the  town.  Bartlett  was  incorpo- 
rated June  16,  1790.  Population, 
1830,  644. 

Barton,  Vt. 

Orleans  co.  This  town  derived 
its  name  from  Gen.  William  Barton, 
of  R.  I.,  and  was  first  settled  in 
1796.  The  town  is  well  watered 
by  Barton  river , which  rises  in 
Glover,  and  empties  into  Memphre- 
magog  lake.  Here  are  several 
ponds  containing  good  fish.  Barton 
is  a thriving  town,  with  a good  hy- 
draulic power,  and  about  3,000 
sheep.  It  lies  9 miles  S.  E.  from 
Irasburgh,  and  40  N.  E.  from  Mont- 
pelier. Population,  1830,  729. 

Basin  Harbor,  Vt, 

See  Ferrisburgh. 

Saskaliegan  River,  Me* 

This  river  rises  in  a large  lake  of 
the  same  name,  in  the  county  of 
Washington,  near  the  line  of  New 
Brunswick  ; it  passes  westerly  15  or 
20  miles,  and  falls  into,  the  Mata- 
wamkeag,  a tributary  of  the  Pe- 
nobscot. 

Batli,  Me., 

In  the  county  of  Lincoln,  is  situ- 
ated on  the  west  bank  of  Kennebec 
river,  12  miles  from  the  sea,  32  N. 
E.  of  Portland,  and  31  S.  from  Au- 
gusta. It  is  bounded  E.  by  Ken- 
nebec river,  S.  by  Phipsburg,  W. 
by  New  Meadows  river  and  Bruns- 
wick, and  N.  by  Merrymeeting 
bay.  Population,  in  1830,  3,773  ; 
in  1835,  4,200,  and  in  1837,  4,523. 
Incorporated,  1780.  An  attempt 
was  made  by  a missionary  to  settle 
this  place,  and  preach  to  the  fisher- 
men, as  early  as  1670.  But  the  In- 
dians would  not  permit  it.  A per- 
manent settlement  was  made  in 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


1 756.  The  principal  business  of 
Hath  is  commerce,  trade  and  ship- 
building, for  which  it  is  admirably 
well  located.  There  belonged  to 
this  port  in  1835,  26  ships,  32  brigs, 
54  schooners,  and  smaller  vessels. 
Tonnage  of  the  district  of  Bath,  in- 
cluding the  waters  of  Kennebec 
river,  in  1837,  41,728  tons.  Total 
number  of  vessels  belonging  to  the 
district  of  Bath , in  1835,  37  ships,  94 
brigs,  195  schooners,  10  sloops,  and 
1 steam-boat.  Total,  337.  The 
harbor  of  Bath  is  seldom  obstructed 
by  ice.  Regular  lines  of  steam- 
boats ply  between  this  place  and 
Portland  and  Boston,  about  three- 
fourths  of  the  year. 

Bath,  N.  H., 

Grafton  co.,  on  Connecticut  river, 
is  32  miles  N.  of  Dartmouth  Col- 
lege, 82  N.  W.  of  Concord,  and  9 
N.  of  Haverhill.  Bath  is  pleasant- 
ly situated  in  the  vale  of  the  Con- 
necticut, between  the  Green  moun- 
tains on  the  W.,  and  the  White 
Mountains  on  the  E.,  by  which  it  is 
effectually  shielded  from  high  winds 
and  long  storms.  The  Amonoosuck 
river  waters  the  S.  E.  part,  afford- 
ing many  fine  mill  seats  and  water 
privileges.  The  Amonoosuck  has 
a very  convenient  fall  at  the  village, 
calculated  to  accommodate  ma- 
chinery to  any  extent.  Two  mills 
for  the  manufacture  of  cassimere, 
and  other  machinery,  are  already 
erected.  At  the  principal  village, 
(which  is  very  pleasant,)  there  is  a 
considerable  bridge  over  the  Amo- 
noosuck, of  350  feet  in  length,  built 
in  1807.  The  soil  on  the  hills  is 
generally  a reddish  loam,  on  a bed 
of  marl,  or  hard  pan.  In  the  val- 
leys, it  is  alluvial.  About  one-sixth 
part  of  the  whole  town  is  intervale 
land.  Much  improvement  has  been 
made  in  the  agriculture  of  this 
place : 550  sheep  are  kept  here. 
The  town  was  granted,  1761,  and 
the  first  settlement  was  made  in 
1765,  by  John  Herriman  from  Ha- 


verhill, Mass.  Population,  1830, 
1,627. 

Batteukill  River. 

This  river  is  about  45  miles  in 
length.  It  rises  in  Dorset,  and  pass- 
ing Manchester,  Sunderland  and 
Arlington,  it  receives  Roaring 
Brook  and  other  tributaries  in  Ver- 
mont; it  then  passes  into  the  state 
of  New  York,  and  falls  into  the 
Hudson,  three  miles  below  Fort 
Miller,  and  about  35  miles  N.  from 
Albany,  N.  Y. 

Bays  and  Harbors. 

The  bays  and  harbors  in  New 
England  are  generally  mentioned 
under  the  places  pertaining  to  them. 

Bear  Camp  River,  N.  II., 

Is  formed  of  several  branches  ris- 
ing on  the  south  side  of  Sandwich 
and  Albany  mountains.  The  two 
principal  branches  unite  in  Ossipee, 
and  fall  into  Ossipee  lake  on  its 
western  border. 

Bear  River,  Me., 

Rises  in  the  highlands,  near  Um- 
bagog  lake,  “passes  Newry,  and 
empties  into  the  Androscoggin,  op- 
posite to  Bethel. 

Becket,  Mass., 

An  elevated  farming  township 
on  the  Green  mountain  range,  in 
Berkshire  county.  Westfield,  Farm- 
ington and  Housatonick  rivers  re- 
ceive the  waters  of  several  ponds  in 
this  town.  It  has  some  small  man- 
ufactures, and  about  7,000  sheep. 
The  town  was  incorporated  in  1765, 
and  lies  110  miles  W.  from  Boston, 
15  E.  S.  E.  from  Lenox,  and  23  W. 
from  Northampton.  Population, 
1837,  957. 

Beddington,  Me. 

Washington  co.  There  are  sev- 
eral ponds  in  this  town,  which  are 
among  the  head  waters  of  Pleasant 
and  Narraguagus  rivers.  Incorpo- 
rated, 1833.  Population,  1837, 169, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


It  lies  35  miles  N.  W.  from  Machi- 
as,  and  about  40  E.  from  Bangor. 

Bedford,  N.  H. 

This  is  a pleasant  town  in  Hills- 
borough county.  It  is  8 miles  N. 
E.  from  Amherst,  20  S.  by  E.  from 
Concord.  Merrimack  and  Piscata- 
quoag  are  the  only  rivers  in  this 
town.  The  latter  passes  through 
its  N.  E.  corner,  where  there  is  the 
pleasant  and  flourishing  village  of 
jPiscataqueag.  This  town  has  con- 
siderable very  productive  intervale 
land.  It  has  been  noted  for  the 
cultivation  of  hops  and  for  its  fine 
domestic  manufactures.  On  the  W. 
line  of  Bedford,  are  a remarkable 
gulf  and  precipice,  which  are  ob- 
jects of  curiosity.  A considerable 
brook  passes  over  the  precipice,  and 
falls  about  200  feet  within  the  dis- 
tance of  100  yards.  Here  are  found 
several  excavations  in  solid  stone, 
which  are  sufficiently  large  to  con- 
tain many  persons.  In  mineralogy, 
this  town  affords  a great  variety  of 
specimens.  Iron  ore  is  found  in 
different  places,  and  in  several  vari- 
eties. Sulphuret  of  iron,  imbedded 
in  common  granite,  and  red  oxide 
of  iron,  combined  with  alumine,  are 
common.  Black  lead,  pyritous  cop- 
per, schorl,  hornblende,  epidote, 
talc,  mica,  black,  yellow  and  green 
gneiss,  crystallized  quartz,  &c.  are 
found  here.  The  first  child  born  in 
town  was  Silas  Barron,  son  of  Capt. 
Moses  Barron,  in  1741.  The  town 
was  incorporated,  May  19,  1750. 
Bedford  was  the  residence  of  many 
Indians  in  former  times.  Near 
Goffe’s  falls  is  a spot  of  ground, 
about  ten  rods  long  and  four  wide, 
which  is  supposed  to  have  been  an 
Indian  burial  place.  Population, 
1S30,  1,554. 

Bedford,  Mass. 

This  is  a pleasant  town  in  Middle- 
sex county,  and  the  source  of  Shaw- 
sheen  river.  This  town  was  for- 
merly parts  of  Concord  and  Billeri- 
ca, and  was  incorporated  in  1729. 


Population,  1837,  858.  It  lies  15 
miles  N.  W.  from  Boston,  and  5N 
E.  from  Concord.  Bedford  is  bound 
ed  N.  by  Concord  river.  It  has 
some  manufactures ; principally  of 
boots  and  shoes. 

Belcliertowii,  Mass., 

A beautiful  town  in  Hampshire 
county,  originally  called  “ Cold 
Spring,”  75  miles  W.  from  Boston, 
11  E.  from  Northampton,  and  27  E. 
from  Pittsfield.  Population,  1837, 
2,598.  First  settled,  1732.  Incor- 
porated, 1761.  The  soil  of  the 
town  is  of  an  excellent  quality,  and 
well  improved.  Large  quantities 
of  wool  is  grown  in  this  town.  It 
is  separated  from  Ware  by  Swift 
river,  on  the  N.  The  principal 
manufacture  is  that  of  pleasure 
wagons,  of  which  about  600  are  an 
nually  made.  Mr.  A.  Shumway,  of 
this  place,  has  driven  the  stage  be- 
tween Belchertown-and  Northamp- 
ton 25  successive  years.  In  that 
period  he  made  15,000  trips,  travel- 
led 218,400  miles,  and  carried  at 
least  124,000  passengers ; yet,  al- 
though his  hours  of  travelling  were 
early  in  the  morning  and  late  in 
the  evening,  he  never  broke  a limb, 
overturned  his  coach,  or  met  with 
any  serious  accident  whatever,  dur- 
ing his  whole  career. 

Belfast,  Me., 

Is  the  chief  town  of  Waldo  coun- 
ty, and  a port  of  entry,  and  is  beau- 
tifully situated  on  Belfast  bay,  on 
the  W.  side  of  Penobscot  river.  It 
lies  40  miles  E.  from  Augusta,  30 
S.  from  Bangor,  30  N.  from  Thom- 
aston,  and,  across  Belfast  bay,  12  W. 
from  Castine.  The  town  was  in- 
corporated in  1773,  but  not  perma- 
nently settled  until  about  the  year 
1785.  There  is  considerable  good 
land  in  Belfast.  In  1837  it  pro- 
duced 3,492  bushels  of  as  good 
wheat  as  ever  grew  on  the  prairies 
of  the  “boundless  West.”  The 
Paasaggassawakeag  river  passes 
near  the  centre  of  the  town,  and 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


adds  much  to  the  appearance  of  the 
place.  The  harbor  is  very  good — 
it  is  guarded  by  Long  and  Sears’ 
islands,  and  has  anchorage  for  a 
great  number  of  vessels  of  the  larg- 
est class.  The  proximity  of  Bel- 
fast to  the  sea,  its  site  in  relation  to 
Penobscot  river,  and  its  excellent 
harbor,  which  was  never  known  to 
have  been  obstructed  by  ice,  but 
twice,  (1780 — 1815,)  gives  it  pe- 
culiar advantages  for  foreign  com- 
merce, the  coasting  trade,  and  the 
fisheries.  Considerable  ship  build- 
ing is  carried  on  at  this  place.  The 
tonnage  of  the  district  of  Belfast  in 
1837, was  29,342  tons.  The  principal 
exports  are  lumber  and  fish.  Pop- 
ulation, rS10,  1,259;  1820,  2,026; 
1830,  3,077,  and  in  1837,  about 
4,000.  Belfast,  although  irregular- 
ly built,  is  a pleasant  town,  and  is 
an  important  winter  mart  of  the 
trade  of  Penobscot  river. 

Belgrade,  Me. 

Kennebec  co.  In  this  town  are 
parts  of  three  large  and  beautiful 
ponds  or  lakes,  well  stored  with  fish. 
They  are  connected  with  each  oth- 
er, and  find  an  outlet  at  Waterville. 
The  scenery  on  the  borders  of  these 
waters  is  truly  delightful.  It  pro- 
duced in  1837,  6,340  bushels  of 
wheat.  Belgrade  was  incorporated 
in  1796.  Population,  1837,  1,483. 
It  lies  10  miles  N.  E.  from  Augus- 
ta, and  69  N.  by  E.  from  Portland. 
The  village  at  Belgrade  Mills,  6 
miles  from  the  centre  of  the  town, 
and  16  miles  from  Augusta,  is  a 
very  flourishing  place. 

Bellamy  Bank,  N.  H. 

A river,  one  branch  of  which  is- 
sues from  Chesley’s  pond,  in  Bar- 
rington, and  the  other  from  low  and 
marshy  lands  in  the  vicinity  ; these 
unite  in  Madbury,  and  after  mean- 
dering through  the  town,  the  wa- 
ters fall  into  the  Piscataqua,  on  the 
W.  side  of  Dover  Neck,  where  the 
stream  is  called  Back  river. 


Bellingham,  Mass. 

Norfolk  co.  The  soil  of  this  town 
is  light  and  sandy,  and  not  very 
good  for  agricultural  purposes,  it 
is  finely  Avatered  by  Charles  river, 
and  has  a good  hydraulic  power. 
Its  manufactures,  consisting  of  cot- 
ton and  woollen  goods,  straw  bon- 
nets, boots  and  shoes,  amounted,  in 
one  year,  to  $127,837.  It  lies  18 
miles  S.  W.  from  Dedham,  17  N. 
by  W.  from  Providence,  R.  I.,  and 
28  S.  W.  from  Boston.  Population, 
1837,  1,159.  Incorporated,'  1719. 
Iron  ore  is  found  here. 

Bellows’  Falls. 

See  Walpole , JY.  H. 

Belmont,  Me. 

This  town  is  well  watered  by  the 
Paasaggassawakeag,  which  rises 
there  in  a pond  of  that  name,  and 
empties  at  Belfast,  about  6 miles  N. 
It  lies  34  miles  E.  by  N.  from  Au- 
gusta. In  1837,  Belmont  produced 
3,435  bushels  of  wheat,  and  consid- 
erable wool.  Waldo  county. 

Eelvidere,  Vt. 

Lamoille  co.  A mountainous 
township  on  the  west  side  of  the 
Green  Mountains,  32  miles  N.  E. 
from  Burlington,  32  N.  from  Mont- 
pelier, 27  E.  by  S.  from  St.  Albans, 
and  watered  by  branches  of  La- 
moille river.  Incorporated,  1791. 
Population,  1830,  185. 

Bennington  County,  Vt. 

Bennington  and  Manchester  are 
the  chief  towns.  This  is  the  oldest 
county  in  Vt.,  on  the  west  side  of 
the  Green  Mountains.  It  is  bound- 
ed on  the  north  by  Rutland  county, 
on  the  east  by  Windham  county, 
on  the  south  by  Berkshire  county, 
Mass.,  and  on  the  west  by  the  state 
of  New  York.  It  is  39  miles  long 
and  20  Avide.  Area,  610  square 
miles.  Population,  in  1820, 16,125 ; 
1830, 17,468.  Inhabitants  to  square 
mile,  28.  The  low  lands  are  excel- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


lent, and  produce  good  crops,  but  the 
largest  portion  of  the  county  is 
mountainous,  and  fit  only  for  graz- 
ing. Many  streams  rise  in  the 
mountains  and  descend  to  the  ocean, 
some  hy  the  Hudson- and  some  hy 
the  Connecticut,  affording  a great 
hydraulic  power.  Lead  and  iron 
ores  of  good  quality  are  found  in 
this  county,  and  large  quarries  of 
beautiful  white  marble.  The  num- 
ber of  sheep  in  this  county  in  1837 
was  69,828. 

Bennington,  Vt. 

One  of  the  chief  towns  of  Ben- 
nington county.  It  lies  120  miles 
S.  W.  by  S.  from  Montpelier,  25  S. 
from  Manchester,  and  30  east  from 
Troy,  N.  Y.  Population,  1830, 
3,419.  Present  population,  about 
4,200.  First  settled, 1761.  The  town 
is  situated  high  above  the  great  riv- 
ers and  the  ocean,  yet  we  find  it  of 
good  alluvial  soil,  delightfully  en- 
circled by  ever-green  mountains.  It 
abounds  in  iron  ore,  manganese, 
ochre  and  marble.  The  streams 
are  numerous  and  afford  excellent 
mill  sites.  The  products  of  the 
soil  consist  of  all  the  varieties  com- 
mon to  New  England.  Great  at- 
tention is  paid  to  the  rearing  of 
sheep  : about  7000  of  those  useful 
animals  feed  on  the  hills  and  valleys. 
There  are  in  Bennington,  6 cotton 
and  3 woollen  factories,  a very  ex- 
tensive iron  foundry,  2 furnaces,  a 
paper  mill,  flouring  mills,  &c.  Tire 
public  schools  justly  sustain  an  ele- 
vated rank.  Bennington  is  finely 
located  for  the  muses.  On  the  bor- 
der of  this  town,  about  6 miles  W.- 
of  the  court  house,  the  gallant 
Stark,  with  a small  band  of  “ Green 
Mountain  Boys,”  celebrated  for 
their  bravery,  gained  an  important 
victory  over  the  British,  August  16, 
1777.  The  fame  of  that  battle  is 
as  imperishable  as  the  mountains 
which  overshadow  the  ground. 
Shame  to  the  country  : — there  is 
not  a stone  to  mark  the  spot ! 

4 


Benson,  Vt. 

Rutland  co.  This  town,  on  Lake 
Champlain,  was  first  settled  in  1783. 
Population,  1830,  1,493.  It  lies  84 
miles  E.  from  Montpelier,  20  W. 
N.  W.  from  Rutland,  and  opposite 
to  Putnam,  N.  Y.  The  lake  at  this 
place  is  about  a mile  in  width.  The 
town  has  some  streams  affording 
mill  sites,  but  none  of  great  im- 
portance. The  waters  are  generally 
brackish  and  unpleasant.  A stream 
issues  from  a swamp  in  this  town, 
and  after  running  a short  distance, 
passes  through  the  base  of  a high 
hill,  a distance  of  more  than  half  a 
mile.  Benson  has  good  pine,  ma- 
ple, walnut,  oak  and  beech  timber, 
and  .a  bog  of  marl  resembling  ful- 
ler’s earth.  There  are  about  14,000 
sheep  in  this  town. 

Berkley,  Mass. 

Bristol  co.  Berkley  lies  37  miles 
S.  from  Boston,  18  E.  from  Provi- 
dence, and  5 S.  from  Taunton.  Pop- 
ulation, in  1837,  878.  Taken  from 
Dighton  in  1735,  from  which  it  is 
separated  by  Taunton  river.  Some 
coasting  vessels  belong  to  this  place, 
and  some  ship  building  is  carried  on, 
Assonet  village,  on  Taunton  river, 
is  the  principal  place  of  business. 
The  soil  is  light  and  sandy. 

Berkshire  County,  Mass. 

Lenox  is  the  chief  town.  This 
county  was  incorporated  in  1770. 
Population,  1820,35,666;  1830,37- 
825,  and  in  1837,  39,101 ; area,  860 
square  miles.  Bounded  N.  by  Ben- 
nington county,  Vt.,  W.  by  Rensse- 
-laer  and  Columbia  counties,  N.  Y., 
S.  by  Litchfield  county,  Ct.,  and 
E.  by  Franklin,  Hampshire  and 
Hampden  counties.  This  county 
is  rough  and  hilly  in  many  parts, 
but  it  affords  considerable  very  fine 
land,  and  produces  much  wool, 
all  sorts  of  grain,  and  exports  great 
quantities  of  beef,  pork,  butter,  &c. 
The  number  of  sheep  in  this  coun- 
ty in  1837,  was  136,962.  Berkshire 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


is  the  most  elevated  county  in  the 
state.  The  Green  and  Taughkannic 
Mountains  cross  it  from  N.  to  S.; 
the  average  h eight  of  which  is  about 
1,200  feet  above  the  level  of  the 
sea.  The  Housatonick  and  Hoo- 
sick  are  its  chief  rivers.  The  for- 
mer empties  into  Long  Island  Sound; 
the  latter  into  the  Hudson : 29 
towns;  45  inhabitants  to  a square 
mile.  “ This  county  possesses,  in 
rich  and  inexhaustible  abundance, 
three  of  the  most  important  articles 
of  the  commerce  of  the  world,  Iron , 
Marble  and  Lime,  and  its  wood  and 
water  power  are  fully  sufficient  to 
enable  it  to  fit  them  for  the  pur- 
poses of  life.”  The  tonnage  of  this 
county  to  its  marts  of  trade,  princi- 
pally on  the  Hudson,  amounted,  in 
1834,  to  no  less  than  34,075  tons. 
At  the  present  time  it  probably  ex- 
ceeds 40,000  tons.  The  enterprize 
of  a railroad  from  Boston  to  Albany 
will  soon  be  accomplished,  and  can- 
not fail  of  being  exceedingly  benefi- 
cial, not  only  to  this  county,  but  to 
the  commonwealth  at  large. 

BerkSiiii'e,  Vt. 

Franklin  co.  Elihu  M.  Royce, 
son  of  Stephen  Royce,  was  the  first 
child  born  in  this  town.  That  event 
occurred  in  1793.  On  Missisque 
and  Trout  rivers,  which  water  this 
town,  is  some  fine  intervale  land. 
Pike  river,  from  Canada,  affords 
Berkshire  a great  water  power. 
This  town  lies  50  miles  N.  W.  from 
Montpelier,  22  N.  E.  by  E.  from 
St.  Albans,  and  31  N.  E.  by  N. 
from  Burlington.  Population,  1830, 
1,308.  About  3,000  sheep. 

Berlin,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  This  town  is  hounded 
E.  by  Phillips,  S.  by  Weld  and  W. 
by  Byron.  It  lies  100  miles  N. 
from  Portland,  45  N.  W.  from  Au- 
gusta, and  about  40  N.  from  Paris. 
Population,  1837,  470.  Wheat  crop, 
same  year,  2,175  bushels. 

Berlin,  N.  XI. 

Coos  co.  This  town,  from  1771 


to  1829, was  called  Maynesborough. 
The  Androscoggin  and  Amonoo- 
suck  rivers  pass  through  it.  It  is 
about  20  miles  E.  from  Lancaster, 
and  125  N.  from  Concord.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  73. 

Berlin,  Vt. 

This  is  a pleasant  town  in  Wash- 
ington county,  watered  by  Onion  and 
Dog  rivers,  Stevens’  branch,  and  a 
number  of  ponds,  furnishing  good 
mill  sites,  and  excellent  fishing. 
The  land  is  somewhat  broken,  but 
of  strong  soil  and  good  for  tillage. 
Considerable  manufactures  are  pro- 
duced in  this  town,  and  about  6,000 
sheep.  There  is  a mineral  spring 
here  of  little  note.  First  settled  in 
1786.  Population,  1830,  1,664. — 
Berlin  is  bounded  N.  by  Montpe- 
lier and  E.  by  Barre. 

Berlin,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  Taken  from  Bol- 
ton, in  1784.  Population,  1837, 
724.  It  lies  15  miles  N.  E.  from 
Worcester,  31  W.  by  N.  from  Bos- 
ton, and  7 S.  E.  from  Lancaster. 
A branch  of  the  Assabet  affords 
this  town  good  water  privileges. 
Large  quantities  of  hops  are  pro- 
duced here  ; some  wool,  and  some 
baskets. 

Berlin,  Ct. 

Hartford  co.  Taken  from  Far- 
mington, in  1785.  Population,  1830, 
3,047.  This  town  lies  11  miles  S. 
from  Hartford,  and  23  N.  from  New 
Haven.  The  surface  of  Berlin 
is  hilly,  but  productive  of  grass, 
grain  and  fruits.  There  are  in  the 
town  about  2,000  sheep.  The  vil- 
lages of  Worthington  and  New 
Britain  are  very  pleasant,  and  the 
manufactures  of  brass,  tin  and  oth- 
er wares,  there  pursued,  are  very 
extensive  and  flourishing.  The  first 
manufacture  of  tin  ware  in  this 
country  was  commenced  at  this 
place, in  about  the  year  1770,  by 
Edward  Patterson,  a native  of  Ire- 
land. Mr.  Patterson  peddled  his 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ware  about  the  country,  on  foot,  in 
baskets ; his  successors  in  the  man- 
ufacture did  the  same,  until  the  uses 
and  value  of  the  article  becoming 
known,  and  the  demand  increasing, 
horses  and  wagons  were  employed  ; 
and  thus  this  important  manufac- 
ture of  New  England  was  trans- 
ported to  all  parts  of  the  country. 

Bern.ard.stou,  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  This  is  a township 
of  superior  land  for  agricultural 
purposes,  considerably  elevated,  be- 
tween Fall  and  Connecticut  rivers. 
It  was  formerly  called  Fall  Town. 
There  was  a fort  here  in  1746, 
when  this  part  of  the  county  was 
peopled  mostly  by  Indians.  It  was 
incorporated,  by  its  present  name, 
in  1764.  It  lies  96  miles  W.  by  N. 
from  Boston,  and  7 N.  from  Green- 
field. Population,  1837,  S78.  Bald 
and  West  mountains  afford  delight- 
ful scenery  : — the  former  is  630  feet 
above  the  waters  of  the  Connecti- 
cut. Here  are  springs  containing 
magnesia,  sulphur  and  iron.  Ber- 
nardston  produced,  in  one  year, 

16.000  bushels  of  corn  and  rye,  and 

5.000  barrels  of  cider.  There  are 
3,022  sheep  in  this  town,  and  some 
manufactures  of  shoes, leather, palm- 
leaf  hats,  and  scythe  snaiths. 

Berwick,  Me. 

York  co.  This  town  lies  on  the 
E.  side  of  Salmon  river,  about  14 
miles  S.  S.  W.  from  Alfred,  45  S. 
W.  from  Portland,  and  98  S.  W. 
from  Augusta.  Berwick  has  con- 
siderable trade  in  lumber.  Incor- 
porated, 1713.  Population,  1837, 
1,799 

Bethany,  Ct. 

New  Haven  co.  Taken  from 
Woodbridge,  in  1832.  It  lies  10 
miles  N.  by  W.  from  New  Ha- 
ven. Some  portions  of  this  town 
is  good  land  and  well  cultivated, 
but  a large  part  of  it  is  mountain- 
ous, and  fit  only  for  the  growth  of 
wood.  Beacon  mountain,  between 


Bethany  and  Naugatuck  river,  pre- 
sents some  wild  and  picturesque 
features. 

Bethel,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  Incorporated  in  1796. 
Population,  1837,  1,864.  Bethel 
lies  18  miles  N.  W.  from  Paris,  61 
N.  W.  from  Portland,  and  63  W. 
from  Augusta.  This  town  is  bound- 
ed N.  and  W.  by  Androscoggin  riv- 
er, and  S.  by  Greenwood.  This  is 
a fine  farming  town,  and  produced 
5,214  bushels  of  wheat  in  1837. 

Bethel,  Vt. 

Windsor  co.  This  town  was  first 
settled  in  1780,  and  was  the  first 
town  chartered  by  the  government 
of  Vermont.  It  lies  31  miles  S.  by 
W.  from  Montpelier,  and  30  N.  W. 
from  Windsor.  Population,  1830, 
1,240.  Bethel  is  watered  by 
branches  of  White  river,  and  pos- 
sesses good  mill  sites.  Soap  stone 
is  found  here  in  great  quantities 
and  of  good  quality : much  of  it  is 
sawed  and  transported.  Garnet  in 
small,  but  perfect  crystals,  is  also 
common.  The  surface  of  Bethel  is 
broken  and  mountainous,  but  the 
soil  is  warm  and  good  for  grazing. 
It  has  about  8,000  sheep.  Consid- 
erable business  is  done  at  both  vil- 
lages, East  and  West;  the  latter 
is  the  largest. 

Bethel,  Ct. 

Fairfield  co.  This  is  a pleasant 
and  flourishing  village,  in  the  town 
of  Danbury,  and  about  3 miles  N. 
W.  from  the  centre  of  that  town. 
There  are  about  fifty  dwelling  hous- 
es in  the  village,  and  about  thirty 
work  shops  or  factories.  The  man- 
ufacture of  hats  and  combs  is  the 
principal  business  of  the  place,  and 
large  quantities  of  both  are  annu- 
ally transported  to  Boston,  New 
York  and  other  places. 

Bethlehem,  N.  H., 

Grafton  co.,  is  bounded  N.  by 
Whitefield  and  Dalton,  E.  by  Car- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


roll  and  ungranted  land,  S.  by  Fran- 
conia and  Lisbon,  and  N.  W.  by 
Littleton.  It  is  watered  by  Great 
Amonoosuck  river.  The  soil  pro- 
duces good  crops  of  grass  and  grain. 
There  is  plenty  of  pine  timber  and 
sugar  maple.  Iron  ore,  both  of  the 
mountain  and  bog  kind,  has  been  oc- 
casionally found.  Two  mineral 
springs  have  been  discovered. — 
Bethlehem  was  settled  in  1790. 
It  was  incorporated  Dec.  27,  1799. 
Population,  1830,  665. 

Bctlilehem,  Ct. 

Litchfield  co.  This  town  is  38 
miles  W.  S.  W.  from  Hartford,  32 
N.  W.  by  W.  from  New  Haven, 
and  8 S.  from  Litchfield.  It  was 
taken  from  Woodbury  in  1787.  It 
is  hilly,  with  a gravelly  loam,  and 
fit  for  grazing  and  the  growth  of 
rye.  It  has  2,000  sheep.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  906.  The  town  is  wa- 
tered by  Pomperaug  river,  a branch 
of  the  Housatonick. 

Beverly,  Mass. 

Essex  co.  This  town  lies  N.  of 
Salem,  and  is  united  to  it  by  a bridge 
across  the  North  river,  built  in  178S, 
1,500  feet  in  length.  The  people 
of  this  town  are  noted  for  their  en- 
terprise in  commerce  and  the  fish- 
eries. There  are  some  merchant 
vessels  belonging  to  this  place, 
about  50  sail  of  fishermen,  and  20 
coasters.  The  annual  value  of  the 
fisheries  at  Beverly  is  about  $100,- 
000.  The  manufactures,  consisting 
of  Brittania  ware,  tin  and  cabinet 
wares,  chairs,  hats,  boots,  hair,  mus- 
tard and  bricks,  amounted  in  one 
year  to  about  $120,000.  The  pros- 
perity of  this  town  has  not  suffered 
by  the  growth  of  luxury  or  excess  of 
trade  ; its  fisheries  and  manufactur- 
ing concerns  are  steady  and  pro- 
gressive. First  settled,  1626.  In- 
corporated, 1688.  Population,  1830, 
4,079 — 1837,  4,609.  Among  many 
distinguished  men  who  have  lived 
and  died  at  Beverly,  was  Captain 
Thomas  Lothrop,  who  commanded 


the  £<  Flower  of  Essex,”  a compa- 
ny of  young  men  from  this  county, 
and  who  were,  with  their  leader, 
almost  wholly  cut  off  by  the  In- 
dians, at  Bloody  Brook,  in  1675. 

Biddeford,  Me. 

York  co.  On  the  S.  side  of  Saco 
river,  and  connected  with  the  town 
of  Saco  by  a bridge.  The  town 
extends  down  the  river  to  the  sea, 
and  includes  a point  of  land  called 
“Fletcher’s  Neck,”  off  which  are 
several  small  islands;  on  one  of 
which,  Wood  Island,  is  a revolving 
light.  This  is  a good  township  for 
agricultural  pursuits,  the  coasting 
trade,  ship  building,  and  the  fish- 
ery. It  lies  38  miles  N.  E.  from 
York,  15  S.  W.  from  Portland,  and 
69  S.  W.  from  Augusta.  First 
permanently  settled,  1630'.  Incor- 
porated, 1718.  Population,  1837, 
2,278.  See  Saco. 

Billerica,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  This  town  is  wa- 
tered by  the  Concord  and  Shaw- 
sheen  rivers,  and  has  a pleasant  vil- 
lage, on  high  ground,  near  the  cen- 
tre. Its  soil  is  good  and  well  im- 
proved. The  Middlesex  canal  and 
the  Boston  and  Lowell  rail  road  pass 
through  the  easterly  part  of  the 
town.  First  settled,  1653.  Incor- 
porated, 1655.  Population,  1837, 
1,498.  Here  are  some  manufactures 
of  woolen  cloth,  boots,  leather, 
wooden  ware,  straw  bonnets,  shav- 
ing and  splitting  knives,  bed  bind- 
ing, soft  soap,  and  spirits.  Billerica 
lies  18  miles  N.  W.  from  Boston, 
7 S.  S.  E.  from  Lowell,  and  7 N.  E. 
by  N.  from  Concord. 

Bingham,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  On  the  eastern 
bank  of  Kennebec  river,  opposite 
to  Concord,  26  miles  N.  from  Nor- 
ridgewock,  118  N.  N.  E.  from  Port- 
land, and  55  N.  from  Augusta.  In- 
corporated, 1812.  Population,  1837, 
701.  In  1837,  2,548  bushels  of 
wheat  was  raised  in  this  town. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Black  Rivers. 

Black  river,  in  Windsor  county, 
Vt.  is  35  miles  in  length.  It  rises 
in  Plymouth,  passes  Ludlow,  Cav- 
endish and  Weathersfield,  and  falls 
into  the  Connecticut  at  Springfield. 
This  river  passes  through  many  nat- 
ural ponds,  and  affords  a great  num- 
ber of  mill  seats. 

Black  river,  in  Orleans  county, 
Vt.  is  about  30  miles  in  length.  It 
rises  iU  some  ponds  in  Craftsbury, 
and  passing  through  Albany,  Iras- 
burg,  and  Coventry,  it  falls  into 
Memphremagog  lake  at  Salem. 

Black  river,  in  Somerset  county. 
Me.  is  one  of  the  head  branches  of 
the  Walloostook. 

Blacks  tone  River,  Mass. 

The  most  inland  branch  of  this 
river  rises  between  Paxton  and  Hol- 
den. It  passes  Worcester,  and  the 
ponds  in  Shrewsbury  pay  it  the  tri- 
bute of  their  waters.  After  pass- 
ing Auburn,  Grafton,  Millbury, 
Sutton,  Northbridge,  Uxbridge  and 
Mendon,  it  passes  into  the  state  of 
Rhode  Island,  where  it  changes  its 
name  to  Pawtucket,  and  meets  the 
tide  waters  in  Providence  river. 

Blackwater  River,  N.  H. 

Blackwater  river,  N.  H.  so  called 
from  its  dark  appearance,  is  formed 
by  two  small  streams,  one  of  which 
rises  in  Danbury,  and  the  other  is- 
sues from  Pleasant  pond,  in  New 
London.  These  branches  unite 
soon  after  crossing  the  W.  line  of 
Andover,  and  form  the  Blackwater, 
which  passes  through  the  S.  W.  part 
of  that  town  ; from  thence  through 
the  W.  part  of  the  towns  of  Salisbu- 
ry and  Boscawen  into  Hopkinton, 
where  it  empties  into  Contoocook 
river. 

Blanchard,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  This  town  lies  116 
miles  from  Augusta.  In  1837,  795 
bushels  of  wheat  was  raised  here. 
Population,  same  year,  261.  See 
Barnard,  Me. 


Blandford,  Mass. 

Hampden  co.  Branches  of  W est- 
field  river  rise  in  this  town  and  give 
it  a good  water  power.  Blandford 
was  incorporated  in  1741.  It  was 
originally  settled  by  a company  from 
the  north  of  Ireland.  It  lies  114 
miles  W.  by  S.  from  Boston,  and  15 
W.  by  N.  from  Springfield.  Popu- 
lation, 1837,  1,443.  The  manufac- 
tures of  the  place  consist  of  woolen 
cloth,  paper  and  leather.  Annual 
amount,  $50,500.  The  agricultu- 
ral products  sent  to  market  in  1836, 
amounted  to  $22,340.  There  were 
in  the  town  1,535  cows  and  1,822 
merino  sheep. 

Block  Island,  R.  I. 

See  New  Slioreham. 

Bloody  Brook,  Mass. 

See  Deerfield. 

Bloomfield,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  This  town  was  in- 
corporated in  1814,  and  lies  on  Ken- 
nebec river,  33  miles  N.  from  Au- 
gusta and  7 below  Norridgewock, 
opposite  to  Skowhegan.  Popula- 
tion, 1837,  1,053.  Bloomfield  is  a 
fine  township  of  land,  and  produced 
in  1837  5,080  bushels  of  wheat. 

Bloomfield,  Vt. 

Essex  co.  Bloomfield  lies  on  the 
W . side  of  Connecticut  river,  and  i3 
also  watered  by  branches  of  the 
Nulhegan.  Population,  1830,  150. 
It  is  about  20  miles  N.  from  Guild- 
hall, and  60  N.  E.  from  Montpelier. 

Bloomfield,  Ct. 

Hartford  co.  This  was  formerly 
a parish  in  Windsor,  called  Winton- 
bury.  It  derived  its  name  from  the 
circumstance  of  the  parish  being 
formed  from  Windsor,  Farmington 
and  Simsbury ; the  name  Win-ton- 
bury  being  a part  of  the  name  of 
each  of  those  towns.  It  was  incor- 
porated into  a town  in  1835.  The 
inhabitants  enjoy  a fine  soil,  and  cul- 
tivate it  with  great  industry,  pro- 


4# 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ducing  large  crops  of  grass  and 
grain,  with  an  abundance  of  choice 
fruit.  It  lies  about  six  miles  N. 
from  Hartford.  Population,  about 
1,400. 

Blue  Hill  and  Bay,  Me. 

Hancock  co.  The  town  lies  at 
the  head  of  a large  bay,  of  the  same 
name,  12  miles  E.  from  Oastine, 
and  78  E.  from  Augusta.  There 
are  several  large  ponds  in  Blue  Hill, 
and  a hill  of  960  feet  in  height,  from 
which  delightful  marine  scenery  is 
presented.  Incorporated  1789.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  1,808.  The  hay  has 
Long  and  other  islands  inside  ; and 
outside,  Burntcoat,  and  a group  of 
smaller  islands.  Blue  Hill  bay  is 
connected  with  Penobscot  bay  and 
river  by  a passage  between  the 
islands  and  main  land,  of  about  12 
miles.  It  lies  about  16  miles  W. 
from  Frenchman’s  bay. 

Blue  Hills. 

The  first  range  of  mountains  on 
the  eastern  coast  of  New  Hamp- 
shire and  Maine  ; and  the  elevated 
lands  in  Milton,  Mass,  are  thus  de- 
nominated, in  consequence  of  their 
blue  or  cloud-like  appearance,  at  a 
distance,  on  the  ocean. 

Boar’s  Head,  X,  H. 

See  Hampton. 

Bolton,  Vt. 

Chittenden  co.  Population,  1S30, 
452.  17  miles  S.  E.  from  Burling- 

ton, and  17  N.  W.  from  Montpelier. 
Incorporated,  1763.  Bolton  lies  on 
the  western  side  of  the  Green 
Mountains.  Onion  river  passes 
through  the  town,  on  the  banks  of 
which  most  of  the  inhabitants  re- 
side. 

Bolton,  Mass. 

A good  farming  town  in  the  coun- 
ty of  Worcester,  31  miles  W.  by  N. 
from  Boston,  and  15  N.  N.  E.  from 
Worcester.  Incorporated,  1738. 
Population,  1837,  1 ,185.  It  lies  be- 


tween Concord  and  Nashua  rivers. 
Here  are  good  limestone,  and  small 
manufactures  of  boots,  shoes,  leath- 
er and  combs. 

Bolton,  Ct. 

Tolland  co.  This  town  lies  14 
miles  E.  from  Hartford,  and  10  miles 
S.  by  W.  from  Tolland.  Popula- 
tion, 1830, 744.  The  soil  is  a coarse, 
hard,  gravelly  loam,  fit  only  for 
grazing.  It  is  within  the  granite 
region  of  the  eastern  section  of  the 
state.  The  Bolton  Stone  Quarry  is 
quite  noted.  “ The  stone  is  a spe- 
cies of  slate,  of  a brilliant  light 
gray  color,  composed  of  mica  and 
quartz,  and  is  excellent  for  flagging 
and  other  purposes.  It  is  extensive- 
ly used  in  the  principal  cities  of  the 
United  States.  For  strength  it  ex- 
ceeds any  other  known  in  this  coun- 
try, and  the  demand  for  it  is  rapidly 
increasing.”  The  supply  is  inex- 
haustible. 

Boon  Island,  Me., 

A ledge  of  rocks,  with  a light- 
house thereon;  about  9 miles  E. 
from  Kittery.  Near  this  island  the 
steamboat  New  England,  on  her 
passage  from  Boston  to  Gardiner, 
met  a fatal  disaster,  by  coming  in 
contact  with  a loaded  coaster,  on  the 
night  of  the  31st  of  May,  1S38,  by 
which  many  valuable  lives  were 
jeopardized. 

BootliDay,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  This  town  is  bound- 
ed W.  by  the  mouth  of  Sheepscot 
river,  N.  by  Edgecomb,  E.  by 
Damariscotta  river,  and  S.  by  the 
ocean.  It  is  nearly  surrounded  by 
water,  and  is  noted  for  its  excellent 
harbor.  Its  maritime  situation  ren- 
ders it  a place  of  considerable  busi- 
ness in  the  coasting  trade  and  fish- 
eries. This  town  lies  39  miles  S.  S. 
E.  from  Augusta,  12  E.  N.  E.  from 
W'iscasset,  60  E.  N.  E.  from  Port- 
land, and  about  40  miles  S.  W.  by 
W.  from  Owl’s  Head,  by  water. 
Boothbay  is  a fine  watering  place. 


’ NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


and  many  visit  it,  in  summer  months, 
for  health  or  pleasure.  Here  may 
be  found  all  the  enjoyments  of  sea 
air  and  bathing ; fishing  and  fowl- 
ing ; ocean  and  island  scenery ; for 
which  JVahant , in  Massachusetts 
hay,  is  justly  celebrated.  Incorpo- 
rated, 1764.  Population,  1837, 2,562. 

Boscawen,  K.  H. 

Merrimack  co.  Boscawen  is  sit- 
uated between  Concord  and  Salis- 
bury, on  the  W.  side  of  Merrimack 
river.  Boscawen  is  8 miles  N.  TV. 
from  Concord.  Besides  the  Merri- 
mack, the  west  part  of  this  town  is 
watered  by  Blackwater  river,  run- 
ning nearly  parallel  with  the  for- 
mer, through  the  whole  extent  of 
the  town,  and  about  five  miles  dis- 
tant from  it.  It  is  not  a large  stream, 
but  very  important,  both  on  account 
of  the  fertile  fields  of  champaign 
on  its  borders,  and  the  numerous  wa- 
ter privileges  it  affords.  There  are 
two  ponds  of  some  note.  Great  pond, 
near  the  centre  of  the  town.  Long 
pond,  in  the  west  part,  and  mill  seats 
at  the  outlet  of  each.  Boscawen  is 
of  a deep,  productive  soil,  affording 
many  excellent  farms  delightfully 
situated.  The  surface,  when  view- 
ed from  its  highest  parts,  appears 
uncommonly  level.  From  the  nu- 
merous streams  of  living  water,  and 
from  the  peculiar  direction  of  the 
swells  of  the  hills,  this  town  prob- 
ably derives  that  pure  air  and  uni- 
form temperature  which  are  so  con- 
ducive to  health.  The  principal 
village  is  in  the  east  section  of  the 
town.  It  is  situated  on  a spacious^ 
street  nearly  two  miles  in  length,' 
very  straight  and  level.  Here  the 


eye  of  the  traveller  is  attracted  and 
delighted  by  the  fertile  intervales 
and  windings  of  the  river  Merri- 
mack. There  is  another  village  on 
a pleasant  eminence  near  the  west 
meeting  house.  Boscawen  was 
granted  by  Massachusetts  in  1733. 
The  proprietors  gave  to  it  the  name 
of  Contoocook,  after  the  Indian 
name  of  the  river.  It  received  its 
present  name  when  it  was  incorpo- 
rated, April 22,  1760,  from  Edward 
Boscawen,  a celebrated  English  ad 
miral  then  on  the  American  station. 
The  first  settlement  commenced 
early  in  the  season  of  1734.  Abi- 
gail Danforth  was  the  first  child 
born  in  the  town.  The  Indians 
made  frequent  predatory  incursions 
on  the  inhabitants.  See  Dustori’s 
Island. 

Among  the  deceased  citizens  of 
this  place  entitled  to  respectful  no- 
tice, are,  George  Jackman , Esq., 
the  first  town  clerk,  who  continued 
in  office  36  years.  He  was  appoint- 
ed a justice  of  the  peace  under 
Geo.  II.  and  continued  in  that  office 
during  all  successive  changes  down 
to  1318. 

Rev.  Samuel  Wood , D.  D.,  for 
more  than  half  a century  the  min- 
ister of  Boscawen,  was  distinguish- 
ed for  his  learning  and  piety. 

Hon.  Ezekiel  Webster , a native 
of  Salisbury,  resided  here  many 
years.  He  was  an  eminent  barris- 
ter at  law,  of  extraordinary  talents, 
and  great  private  worth.  He  died 
in  the  court  house,  at  Concord, 
April  10,  1820,  aged  49,  beloved 
and  lamented  by  all  who  knew  his 
character.  Population,  1830, 2,093. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


boring  towns  of  Quincy,  Dorchester,  Milton,  Roxbury,  Brookline,  Brigh- 
ton, Watertown,  Cambridge,  Charlestown,  Medford,  Malden,  and  Chel- 
sea, although  not  included  in  the  city  charter,  are  component  parts  of  the 
city,  and  are  as  much  associated  with  it  in  all  its  commercial,  manufac- 
turing, literary,  and  social  relations  and  feelings,  as  Greenwich,  Man- 
hattanville,  and  Harlem  are  with  the  city  of  New  York;  or  Southwark 
and  the  Northern  Liberties  with  Philadelphia. 

The  populafion  of  Boston  in  1700,  was  7,000 — 1722,  10,567 — 1765, 
15,520—1790,  18,038—1800,  24,937—1810,  33,250—1820,  43,298— 1S30, 
61,391,  and  in  1837,  80,^25. 

Avenues. 

The  peninsular  situation  of  Boston  requires  many  artificial  avenues  to 
and  from  the  surrounding  country.  Until  1786,  the  “ Neck,”  between 
Boston  and  Roxbury,  one  mile  and  117  feet  in  length,  was  the  only  pas- 
sage to  it  by  land.  On  the  17th  June,  of  that  year,  the  Charles  River 
Bridge,  leading  from  Boston  to  Charlestown,  was  opened  for  travel.  It 
was  incorporated,  March  9, 1785.  This  bridge  is  1,503  feet  in  length,  42 
in  breadth,  and  cost  §50,000.  Net  revenue  in  1834,  $9,383.  This 
bridge  by  its  charter  becomes  state  property  in  1856. 

West  Boston  Bridge,  leading  to  Cambridge,  was  opened  on  the  23d 
of  November,  1793.  It  was  incorporated  March  9,  1792.  Length  of 
the  bridge,  2,753  feet — abutment  and  causeway,  3,432 — total  length, 
6,190  feet.  Cost,  $76,667.  Net  revenue  in  1834,  $12,928.  This  bridge 
will  become  state  property  in  1879. 

South  Boston  Bridge,  leading  from  Boston  Neck  to  South  Boston,  was 
Incorporated  March  6, 1804,  and  opened  for  travel  in  July,  1805.  Length, 
1,550  feet — width,  40.  It  cost  the  proprietors  about  $50,000.  It  is  now 
city  property — free. 

Canal  Bridge,  from  Boston  to  Lechmere  Point,  in  East  Cambridge, 
was  incorporated  February  27,  1S07,  and  opened  for  travel  in  August, 
1809.  Length,  2,796  feet — width,  40.  A lateral  bridge  extends  from 
this  to  Prison  Point,  Charlestown.  Length,  1,820 — width,  35  feet. 
Net  receipts  in  1834,  $3,173.  This  bridge  will  become  state  property  in 
1879. 

The  Western  Avenue,  leading  from  Beacon  street  to  Sewell’s  Point , 
tn  Brookline,  was  incorporated  June  14,  1814,  and  commenced  in  1818. 
It  was  opened  for  travel,  July  2, 1S21.  This  avenue  is  a substantial  dam 
across  Charles  river  bay,  about  a mile  and  a half  in  length,  and  from  60 
to  100  feet  in  width.  This  dam  encloses  about  600  acres  of  flats,  over 
which  the  tide  formerly  flowed  from  7 to  10  feet.  A partition  dam  di- 
vides this  enclosure,  and  forms,  by  the  aid  of  flood  and  ebb  gates,  a full 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 

and  receiving  basin ; thereby  producing,  at  all  times,  a great  hydraulic 
power.  The  cross  dam  also  forms  an  excellent  avenue  from  the  main 
dam  to  Roxbury.  Cost,  about  $700,000.  Net  receipts  in  1834,  $6,133. 
The  proprietors  of  this  avenue  claim  a perpetual  franchise. 

Boston  Free  Bridge,  from  Sea  street  to  South  Boston.  Incorporated, 
March  4,  1826 — completed,  1828.  Length,  500 — width,  38  feet.  Built 
by  proprietors  of  lands  in  the  vicinity.  City  property. 

Warren  Bridge,  leading  to  Charlestown.  Length,  1,390  feet — width, 
44.  Incorporated  March  12,  1828,  and  opened  on  the  December  follow- 
ing. It  is  now  state  property7.  The  net  receipts  of  this  bridge  in  1834, 
were  $16,427. 

All  the  above  avenues  are  lighted  with  lamps,  when  necessary,  and 
make  a beautiful  appearance. 

Public  Buildings. 

Some  of  those  of  the  most  prominent  character  only  can  be  mentioned. 

The  City  Hall,  or  “the  Old  State  House,”  on  State  and  Washington 
streets,  now  occupied  by  the  city  government,  Post-Office,  Reading-Room, 
&c.,  is  110  feet  in  length,  38  in  breadth,  and  3 stories  high.  Two  build- 
ings on  this  spot  have  been  destroyed  by  fire.  The  first  was  built  in  1659, 
the  second  in  1714,  and  the  present  in  1748.  Until  the  erection  of  the 
present  State  House,  this  building  had  ever  been  used  for  governmental 
purposes,  both  colonial  and  state. 

Faneuil  Hall,  or  the  “ Cradle  of  Liberty,”  in  Dock  Square,  is  three 
stories  high,  100  feet  by  80,  and  was  the  gift  of  Peter  Faneuil,  Esq.  to 
the  town,  in  1742.  The  building  was  enlarged  in  1805,  and  until  the 
new  Market  was  built  the  lower  part  of  it  was  used  for  meat  stalls.  It  is 
now  improved  for  stores.  The  Hall  is  76  feet  square,  28  feet  high,  and 
has  deep  galleries  on  three  sides.  It  is  adorned  with  superb  paintings  of 
patriots,  warriors  and  statesmen.  The  third  story  is  improved  for  armo- 
ries. 

State  House.  This  building  is  on  an  open  square,  on  Beacon-street, 
fronting  the  malls  and  common.  Iwfoundation  is  110  feet  above  the  lev- 
el of  the  sea.  It  was  commence^.  in  1795,  and  completed  and  occupied 
in  1798.  Cost,  $133,333.  Length,  173  feet — breadth,  61.  On  the  area 
of  the  lower  hall  stands  the  beautiful  Statue  of  Washington,  by  Chan- 
try. From  the  top  of  the  dome  on  this  building,  52  feet  in  diameter,  and 
230  feet  above  the  level  of  the  harbor,  the  whole  city  appeal's  beneath, 
with  all  its  crooked  streets,  its  extended  avenues,  its  splendid  buildings, 
and  the  malls  and  common,  crossed  with  romantic  walks,  and  shaded  by 
eenturian  elms.  On  the  north  and  west  the  county  of  Middlesex  pre- 
sents its  numerous  villas,  and  a rich  array  of  agricultural  taste  and  beau- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 

ty.  Here  are  viewed  the  hallowed  halls  of  Harvard,  and  the  sacred 
field  of  Bunker.  On  the  south  the  county  of  Norfolk  appears,  with  its 
granite  hills  and  luxuriant  vales,  chequered  With  a thousand  farm  houses, 
cottages,  and  splendid  mansions.  On  the  east,  the  city,  with  its  lofty 
spires,  the  harbor  and  the  ocean,  all  conspire  to  render  this  the  most  en- 
chanting scene  west  of  the  Bay  of  N aples. 

The  Massachusetts  Hospital  is  on  an  open  plot  of  ground  of  4 acres, 
at  the  western  part  of  the  city,  on  the  banks  of  Charles  river.  It  is  16S 
feet  in  length,  and  54  in  breadth.  . Commenced  in  1818,  completed  in 
1821.  This  building  is  of  granite,  and  is  a beautiful  monument  of  taste 
and  beneficence. 

Faneuil  Hall  Market.  The  corner  stone  of  this  superb  granite 
building  was  laid  on  the  27th  of  April  1825,  and  completed  in  1827.  Cost, 
$>150,000,  exclusive  of  land.  It  extends  east  of  Faneuil  Hall,  on  Dock 
square,  536  feet,  and  is  50  feet  in  width.  The  centre  part  of  the  build- 
ing, 74  by  55,  projects  two  o-r  three  feet  on  the  north  and  south,  and  rises 
77  feet  from  the  ground,  to  a beautiful  dome.  The  wings  are  31  feet, 
and  two  stories  high.  The  lower  floor  is  exclusively  appropriated  as  a 
meat,  fish  and  vegetable  market.  The  upper  story  is  one  vast  hall,  ar- 
ranged to  be  divided  into  compartments  for  ware-rooms  and  large  sales. 
On  the  sides  of  this  building  are  North  Market  street,  65,  and  South 
Market  street,  102  feet  in  width;  on  each  of  which  is  a range  of  spa- 
cious ware-houses,  with  granite  fronts.  On  the  east,  across  Commercial 
street,  is  a commodious  wharf,  belonging  to  the  city.  The  hall,  in  the 
centre  of  the  building  is  called  Quincy  Hall,  in  honor  of  Josiah  Quincy, 
L.L.  D.,  the  late  indefatigable  mayor  of  the  city,  and  now  president  of 
Harvard  University. 

Tremont  House.  This  superb  hotel,  on  Tremont  and  Beacon  streets, 
was  commenced  on  the  4th  of  July,  1828,  and  completed  16th  of  October, 
1829.  Its  granite  front  on  Tremont  street  'is  160  feet,  and  3 stories  high. 
The  wings  are  four  stories  high ; that  on  Beacon  street  is  84  by  34  feet; 
and  that  on  the  south,  fronting  an  open  square,  is  110  by  40  feet.  This 
building  contains  180  rooms.  The  dining  hall  is  70  by  31,  and  14  feet 
high.  Cost,  $;68,000,  without  the  land. 

New  Court  House.  The  corner  stone  of  this  building,  in  Court 
square,  between  Court  and  School  streets,  for  the  accommodation  of  all 
the  courts  of  law  for  the  county,  city,  and  the  United  States,  offices  of 
record,  &c.,  was  laid  Sept.  28,  1833.  It  is  of  cut,  or  hewn  granite,  from 
the  Quincy  quarry.  Its  length  is  175  feet  10  inches; — width,  53  feet 
10  inches,  and  height  57  feet  3 inches.  A portico  of  nearly  the  same 
model  of  the  Doric  portico  at  Athens,  adorns  its  north  and  south  fronts. 
There  are  four  columns  of  fluted  granite  at  each  of  these  porticos,  meas- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER 


uring  25*feet  4 inches  in  length,  and  4 feet  5 inches  in  diameter.  They 
weigh  25  tons  each.  The  interior  contains  four  court  rooms,  50  feet  by 
40,  and  large  and  commodious  offices  for  all  the  respective  departments. 

Houses  of  Industry , Correction,  and  Reformation.  These  houses  are 
delightfully  situated  on  a plot  of  ground  of  about  61  acres,  situated  at 
South  Boston,  on  the  margin  of  the  harbor,  and  near  the  br-ow  of  Dor- 
chester Heights. 

Trinity  Church,  in  Summer  street,  St.  Paul’s  Church  and  the  Ma- 
sonic Temple,  in  Tremcnt  street,  the  Washington  Bank,  in  Washing- 
ton street,  the  granite  building  lately  erected  by  the  Suffolk  Bank,  the 
United  States  Bank,  in  State  street,  and  the  Steeple  of  Park  street 
Church,  are  some  of  the  best  specimens  of  architecture  in  Boston. 

Schools  and  Institutions. 

The  first  settlers  of  New  England  were  exceedingly  tenacious  of  their 
civil  and  religious  rights,  and  they  well  knew  that  knowledge  was  an 
all-powerful  engine  to  preserve  those  rights,  and  transmit  them  to  their 
posterity.  They  therefore  very  early  laid  the  foundation  of  those  free 
schools,  of  which  all  the  sons  and  daughters  of  New  England  are  justly 
proud.  Exclusive  of  Infant  and  Sabbath  school  scholars,  about  a quar= 
ter  part  of  the  population  of  Boston  is  kept  at  school  throughout  the 
year,  at  an  annual  expense  of  about  $200,000.  Boston  is  not  only  cele 
brated  for  its  schools,  but  for  its  munificent  donations  in  support  of  its 
institutions  for  moral,  religious,  and  literary  purposes.  Since  the  year 
1800,  not  less  than  two  millions  of  dollars  have  thus  been  appropriated 
by  the  citizens  of  Boston. 

New  England  Institution  for  the  Education  of  the  Blind. 

This  Institution  was  incorporated  in  1829 ; but,  little  was  accomplished 
until  1832,  when  Dr.  Howe  returned  from  Europe  accompanied  by  a 
blind  teacher;  manifesting  that  zeal  in  the  cause  of  the  blind  which  had 
distinguished  his  philanthropic  labors,  in  another  sphere,  in  a distant 
land.  He  opened  a school  with  six-blind  3roung  scholars.  The  progress 
of  those  children  was  so  great,  and  the  value  of  an  Institution  of  the 
kind  so  apparent,  that  legislatures  and  citizens,  generally,  became 
much  interested.  By  public  and  private  donations,  particularly  by  the 
influence  of  ladies  in  several  parts  of  New  England,  and  by  the  munifi- 
cent gift  of  a splendid  building  in  Pearl  street,  by  the  Hon.  Thomas  H. 
Perkins,  the  Institution  has  increased,  both  iu  reputation  and  funds,  with 
unparalleled  success.  The  scholars  are  instructed  in  all  those  branches 
common  in  other  schools,  and  some  of  them  in  the  higher  branches  of 
literature.  Music  is  the  study  of  all.  Mechanical  labors  are  taught 
and  enjoyed  by  the  pupils.  Musical  instruments  of  all  kinds,  and  other 

5 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


implements  are  provided  for  their  convenience  and  use.  A printing 
press  is  established,  and  several  books  have  been  printed  in  embossed 
letters,  which  are  superior  to  any  in  Europe.  It  is  exceedingly  delight- 
ful to  see  these  interesting  youth,  whose  lives  once  seemed  a dreary 
waste,  and  to  witness  their  improvement  in  acquiring  useful  knowledge, 
partaking  of  all  those  recreations,  natural  and  proper  for  their  age,  sex, 
and  condition,  and  fittfng  themselves  for  useful  stations  in  society.  The 
Institution  is  managed  by  a board  of  trustees,  and  is  patronized  by  the 
governments  of  all  the  New  England  States. 

1 . V ' 

Eye  and  Ear  Infirmary. 

This  Institution  was  commenced  ih  Boston,  by  Drs.  Jeffries  and  Rey- 
nolds, in  1824,  from  a conviction  of  its  utility  and  importance,  derived 
from  what  they  had  seen  and  known  of  similar  establishments  in  Europe. 
Those  gentlemen  conducted  the  establishment  at  their  own  expense  for 
some  time,  during  which  large  numbers  received  the  most  important 
benefits.  In  1827,  by  the  philanthropic  exertions  of  those,  and  other 
gentlemen,  an  act  of  incorporation  was  obtained,  and  some  funds  were 
raised.  As  early  as  1828,  2,610  cases  were  treated  at  the  Infirmary,  of 
which  about  five-sixths  were  cured.  Of  these  cases  about  one-sixth 
were  for  diseases  of  the  ear.  Since  that  time  the  number  of  applicants 
has  increased  annually ; and  this  Institution,  whose  merits  are  not  sur- 
passed by  any  other  in  the  city,  has  now  a beautiful  and  commodious 
building  in  Bowdoin  square  for  the  reception  of  patients. 

Theatres. 

The  Boston  Theatre , on  Federal  and  Franklin  streets,  was  first  open- 
ed February  3,  1794.  It  was  burnt,  February  2,  1798;  it  was  re-built, 
and  re-opened  on  the  29th  of  October,  the  same  year.  It  is  of  brick,  152 
feet  long,  61  wide,  and  40  high.  This  building  is  now  denominated 
“ The  Odeon,”  and  is  consecrated  to  the  wmrship  of  God.  A huge  wood- 
en building  was  erected  on  Tremont  street,  and  opened  as  the  “ Hay- 
Market  Theatre,”  December  26,  1796.  The  citizens  in  its  neighbor- 
hood being  fearful  of  its  conflagration,  caused  its  demolition,  by  subscrip- 
tion, and  the  block  of  elegant  brick  dwelling-houses,  near,  and  north  of 
Boylston  street,  now  occupy  the  spot. 

The  Tremont  Theatre , on  Tremont  street,  is  a very  neat  building, 
with  a granite  front  135  feet  by  79.  It  was  commenced  in  July,  and 
opened  September  24,  1827.  Cost,  about  $120,000. 

The  National  Theatre , at  the  junction  of  Portland  and  Traverse 
streets,  near  the  Warren  bridge,  was  constructed  in  1831.  This  build- 
ing was  first  used  for  equestrian  performances. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Boston  Common. 

This  is  considered  one  of  the  most  delightful  promenades  in  the  world. 
It  comprises  about  75  acres  of  land,  of  variegated  surface,  beautifully 
shaded  by  trees  of  various  kinds,  particularly  in  the  malls,  or  walks 
which  surround  it.  Some  of  those  trees  were  planted  more  than  a hun- 
dred years  ago.  The  malls  are  wide,  beveled,  graveled,  and  smooth ; 
♦he  waters  of  Charles  river,  and  the  romantic  scenery  beyond  it,  are  in 
prospect.  The  whole  is  enclosed  by  an  iron  fence,  on  the  outside  of 
which  are  wide  streets  and  beautiful  buildings.  The  distance  around 
the  malls  and  common  is  about  a mile.  This  plot  of  ground  is  so  held 
by  the  city,  that  it  can  never  be  appropriated  to  any  other  than  its  pres- 
ent healthful  and  pleasing  purposes. 

The  foundation  of  a large  and  splendid  Botanic  Garden  was 
laid  in  1837,  by  the  subscription  of  funds  for  that  purpose.  It  is  located 
on  the  city  lands,  on  the  west  side  of  the  Common.  This  will  be  a 
great  ornament  to  the  city,  and  an  honor  to  the  taste  and  judgment  of  its 
projectors. 

Finances. 

The  public  debt  of  the  city  of  Boston  on  the  1st  of  May,  1837,  was 
$1,497,200.  The  receipts,  during  the  financial  year,  from  the  30th  of 
April,  1836,  to  30th  April,  1837,  was  $926,350 — the  expenditures, 
$904,065.  Besides  the  public  property  in  public  buildings,  city  and  other 
wharves,  &c.  &c.,  both  improved  for  city  purposes,  and  rented,  the  city 
has  about  7,000,000  square  feet  of  land  on  the  Neck,  exclusive  of  streets, 
public  squares,  and  malls,  and  a very  large  property  in  other  lands  in 
various  parts  of  the  city,  which  are  rapidly  increasing  in  value.  The 
amount  of  this  property  cannot  be  stated,  but  it  is  known  greatly  to  ex- 
ceed the  city  debt,  exclusive  of  that  part  which  is  wanted  for  the  uses 
of  the  city. 

Commerce. 

The  citizens  of  Boston  have  ever  sustained  a high  rank  for  their  com- 
mercial enterprise.  After  whitening  every  sea  with  their  canvass,  and 
extending  their  commerce  with  all  nations  of  the  globe,  they  are  now 
looking  westward  and  northward , and  constructing  new  and  artificial 
channels,  to  enable  them  not  only  to  compete  with  other  Atlantic  cities 
for  the  already  immense  commerce  of  the  western  world,  but  to  inter- 
cept it  on  its  passage  down  the  St.  Lawrence. 

The  number  of  vessels  entered  at  this  port  the  year  ending  September 
30,  1837,  was  1,544 — tonnage,  242,277  tons — crews,  11,503: — cleared, 
1,367,  tonnage,  184,373  tons — crews,  9,177.  The  registered,  enrolled  and 
licensed  tonnage  of  this  port,  the  same  year,  was  201,005  tons.  A large 
amount  of  tonnage,  owned  at  Boston,  is  registered  at  southern  ports. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Commercial  Accommodations. 

There  is  probably  no  place  in  the  world  better  accommodated  for  com- 
mercial operations  than  Boston.  The  whole  length  of  the  harbor  on  the 
east  and  north  is  lined  with  about  200  docks  and  wharves.  A few  of 
them  only  can  be  noticed, 

India  Wharf,  at  the  foot  of  Fort  Hill,  was  constructed  in  1805.  It 
extends  into  the  harbor  980  feet,  and  is  246  to  2S0  feet  in  width.  In  the 
centre  is  a range  of  39  stores,  22  by  80,  and  4 stories  in  height. 

Central  Wharf,  between  India  and  Long  wharves,  was  built  in  1816. 
In  the  centre  are  54  ware-houses,  23  by  50,  4 stories  high.  It  is  1,379 
feet  in  length,  and  150  in  width.  Over  a spacious  hall  in  the  centre  of 
this  range  of  stores,  is  one  of  the  best  observatories  in  tbe  United  States. 

North  of  this  is  Long  IVharf,  at  the  foot  of  State  street,  commenced 
in  1710.  This  wharf  extends  into  the  harbor  1,800  feet,. is  200  feet  in 
width,  and  has  76  spacious  ware-houses.  About  the  centre  of  th'.s  wharf 
is  a well  of  fresh  water,  90  feet  in  depth. 

Passing  the  City  wharf  on  the  north,  wq  come  to  Commercial  Wharf, 
1,100  feet  in  length,  and  160  in  width.  On  the  centre  of  this  wharf  is 
a range  of  34  granite  ware-houses,  25  by  60  feet,  and  are  unequalled  by 
any  thing  of  the  kind  in  the  United  States  for  convenience  or  grandeur. 
Cost,  $500,000, 

On  the  west,  and  in  front  of  this  tier  of  wharves,  which  run  into  the 
harbor  nearly  parallel  to  each  other,  are  India  and  Commercial  streets , 
having  the  east  end  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market  nearly  in  the  centre.  These 
streets  are  wide ; they  serve  as  wharves,  and  their  west  sides  are  cover- 
ed with  large  and  convenient  stores.  It  is  contemplated  to  extend  India 
street,  on  the  south,  to  the  Free  Bridge  on  Sea  street;  and  Commercial 
street,  on  the  north,  to  Winnesimet  Ferry.  (See  Kale’s  Map  of  Boston.) 

The  Marine  Railioays,  established  in  1826,  at  the  north  part  of  the 
city,  afford  great  accommodations  to  those  engaged  in  navigation.  A 
new  and  splendid  Custom  House  is  now  erecting  on  India  street,  between 
Long  and  Central  wharves.  An  Exchange,  for  the  accommodation  of 
merchants,  and  a new  City  Hall,  are  contemplated. 

Manufactures. 

Although  Boston  has  never  been  considered  a manufacturing  city, 
yet,  since  the  general  peace  in  Europe,  in  1815,  and  the  passage  of  the 
present  tariff  laws,  in  1833,  its  manufacturing  interests  have  considerably 
increased. 

The  following  are  the  manufactures  of  Boston  for  the  year  ending 
April  1,  1837,  with  the  value  of  each,  the  number  of  hands  employed, 
and  the  amount  of  capital  invested,  so  far  as  can  be  ascertained. 

It  may  be  proper  to  observe,  that  the  following  account  is  doubtless 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


accurate,  as  far  it  extends,  but  it  is  known  that  in  some  towns  in  Massa- 
chusetts the  whole  amount  of  their  manufactures  has  not  been  stated  by 
the  assessors. 


ARTICLES. 

Value. 

Hands  employ’d 
Males.  |Females. 

Capital  In- 
vested. 

Boots  and  Shoes, 

$102,641 

304 

55 

Leather, 

228,000 

50 

$60,000 

Hats, 

194,673 

95 

68 

Iron  Castings, 

372,000 

289 

665,000 

Axes, 

7,500 

8 

2,000 

Glass, 

48,000 

77 

47,000 

Chairs  and  Cabinet  Ware, 

148,100 

164 

■ 

Combs, 

41,000 

25 

16 

121,000 

Tin  Ware, 

112,082 

116 

Spirits, 

926,656 

19 

Straw  Bonnets, 

182,450 

438 

Vessels,  (average  for  5 years,) 

124,400 

17 

Axletrees, 

10,000 

6 

6,000 

Beer, 

12,000 

8 

30,000 

Soap  and  Candles, 

93,000 

29 

125,000 

Whale  Oil, 

135,000 

16 

100,000 

Copper  and  Brass, 

756,754 

200 

316,300 

Organs  and  Piano-fortes, 

302,700 

220 

163,500 

Brushes, 

93,000 

79 

59 

38,000 

Gold  and  Silver  Leaf, 

43,000 

22 

14 

11,200 

Carriages  and  Harnesses, 

318,805 

298 

82,200 

Refined  Sugar, 

976,454 

92 

303,653 

Silver  Ware  and  Jewelry, 

228,100 

88 

111,050 

Chain  Cables, 

60,000 

20 

75,000 

Umbrellas, 

65,000 

37 

26 

86,500 

Saddles,  Trunks  and  Whips, 

177,000 

120 

17 

83,000 

Granite,  Marble,  &c. 

336,000 

400 

165,500 

Machinery, 

326,000 

2S7 

183,775 

Blank  Books  and  Stationary, 

78,000 

43 

7 

49,000 

Gas, 

100,000 

40 

375,000 

Looking  Glasses  and  Frames, 

147,500 

42 

55,600 

Lasts, 

40,000 

29 

18,000 

Neck  Stocks,  &c. 

122,000 

21 

435 

58,200 

Types  and  Stereotypes, 

-457,000 

185 

30 

140,000 

Printed  Books, 

925,000 

500 

400 

850,000 

Clothing, 

1,887,666 

542 

2402 

769,094 

Hard  Ware, 

40,000 

29 

18,000 

Baskets,  &c. 

93,000 

138 

38,000 

Totals, 

$10,010,631 

4,655 

i 3,967 

Fisheries. 

The  city  of  Boston  is  so  limited,  in  regard  to  territory,  as  to  be  exclud- 
ed, in  a great  measure,  from  participating  in  the  fisheries.  Much  capi- 
tal of  the  Bostonians  is,  however,  invested,  at  the  out  ports,  in  this  im- 
portant branch  of  the  resources  of  the  wealth  of  New  England.  During 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


the  year  ending  April  1,  1837,  there  were  belonging  to  this  city  four  ves- 
sels engaged  in  the  whale  fishery,  and  152  in  the  cod  and  mackerel  fish- 
eries, employing  1,919  hands.  Total  tonnage,  11,253  tons.  Total  pro* 
ceeds,  $S24,898.  Capital  employed,  $748,200. 

Health. 

To  judge  of  the  health  of  a city  we  must  compare  its  bills  of  mortality, 
for  a series  of  years,  with  those  of  some  other  city.  We  have  ever  believed 
that  the  climate  of  Boston,  and  of  New  England  generally,  was  as  con- 
ductive to  health  as  any  portion  of  our  country ; but  having  heard  it 
often  asserted  that  the  climate  of  Boston  was  more  favorable  to  some 
diseases,  particularly  those  of  a pulmonary  character,  or  what  is  com- 
monly called  consumption,  than  that  of  our  sister  city  New  York,  we 
have  examined  with  great  care  the  authenticated  bills  of  mortality  of 
each  city  for  five  successive  years,  (1830 — 1834,  inclusive.)  The  popu- 
lation of  Boston,  in  1S30,  was  61,391 — of  New  York,  202,589 — a frac- 
tion less  than  3 1-3  in  New  York  to  1 in  Boston.  From  1820  to  1830,  the 
average  increase  of  the  population  of  Boston  was  a fraction  less  than  4 
per  cent,  per  annum — that  of  New  York  a fraction  less  than  6 1-3  per 
cent,  per  annum.  The  aggregate  number  of  deaths  in  Boston  during  those 
five  years,  was  7,340 — New  York,  35,037  : — a fraction  more  than  4 2-3  in 
New  York  tolin  Boston.  In  that  period,  the  aggregate  number  of  deaths 
in  Boston,  by  consumption , was  1,128 — in  New  York  6,124: — more 
than  5 1-3  in  New  York  to  1 in  Boston. 

Fires. 

Boston,  in  common  with  all  large  towns  which  are  chiefly  built  of 
wood,  has  suffered  very  much  by  fire.  Fifty  years  ago  the  buildings  in 
the  town  were  principally  of  that  material ; but  by  efficient  measures 
adopted  by  the  citizens,  particularly  the  law  of  1803,  prohibiting  the  con- 
struction of  wooden  buildings  of  a greater  height  than  10  feet,  a large  por- 
tion of  the  old  buildings  have  been  taken  down,  and  their  places,  with 
thousands  of  others  on  new  sites,  now  present  to  that  destructive  element 
solid  walls  of  brick  and  stone.  A few  of  the  most  memorable  fires  are 
here  given.  In  October  1711,  a fire  broke  out  in  Williams’  Court  and 
destroyed  most  of  the  buildings  on  both  sides  of  Cornhill,  now  Washing- 
ton street,  from  School  street  to  Market  square.  On  the  20th  of  March 
1760,  174  dwelling-houses,  175  ware-houses,  shops,  &c.  were  burnt. 
This  fire  was  in  the  centre  of  the  town,  (Cornhill,  State  and  Congress 
streets  to  Fort  Hill,)  and  the  amount  of  property  consumed,  was  estimated 
at  £100,000  sterling.  April  24,  1787,  a fire  commenced  in  Beach  street, 
and  extending  south,  destroyed  about  60  dwelling-houses,  40  other  build- 
ings, and  the  church  in  Hollis  street.  July  30, 1794.  Seven  rope-walks, 
between  Pearl  and  Atkinson  streets,  and  about  90  other  buildings  in  that 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 

neighborhood  were  destroyed.  Loss  estimated  at  more  than  $200,000. 

On  the  3d  of  November,  1818,  the  Boston  Exchange  Coffee-House, 
in  Congress-square,  was  destroyed  by  fire.  This  building  covered  12,- 
753  feet  of  land.  It  was  7 stories  high,  and  from  the  floor  to  the  top  of 
the  dome  was  83  feet.  It  contained  210  apartments,  and  cost  about  half 
a million  of  dollars.  The  conflagration  occurred  in  the  evening,  and  the 
sight  was  awfully  sublime. 

On  the  7th  of  July,  1824,  at  noon,  (the  wind  blowing  almost  a gale,) 
15  costly  dwelling-houses  were  burnt,  on  Beacon,  Charles  and  Chesnut 
streets. 

A very  destructive  fire  commenced  on  Doane  street,  April  7th,  1824, 
when  53  large  ware-houses,  in  that  part  of  the  city,  with  a great  amount 
of  merchandize,  were  destroyed. 

A number  of  buildings,  containing  about  35  lawyers’  offices,  and  20 
stores  and  shops,  on  Court  street,  were  burnt,  Nov.  10,  1825. 

During  five  years,  1830 — 1834,  inclusive,  there  were  226  fires — the 
amount  of  property  destroyed  was  $274,278: — of  which  $140,943  was 
insured.  The  most  destructive  fires  were  in  1833.  In  that  year  71  fires 
occurred,  $89,970  value  of  property  was  destroyed,  of  which  $57,040 
was  insured. 

The  present  Fire  Department  was  organized  in  1826.  It  is  always  in 
the  most  perfect  state  of  preparation  for  service.  Attached  to  this  de- 
partment are  24  engines,  and  16,000  feet  of  hose.  By  the  most  powerful 
of  these  engines,  with  250  feet  of  hose,  water  can  be  thrown  over  the 
grasshopper,  on  the  cupola  of  Faneuil  Hall,  84  feet  above  the  pavement. 

Water. 

The  subject  of  pure  water  for  aU  the  various  uses  of  life  has  ever  been 
one  of  the  first  and  most  important  considerations  with  settlers  in  all  coun- 
tries. It  frequently  happens  that  those  places  most  suitable  for  com- 
merce are  the  least  favorable  to  the  ready  acquirement  of  that  indispens- 
able element ; consequently  the  ingenuity  and  skill  of  man  have  devised 
and  executed  those  stupendous  aqueducts,  and  tanks  or  reservoirs,  both  in 
ancient  and  modern  times,  which  have  made  some  of  the  most  desolate 
parts  of  the  globe  the  greatest  marts  of  trade  and  most  splendid  cities. 
Governor  Winthrop  and  his  associates  located  themselves  at  Charlestown, 
and  would  have  continued  there  had  not  the  waters  of  Shawmut  been 
more  agreable  to  their  tastes.  Their  change  of  situation,  on  that  account, 
is  no  compliment  to  their  chemical  knowledge,  for  the  waters  of  Charles- 
town are  decidedly  the  best.  Possibly  “ the  magic  of  a name”  might  have 
influenced  them  ; for  Shawmut,  in  the  Indian  language,  is  said  to  mean 
**  springs  of  living  waters.” 

The  city  council,  in  1834,  took  the  long  neglected  subject  of  introduc 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ing  soft  and  pure  water  in*o  the  city,  into  consideration.  By  analyses  of 
the  waters  of  Boston,  one  of  the  best  wells  in  the  city  was  found  to  contain 
3.6  grains  of  the  salts  of  sulphate  of  lime,  muriate  of  soda  and  muriate  of 
lime,  to  the  pound  of  water.  The  well  is  30  feet  deep,  and  is  situate  high 
on  the  side  of  a hill.  Some  wells  were  found  to  contain  7.5  grains  of  the 
above  salts,  and  many  others  a much  greater  quantity  of  noxious  matter. 
An  able  engineer  stated  that  in  October  1834,  there  were  2,767  wells  in 
the  city ; of  which  number  2,085  were  drinkable,  and  682  bad ; and  that 
only  7 of  the  whole  number  were  occasionally  used  for  washing.  The 
engineer  also  stated  that t£  all  the  dug  or  Artesian  wells  of  Boston,  are 
in  strata  of  different  materials  in  very  irregular  position,  so  that  whatever 
may  be  the  success  in  making  one  well,  no  certain  result  can  be  predica- 
ted upon  another  trial  at  a short  distance  from  the  first.  The  wells  in 
town  are  polluted  by  the  dirty  water  at  the  surface  being  absorbed,  set- 
tling and  mingling  with  the  veins  below ; or  are  adulterated  by  mixture 
with  little  streams  of  sea-water.” 

The  Boston  Aqueduct  Corporation  commenced  operations  for  convey- 
ing water  into  the  city  from  Jamaica  pond,  in  Roxbury,  in  1795.  The 
distance  from  Boston  to  the  pond  is  four  miles,  and  the  number  of  feet  of 
logs  laid  in  the  city  is  72,000,  or  about  18  miles.  The  greatest  quantity 
of  water  that  can  be  supplied  from  this  source  is  50,000  gallons  daily,  and 
the  greatest  height  it  can  be  raised  in  the  city  is  49  feet  above  tide-water. 
According  to  the  estimates  of  the  quantity  of  water  used  in  London  and 
Philadelphia,  about  28  gallons  daily  would  be  required  for  every  person 
in  the  city.  This  includes  all  that  is  commonly  used  for  stables,  wash- 
ing streets,  the  extinguishment  of  fires,  for  manufacturing,  and  all  other 
purposes.  The  quantity  of  water  necessary  for  the  present  population 
is  therefore  about  2,500,000  gallons,  daily.  Spot  pond  in  Stoneham,  8 
miles  from  the  city  ; Mystic  pond  in  Charlestown  and  Medford,  7 miles  ; 
Long  pond,  in  Natick,  16  miles ; or  the  waters  of  Charles  river,  taken  at 
Watertown,  7 miles  from  the  city,  would  almost  inundate  the  misnamed 
Sliawmut  with  soft  and  pure  water,  at  an  expense  of  about  a million  of 
dollars.  Philadelphia,  by  her  incomparable  water  works,  has  added  a 
lustre  to  her  bright  name  ; New  York  is  following  her  noble  example, 
by  bringing  the  Croton  river,  45  miles,  to  the  centre  of  the  city,  at  an 
expense  of  five  millions  of  dollars ; and  Boston  cannot  much  longer  re- 
main insensible  of  the  value  of  pure  water,  to  the  health  and  comfort  of 
its  people. 

Antiquities. 

Boston  was  described  by  Johnson  in  his  “Wonder  Working  Provi- 
dence,” about  the  year  1663,  in  the  following  words : — 

“ Invironed  it  is  with  brinish  floods,  saving  one  small  Istmos,  which 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


gives  free  access  to  the  neighboring  towns  by  land,  on  the  south  side,  on 
the  northwest  and  northeast.  Two  constant  fairs  are  kept  for  daily 
trafique  thereunto.  The  form  of  this  town  is  like  a heart , naturally  sit- 
uated for  fortifications,  having  two  hills  on  the  frontier  part  there  A next 
the  sea,  the  one  well  fortified  on  the  superficies  thereof,  with  store  of 
great  artillery  well  mounted.  The  other  hath  a very  strong  battery  built 
of  whole  timber,  and  filled  with  earth ; at  the  descent  of  the  hill,  in  the 
extreme  poynt  thereof  betwixt  these  two  strong  arms  lies  a cove  or  bay, 
on  which  the  chief  part  of  this  town  is  built,  overtopped  with  a third 
hill ; all  these  like  overtopping  towers,  keep  a constant  watch  to  see  the 
approach  of  foreign  dangers,  being  furnished  with  a beacon  and  loud 
babbling  guns  to  give  notice  by  their  redoubled  echo  to  all  the  sister 
towns.  The  chief  edifice  of  this  city-like  town  is  crowded  on  the  sea- 
banks,  and  wharfed  out  with  great  labour  and  cost ; the  buildings  beau- 
tiful and  large,  some  fairly  set  forth  with  brick  tile,  stone  and  slate,  and 
orderly  placed  with  semely  streets,  whose  continual  enlargement  pre- 
sageth  some  sumptuous  city.  But  now  behold  the  admirable  acts  of 
Christ,  at  this  his  people’s  landing ; the  hideous  thickets  in  this  place 
were  such  that  wolves  and  bears  nurst  up  their  young  from  the  eyes  of 
all  beholders,  in  those  very  places  where  the  streets  are  full  of  girls  and 
boys,  sporting  up  and  down  with  continued  concourse  of  people.  Good 
store  of  shipping  is  here  yearly  built,  and  some  very  fair  ones.  This 
town  is  the  very  mart  of  the  land ; Dutch,  French,  and  Portugal  Is  come 
here  to  trafique.” 

Present  condition  of  Boston. 

Perhaps  at  no  period  since  the  settlement  of  Boston  has  its  prosperity 
been  so  flattering  as  for  the  last  seven  years.  It  is  true  that  Boston  in- 
creased in  population  and  wealth  with  great  rapidity  during  the  wars  in 
Europe,  from  1794  to  1807.  But  that  growth  was  unnatural  and  contin- 
gent ; it  depended  solely  on  the  caprice  of  the  belligerent  pow  ers,  who 
viewed  us  rather  as  servants  to  their  necessities,  than  with  respect. 

The  present  state  of  things  is  altogether  different.  The  world  is  at 
peace.  We  look  for  no  besieged  city  to  supply  with  bread,  neither  do  we 
seek  to  run  the  gauntlet  of  a blockading  squadron  to  furnish  a starving 
country  with  the  growth  and  produce  of  its  owncolcnies.  We  now  rely 
on  our  own  resources — agriculture,  manufactures,  the  fisheries,  and  com- 
merce with  all  nations  with  whom  we  can  exchange  our  commodities  at 
fair  prices.  So  long  as  we  are  blessed  with  union,  good  schools,  good 
laws,  and  with  all  those  moral,  religious  and  charitable  institutions,  which 
tend  to  ipake  mankind  wiser  and  better,  our  city,  under  Providence,  will 
continue  on  in  the  forward  path  to  prosperity  and  happiness. 

The  location  of  Boston  always  gave  it  the  command  of  a greater  coast- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ing  trade  than  any  other  port  in  the  United  States;  but  the  great  arteries 
to  an  immense,  wide-spread  and  rapidly  increasing  interior  commerce 
were  never  opened  until  the  rail-roads  to  the  north,  the  west,  the  south, 
and  the  east  were  constructed  and  in  operation.  By  these  devices  of  hu- 
man wisdom,  and  by  the  continuance  of  the  two  former — crossing  the  wa- 
ters of  our  own  Connecticut  to  the  noble  Hudson,  and  piercing  the  cen- 
tre of  a large  and  fertile  country,  to  the  outlet  of  the  great  western 
oceans  on  the  banks  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  Boston,  with  its  enterprize  and 
wealth,  located  160  miles  nearer  the  British  capital  than  New  York,  can- 
not fail  of  sustaining  a fair  and  successful  competition  for  this  trade  with 
any  city  on  the  American  continent. 

Motto  of  the  City. 

Sicut  patribus  sit  Deus  nobis. 

As  God  was  with  our  fathers,  so  may  he  be 
with  vs. 


Bow,  N.  H., 

Merrimack  co.,  was  originally 
laid  out  nine  miles  square,  compre- 
hending a great  portion  of  the  ter- 
ritory now  constituting  Pembroke 
and  Concord.  It  is  bounded  N.  E. 
by  Merrimack  river,  which  divides 
it  from  Pembroke,  S.  E.  by  Hook- 
sett,  S.  W.  by  Dunbarton,  N.  W. 
by  Concord  and  a part  of  Hopkin- 
ton.  The  soil  is  very  uneven  and 
hard,  but  productive  when  well 
managed.  There  is  hut  one  pond 
of  any  size,  called  Turee  pond. 
Turkey  river  empties  into  the  Mer- 
rimack at  Turkey  falls,  near  the  N. 
E.  part  of  Bow.  About  a mile  be- 
low are  Garven’s  falls,  now  passable 
by  locks  on  Bow  side.  Bow  canal 
is  situated  on  the  Merrimack,  3 
miles  below  Concord ; the  perpen- 
dicular measurement  around  which 
it  is  carried  is  25  feet — its  length 
1-3  of  a mile.  It  passes  through 
a ledge  of  granite,  and  is  for  the 
most  part  imperishable.  Its  cost 
was  $13,860  ; and  about  $2,000  of 
its  first  income  were  appropriated 
towards  clearing  channels  through 
Turkey  falls,  &c.  Pop.  1830, 1,065. 


Samuel  Welch,  the  oldest  native 
citizen  of  New  Hampshire,  died  in 
Bow  on  the  5th  of  April,  1823,  at 
the  age  of  113  years.  He  was  born 
at  Kingston,  Sept.  1st,  1710,  where 
he  spent  the  early  part  of  his  life ; 
he  lived  subsequently  a while  at 
Pembroke ; but  for  50  years  preced- 
ing his  death  he  resided  at  Bow, 
in  an  obscure  corner,  and  steadily 
cultivated  his  little  farm,  till  the 
frosts  of  a century  had  whitened 
his  locks,  and  the  chills  of  a hun- 
dred winters  had  benumbed  his 
frame.  His  life  was  marked  by  no 
extraordinary  vicissitude — he  was 
never  in  battle,  or  in  any  public 
service ; he  was  a man  of  industry 
and  temperance. 

Bowback  Mountain. 

See  Stratford,  JY.  H. 

Bowdoin,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  This  agricultural 
township  is  bounded  on  the  S.  E. 
by  Bowdoinham,  and  S.  by  Tops- 
ham.  It  was  incorporated  in  1788, 
and  lies  17  miles  W.  from  Wiscas- 
set,  37  N.  N.  E.  from  Portland,  and 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


20  S.  S.  W.  from  Augusta.  Popu- 
lation, 1837,  2,173. 

Eowdoinliaia,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  A pleasant  town 
on  the  west  side  of  Kennebec  river, 
and  north  of  Topsham.  Here  is 
considerable  business  in  the  lum- 
ber trade  and  ship  building.  Twen- 
ty miles  S.  by  W.  from  Augusta, 
and  12  N.  from  Bath.  Population, 
1S37,  2,21S.  Incorporated,  1762. 

BoxDorongii,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  Incorporated, 1783. 
Population,  1837,  433.  Some  shoes, 
palm-leaf  hats  and  straw  bonnets 
are  manufactured  in  this  town,  and 
large  quantities  of  hops  are  grown. 
It  lies  25  miles  N.  W.  by  W.  from 
Boston,  and  9 W.  by  N.  from  Con- 
cord. Good  lime-stone  is  found 
here. 

Boxford,  Mass. 

Essex  co.  This  town  lies  26 
miles  N.  from  Boston,  13  S.  W. 
from  Newbury  port,  and  10  W.  by 
N.  from  Ipswich.  The  annual 
amount  of  manufactures  of  cotton 
wicking,  boots,  shoes  and  ploughs 
is  about  $100,000.  Population, 
1837,  964.  Incorporated,  1685. 

Boylston,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  Incorporated,  1736. 
Population,  1837,821.  It  lies  40 
miles  W.  from  Boston,  and  8 N.  by 
E.  from  Worcester.  Boylston  is 
watered  by  Nashua  river,  and  has 
iron  ore  and  a ledge  of  crystalized 
quartz.  Here  are  some  manufac- 
tures of  combs,  palm-leaf  hats, 
boots  and  shoes  ; — several  ponds 
and  fine  fish. 

Bozrali,  Ct. 

N e w London  co.  This  town  was 
taken  from  Norwich  in  1786.  It 
was  formerly  called  New  Concord. 
It  lies  33  miles  E.  S.  E.  from  Hart- 
ford, and  5 W.  from  Norwich.  The 
soil  is  a gravelly  loam,  rich  and  fer- 
tile. It  is  watered  by  Y antic  river, 


on  which  are  two  pleasant  and 
flourishing  villages,  Bozrahville 
and  Fitchville,  at  both  of  which 
are  manufactories  for  cotton. 

This  town  experienced  a terrible 
hail  storm  on  the  15th  of  July,  1799, 
by  which  much  property  was  lost 
and  many  cattle  injured.  The  hail 
fell  in  immense  quantities,  some 
particles  of  which  measured  six 
inches  in  circumference.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  1,073. 

Bradford,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  This  town  lies 
87  miles  from  Augusta.  4,944  bush- 
els of  wheat  was  raised  here  in 
1837,  with  a population  of  770. — 
See  Barnard , Me. 

Bradford,  N.  II. 

Merrimack  co.  Situated  about  mid- 
way between  the  Merrimack  and 
Connecticut  rivers,  bounded  N.  by 
Newbury  and  Sutton,E.  by  Warner, 
S.  by  Henniker  and  Hillsborough, 
W.  by  Washington  ; is  31  miles  from 
Amherst,  25  from  Concord,  and  80 
from  Boston.  This  town  is  watered 
hy  small  streams,  which  principally 
issue  from  ponds, — of  which  the 
largest  is  Todd’s  pond,  lying  in 
Bradford  and  Newbur)^.  This  pond 
is  supplied  with  water  from  the 
hills  and  mountains  in  Newbury. 
In  it  are  a number  of  floating 
islands,  which  are  deemed  objects 
of  curiosity.  Its  outlet  forms  the 
northern  branch  of  Warner  river. 
^Pleasant,  or  Bradford  pond,  is  on 
"the  E.  side  of  the  town.  It  is  about 
550  rods  long  and  150  wide.  it 
communicates  with  Warner  river 
by  an  outlet  at  the  N.  end  of  it. 
In  this  pond  are  seyeral  islands, 
which,  with  the  rugged  declivities 
on  the  E.  bank,  the  waters  below, 
and  the  cottages  and  cultivated 
fiejds  on  the  west  bank,  present  to 
view,  in  the  summer  season,  a wild 
and  variegated  landscape.  Many 
parts  of  Bradford  are  hilly.  A large 
proportion  of  the  town,  however, 
lies  in  a valley,  about  three  miles 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


in  width.  Near  the  Sunapee  moun- 
tains, on  the  N.  W.,is  an  extensive 
plain,  more  than  a mile  long  and 
about  half  a mile  wide.  The  soil 
differs  in  quality.  It  is  light,  loamy 
or  rough.  In  the  easterly  part  are 
valuable  stone  quarries.  Bradford 
was  granted  to  John  Peirce  and 
George  Jaffrey,  in  1765.  Its  first 
settlement  was  made  in  1771,  by 
Dea.  William  Presbury  and  his 
family.  They  were  soon  followed 
by  several  inhabitants  from  Brad- 
ford in  Mass.,  from  which  circum- 
stance it  derived  its  name.  It  was 
incorporated  Sept.  27,  1787,  and  is 
mentioned  in  the  act  as  including 
New  Bradford,  Washington  Gore, 
and  part  of  Washington.  Popula- 
tion in  1830,  1,235. 

Bradford,  Vt. 

Orange  co.  This  town  lies  on 
the  W.  side  of  Connecticut  river, 
25  miles  S.  E.  from  Montpelier,  7 
S.  from  Newbury,  and  15  E.  N.  E. 
from  Chelsea.  Population,  1830, 
1,507.  Bradford  is  a pleasant  farm- 
ing town,  of  good  soil,  and  is  well 
watered  by  Wait’s  river.  About 
4,500  sheep. 

Bradford,  Mass. 

Essex  co.  This  is  a very  pleasant 
town  on  the  south  side  of  Merrimack 
river,  and  united  to  Haverhill  by  a 
bridge  of  650  feet  in  length.  The 
surface  of  the  town  is  uneven  and 
the  soil  various  ; but  much  of  the 
land  is  of  a superior  quality.  Sev- 
eral of  the  hills  exhibit  beautiful 
scenery.  Bradford  is  celebrated  for 
its  excellent  schools  and  seminaries 
of  learning.  Here  are  several  ponds, 
good  fishing,  and  a pleasant  stream 
of  water.  Some  bricks  are  made 
here,  and  considerable  leather  tan- 
ned; but  the  principal  manufacture 
of  the  place  is  of  boots  and  shoes,  of 
which, during  the  year  ending  April 
1, 1837,  the  value  of  $381,748  was 
made.  Total  amount  of  manufactures 
that  year, $394, 443.  Hands  employ- 
ed, 1,096.  Incorporated,  1675.  Pop- 


ulation, 1337,  2275.  This  town  lies 
23  miles  N.  from  Boston,  10  W.  S. 
W.  from  Newburyport,  IS  N.  by  W. 
from  Salem,  and  about  13  miles  N. 
E.  from  Lowell.  A branch  of  the 
Boston  and  Lowell  rail-road  passes 
through  Bradford  to  Haverhill. 

Bradley,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  First  settled,  1796. 
Incorporated,  1835.  Population, 
1837,  338.  See  Barnard,  Me. 

Bradleyvale,  Vt., 

An  unincorporated  township  in 
Caledonia  county,  chartered  in  1791, 
containing  about  4000  acres.  Moose 
river  passes  through  it.  It  is  bound- 
ed on  the  west  by  Kirby.  Most  of 
the  land  is  on  a mountain.  It  never 
had  more  than  21  inhabitants. 

Braintree,  Vt. 

Orange  co.  This  is  a good  farm- 
ing town, and  produces  conciderable 
butter,  cheese,  bpef  .and  pork.  It 
lies  21  miles  S.  from  Montpelier, 
and  14  W.  by  S.  from  Chelsea.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  1209.  Branches  of 
White  river  pass  through  the  town. 

Braintree,  Mass. 

Norfolk  co.  This  town  formerly 
included  Quincy  and  Randolph,  and 
was  first  called  . Mount  JVollaston. 
It  is  celebrated  for  the  antiquity  of 
its  settlement,  (1625)  and  for  the 
eminent  men  it  has  produced,  both 
in  church  and  state.  The  surface 
of  the  town  is  variegated  by  hill 
and  dale,  presenting  many  delight- 
ful views  of  Boston,  its  harbor  and 
the  adjacent  country.  The  soil  is 
a strong  gravelly  loam,  and  very 
productive.  Excellent  granite 
abounds  here,  of  which  large  quan- 
tities are  annually  quarried  and 
transported ; and  some  of  the  best 
merchant  ships  are  built  of  native 
white  oak  and  cedar.  The  holley 
tree  (Ilex  aquifolium)  is  indigenous. 
Indications  of  coal  have  been  so 
strong  as  to  warrant  an  attempt  at 
mining.  The  Manatiquot  river. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


which  rises  in  Randolph,  after 
meandering  through  this  town  and 
receiving  the  waters  of  Great  and 
Little  ponds,  meets  the  tide  waters 
of  Boston  harbor,  at  Braintree  land- 
ing, on  Weymouth  Fore  river,  11 
miles  from  Boston.  At  this  place 
there  is  considerable  trade  in  lum- 
ber and  bread  stuffs,  and  some  navi- 
gation is  employed  in  the  coasting 
trade  and  fisheries.  The  manufac- 
tures of  Braintree  consist  of  boots, 
shoes,  cotton  and  woolen  goods,  pa- 
per, leather,  nails,  axes,  cotton 
ginns,  chocolate,  carriages,  gran- 
ite, straw  bonnets,  tin  ware,  and 
vessels.  The  value  of  these  arti- 
cles of  manufacture,  for  the  year 
ending  April- 1,  1837,  amounted  to 
$371,937.  The  value  of  boots  and 
shdes  amounted  to  $202,363,  and 
gave  employment  to  850  persons. 
The  Manatiquot  affords  this  town 
excellent  mill  sites  ; some  of  which 
lie  near  ship  navigation,  and  are 
very  valuable.  Braintree  was  in- 
corporated in  1640.  It  lies  10  miles 
S.  by  E.  from  Boston,  and  12  S.  E.  ' 
from  Dedham.  Population,  1830, 
1,752;  1837,  2,237. 

Brandon,  Vt. 

This  is  a flourishing  town  in  Rut- 
land county,  40  miles  S.  W.  from 
Montpelier,  16  X.  by  W.  from  Rut- 
land, and  16  S.  from  Middlebury. 
It  was  first  settled  in  1775,  and  or- 
ganized in  1784.  Population,  1830, 
1,940.  Brandon  is  finely  watered 
by  Otter  creek,  Mill  river,  and  j 
Spring  pond  ; on  which  streams  are  ; 
good  mill  seats.  Some  of  the  lamF 
is  level,  with  rather  a light  soil,  but 1 
that  on  Otter  creek  is  the  best  allu-  ! 
vial.  Bog  iron  ore,  of  an  excellent  j 
quality,  is  found  here  ; copperas  and 
marble  are  also  found.  There  are  I 
two  curious  caverns  in  this  town.  ! 
The  largest  contains  two  apart-  ' 
ments,  each  from  16  to  20  feet 
square.  It  is  entered  by  descend-  ! 
ing  from  the  surface  about  20  feet. 
They  are  formed  of  limestone. 

6 


Branford,  Ct. 

New  Haven  co.  An  uneven 
township,  of  strong  soil,  on  Long 
Island  Sound,  about  7 miles  E.  from 
New  Haven.  Thimble  islands  and 
Indian  islands  lie  within  the  limits 
of  the  town.  Here  are  fish  of  va- 
rious kinds,  a small  stream  of  wa- 
ter, a harbor,  and  some  vessels  en- 
gaged in  the  fishery.  The  town 
was  settled  in  1644.  Population, 
1830,  2,332.  A beautiful  pond, 
called  Saltonstall’s  lake,  lies  be- 
tween Branford  and  East  Haven. 

Brattleborouglx,  Vt. 

Windham  co.  This  town  is  situ- 
ated in  the  southeasterly  quarter  of 
the  state  and  county  ; is  bounded 
E.  by  Connecticut  river,  S.  by  Ver- 
non and  Guilford,  W.  by  Marlboro’, 
and  N.  by  Dummerston.  At  the 
N.  E.  section  of  the  town  is  the 
site  of  the  once  famous  military 
post,  Fort  Dummer,  nothing  of 
which  is  now  retained  but  the 
name,  Dummer  Meadows.  At 
the  mouth  of  Whetstone  brook  is  a 
commodious  landing  place  for  river 
craft.  Brattleborough  is  connected 
with  Hinsdale  and  Chesterfield  by 
a handsome  covered  bridge,  span- 
ning the  Connecticut,  and  terminat- 
ing at  its  western  abutment  in  the 
east  village,  where  the  north,  the 
south,  the  east,  and  the  west  lines 
of  mail  stages  concentrate.  The 
town  and  vicinity  are  noticed  for 
their  salubrious  air,  pure  water, 
and  fine  mountain  scenery.  It  is 
watered  on  the  east  by  the  Connec- 
ticut, and  is  intersected  by  West 
river,  Whetstone  brook,  and  nume- 
rous smaller  streams.  There  are 
many  sites  for  water  power  on  the 
larger  streams,  unoccupied,  and  in- 
viting to  enterprize.  The  ea«t  vil- 
lage is  the  general  business  mart 
for  the  surrounding  towns.  Of  its 
own  internal  business  and  industry, 
one  instance  is  given  of  many  of 
less  amount.  “ The  Brattleboro’ 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Typographic  Co.”  was  incorporated 
Oct.  26,  *1536.  Capital,  $150,000. 
The  Company  is  extensively  en- 
gaged in  the  manufacture  of  paper 
and  books.  Their  paper  mill  is  fur- 
nished with  the  best  machinery, 
and  is  capable  of  turning  out  from 
40  to  50  reams  of  the  largest  print- 
ing paper,  or  from  150  to  200  reams 
of  letter  paper  per  day.  Their 
printing  office  contains  eight  power 
presses.  There  are  employed  in 
the  establishment  from  60  to  70 
male  and  female  operatives.  So 
great  are  their  facilities,  that  they 
have  taken  rags  and  manufactured 
them  into  paper,  and  printed  it,  on 
the  same  day.  Probably  there  is  no 
establishment  in  the  count~y  which 
combines  so  many  facilities  for  car- 
rying on  the  book  business  as  this. 
The  Company  publish  a variety  of 
bibles  and  other  valuable  works. 
The  value  of  business  done  at  this 
establishment,  in  1S36,  is  stated  to 
have  amounted  to  $500,000. 

It  is  presumed  that  this  village, 
according  to  its  si;ze,  is  second  to 
none  in  the  state  for  business  oi* 
wealth.  The  surface  of  the  town 
is  diversified  by  hills,  vales,  and 
plains  ; is  of  good  soil,  and  gene- 
rally well  improved.  It  is  12  miles 
S.  E.  from  Newfane,  96  S.  from 
Montpelier,  90  W.  of  Boston,  an'd 
76  E.  N.  E.  from  Albany.  Popu- 
lation, 1820,  2,017—1830,  2,141. 

Bremen,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  This  town  was  for- 
merly a part  of  Bristol.  It  is  bound- 
ed N.  by  Nobleborough,  west  by 
Bristol,  south  by  Pemmaquid  point 
in  Bristol,  and  east  by  Muscongus 
island  in  Muscongus  bay.  It  lies 
about  40  miles  S.  E.  from  Augusta, 
and  15  E.  S.  E.  from  Wiscasset,  and 
possesses  great  navigable  privi- 
leges. Population,  1837,  773. 

Brentwood,  N.  II. 

Rockingham  co.  Brentwood  is 
bounded  E.  by  Exeter,  N.  by  Ep- 
ping,  W.  by  Poplin,  and  S.  by 


Kingston.  The  soil  is  better  adapt- 
ed to  grass  than  grain,  although 
some  improvements  have  been 
made  in  its  qualities.  Exeter  river 
passes  nearly  through  the  centre 
of  the  town,  and  there  are  other 
streams  of  less  magnitude  connect- 
ing with  It.  Pick-pocket  falls,  on 
Exeter  river,  are  in  this  town,  and 
near  them  are  situated  an  exten- 
sive cotton  factory,  and  a number 
of  mills.  A card  factory  has  been 
established  here,  which  promises 
to  be  of  great  utility  ; and  also  an 
iron  furnace  for  casting  machinery. 
Quantities  of  iron  ore  have  been 
found,  and  it  was  formerly  worked 
with  success.  Vitriol,  combined 
in  masses  with  sulphur,  has  also 
been  found  here.  Brentwood  was 
incorporated  June  26,  1742.  Popu- 
lation, in  1830,  891. 

Brewer,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  Brewer  lies  on 
the  Penobscot  river,  opposite  to  the 
city  of  Bangor.  It  was  taken  from 
Orington  in  1812.  Population,  in 
1837,1,622.  It  is  watered  by  the 
Segeunkedunk,  on  which  are  mills 
of  various  kinds.  Considerable 
quantities  of  lumber,  hay,  potatoes, 
tanners’  bark  and  wood,  are  annu- 
ally exported  from  this  town.  The 
town  was  named  in  compliment  to 
Col.  John  Brewer,  one  of  the  first 
settlers,  from  Worcester,  Mass. 
The  navigable  privileges  at  this 
place  are  equal  to  those  at  Bangor. 

Brewster,  Mass. 

Barnstable  co.  This  town  was 
the  Indian  Sawkatucket.  It  was 
taken  from  Harwich,  in  1830,  and 
took  its  name  from  Elder  Brewster, 
one  of  the  first  settlers  of  Ply- 
mouth ; a man  of  great  learning  and 
piety,  who  died,  1644.  In  com- 
mon with  all  the  towns  on  Cape 
Cod,  a large  number  of  ship-mas- 
ters, sailing  to  foreign  ports,  belong 
here.  From  three  ponds  in  this 
town,  covering  about  1,000  acres,  a 
never-failing  stream  of  water  is  pro- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


duced,.  on  which  are  a cotton  mill, 
carding  mill,  machine  shop  and  oth- 
er small  mills.  The  value  of  the 
manufactures  of  cotton  goods,  boots, 
shoes;  leather,  axes,  chairs,  cabinet 
and  tin  wares,  lampblack,  Epsom 
and  common  salts,  amounted,  in  one 
year,  to  $52,072.  Product  of  the 
cod  and  mackerel  fishery,  $9,050. 
Brewster  lies  on  the  north  side  of 
the  Cape,  16  miles  E.  by  N.  from 
Barnstable,  and  6 N.  N.  W.  from 
Chatham.  Population,  1837,  1,534. 
Here  are  about  1,000  sheep. 

Bridgeport,  Ct. 

Fairfield  co.  The  town  of  Bridge- 
port was  formerly  a part  of  Strat- 
ford, and  was  incorporated  by  its 
present  name  in  1821.  It  contains 
about  10  square  miles,  of  a strong 
and  fertile  soil,  under  excellent  cul- 
tivation. That  part  of  Bridgeport 
where  the  city  now  stands  was 
called  the  village  of  Newfield,  un- 
til 1800,  when  it  was  incorporated 
as  a borough  by  its  present  name. 
In  1836  it  became  a city.  This  i3 
one  of  those  beautiful  and  flourish- 
ing places  in  New  England,  the 
pride  of  Yankees  and  the  admira- 
tion of  strangers.  It  is  located  on 
an  elevated  plain,  on  the  west  side 
of  an  arm  of  Long  Island  Sound, 
and  commands  extended  views  of 
Long  Island  and  the  surrounding 
country.  The  city  is  built  in  a style 
of  great  neatness  and  some  ele- 
gance. The  harbor  is  safe,  but  the 
navigation  for  large  vessels  is  im- 
peded by  a bar  at  its  mouth,  of 
about  13  feet  draught  of  water  at 
high  tides.  A large  business  is 
done  here  in  the  coasting  trade  ; 
some  in  foreign  commerce,  and 
some  in  the  whale  and  other  fish- 
eries. The  city  i3  watered  by  the 
Pequanock,  affording  some  water 
power.  There  is  a commodious 
bridge  across  the  harbor,  412  yards 
in  length,  with  a draw  for  the 
passage  of  vessels.  This  is  an  im- 
portant manufacturing  city,  par- 
ticularly of  saddlery  and  carriages, 


of  which  a very  large  amount  is  an- 
nually made  and  transported.  A 
rail-road  from  this  place  is  in  con- 
templation, to  pass  up  the  Housa- 
tonick  river,  and  meet  the  Boston 
and  Albany  rail-road  at  West  Stock- 
bridge,  in  Mass.  The  population 
of  the  horough  of  Bridgeport,  in 
1830,  was  1,800.  The  present  pop- 
ulation of  the  city  exceeds  4,000. 
Bridgeport  lies  62  miles  N.  E, 
from  New  York,  17  S.  W.  from 
New  Haven,  and  4 E.  by  N.  from 
Fairfield.  The  distance  from  this 
place  to  Setauket,  on  Long  Island, 
across  the  Sound,  is  about  18  miles. 

Bridgeton,  Me., 

Cumberland  co.,  is  pleasantly 
situated  on  the  border  of  Long  pond, 
and  near  the  head  of  navigation  to 
Portland,  by  the  Cumberland  and 
Oxford  canal.  The  distance  from 
this  place  to  Portland,  by  navigable 
waters,  is  about  50  miles.  The  soil 
of  Bridgeton  is  good,  and  produced 
in  1837  4,000  bushels  of  wheat. 
Its  location  affords  it  great  facilities 
for  inland  trade.  Long  pond  is 
about  10  miles  in  length  and  1 in 
breadth.  It  empties  into  Crooked 
river,  which  passes  into  Sebago 
pond.  This  town  lies  74  miles  S. 
W.  by  W.  from  Augusta,  and  40 
N.  W.  from  Portland,  by  the  road. 
Population,  1837,  1,863. 

Bridgewater,  NT.  II. 

Graflon  co.  Originally  part  of 
New  Chester ; now  Hill,  was  incor- 
porated, 1788.  It  is  bounded  N. 
by  Plymouth  and  Hebron,  on  the  EL 
by  Pemigewasset  river,  dividing  it 
from  part  of  Holderness  and  New 
Hampton,  on  the  S.  by  Bristol,  and 
on  the  W.  by  Newfound  pond, 
which  separates  it  from  Alexandria. 
The  soil  is  well  adapted  to  graz- 
ing, and  few  townships  in  this  vi- 
cinity exceed  it  in  this  respect. 
The  Mayhew  turnpike  passes 
through  the  W.  part,  near  New- 
found pond,  and  the  main  road  from 
Concord  to  Plymouth  through  the 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


E.  part  near  Pemigewasset  river. 
The  first  settlement  was  made  in 
1766,  by  Thomas  Crawford,  Esq., 
when  the  tract  comprised  the  whole 
of  New  Chester,  Bridgewater,  and 
Bristol.  Population,  in  1830,  783. 

Bridgewater,  Vt. 

Windsor  co.  This  town  is  bound- 
ed E.  by  Woodstock,  and  lies  45 
miles  S.  from  Montpelier,  17  N. 
W.  from  Windsor,  and  60  N.  E. 
from  Bennington.  Population,  1820, 
1,125;  1330,  2,320.  The  settle- 
ment of  the  town  commenced  in 
1730.  In  1785  the  town  was  or- 
ganized. There  are  many  good 
mill  seats  in  this  town,  on  Water- 
queechy  river,  and  considerable 
fine  intervale  lies  on  the  borders  of 
that  stream.  The  high  lands  are 
good,  and  produce  valuable  crops. 
It  feeds  about  6,000  sheep.  Here 
are  found  iron  ore,  garnets,  rock 
crystal,  mica  slate,  gneiss,  lime- 
stone, quartz,  and  excellent  soap- 
stone. In  1822,  a living  frog  was 
taken  from  26  feet  below  the  sur- 
face of  the  ground,  about  30  rods 
from  the  river. 

Bridgewater,  Mass. 

Plymouth  co.  This  township 
was  formerly  very  large.  It  is  now 
divided  into  four  distinct  towns. 
Not  content  with  attaching  the  car- 
dinal points  of  the  compass  to  the 
names  of  three  divisions  of  this 
ancient  and  respectable  town,  this 
remnant  of  the  old  territory  is  often 
improperly  called  South  Bridgewa- 
ter. The  Indian  name  of  this  town- 
ship was  JVunketest.  Bridgewa- 
ter contains  some  very  good  land, 
and  is  well  watered  by  branches  of 
Taunton  river.  It  lies  27  miles  S. 
by  E.  from  Boston,  20  S.  S.  W. 
from  Plymouth,  and  17  S.  from 
Weymouth  landing.  Population, 
1830,  1,855;  1837,  2,092.  This 
town  was  first  settled  in  1651,  and 
incorporated  in  1656.  The  settle- 
ments were  nearly  all  destroyed  by 


the  Indians,  in  1676.  Manufactur 
ing  operations  commenced  here  at 
an  early  period.  Hugh  Orr,  an 
eminent  Scotchman,  carried  on  the 
manufacture  of  cannon  and  small 
arms  during  the  revolutionary  war. 
The  present  manufactures  consist 
of  boots,  shoes,  hats,  paper,  anchors, 
bar  iron  (from  native  ore,)  iron 
castings,  nails,  tacks,  axes,  cotton 
ginns,  straw  bonnets,  &c.  The 
value  of  these  manufactures,  in 
one  year,  amounted  to  about  $250,- 
000,  and  gave  employment  to  400 
hands. 

Bridport,  Vt. 

Addison  co.  Bridport  was  first 
settled  in  1768,  and  organized  as  a 
town  in  1785.  It  is  bounded  ou  the 
W.  by  lake  Champlain,  and  is  op- 
posite to  Crown  Point,  in  the  state 
of  New  York.  It  is  12  miles  W. 
by  S.  from  Middlebury,  37  S.  from 
Burlington,  and  45  S.  W.  from 
Montpelier.  Population,1830,l  ,774. 
The  surface  is  nearly  level,  with 
a loamy  soil  and  sandstone.  The 
water  is  bad  to  the  taste,  and  con- 
tains Epsom  salts.  It  has  a harbor 
on  the  lake,  and  the  business  of  the 
town  is'  considerable.  Across  the 
lake  to  Crown  Point  is  about  2 
miles.  A visit  to  the  ruins  of  this 
ancient  fortress,  so  renowned  in  the 
annals  of  the  revolutionary  war,  and 
elevated  47  feet  above  the  level  of 
the  lake,  is  a great  treat  to  the 
contemplative  traveller;  or  the  lover 
of  splendid  scenery.  From  these 
warlike  ruins  to  those  of  Ticondero- 
ga,  is  15  miles,  S. 

Brighton,  Me. 

This  town  is  situated  in  the 
county  of  Somerset  and  bound- 
ed by  Athens  on  the  S.  It  was  in- 
corporated in  1816,  and  is  120  miles 
N.  N.  W.  from  Portland,  50  N. 
from  Augusta,  and  about  30  W. 
from  Dover.  Population,  1837, 
798.  The  same  year  it  produced 
5,203  bushels  of  wheat. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Brighton,  Vt. 

A town  in  Essex  county.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  105.  See  Barnard.  Me. 

Brighton,  3Iass. 

Middlesex  co.  This  was  former- 
ly a part  of  Cambridge,  and  called 
“ Little  Cambridge”  until  its  incor- 
poration in  1S07.  It  lies  5 miles 
S.  W.  from  Boston,  13  S.  E.  from 
Concord,  35  E.  from  Worcester,  8 
N.  by  E.  from  Dedham,  and  15  N. 
W.  by  N.  from  Weymouth  landing. 
Population,  1830,  972  ; 1837,  1,337. 
The  western  and  northern  bounda- 
ries of  this  town  are  washed  by 
Charles  river.  The  soil  is  excel- 
lent and  highly  cultivated,  and,  in 
common  with  all  the  towns  in  the 
vicinity  of  Boston,  Brighton  has  be- 
come the  residence  ot  many  peo- 
ple of  wealth  and  taste,  who  possess 
beautiful  country  seats  and  splen- 
did gardens.  Winship’s  garden 
is  noted  throughout  the  country  for 
its  nursery  of  fruit-trees  and  shrub- 
bery, and  for  its  grand  display  of 
plants  and  flowers  of  every  variety. 
Brighton  is  the  largest  cattle  market 
in  New  England.  Monday  is  the 
market  day, when  sellers  and  buyers 
meet  in  throngs  to  traffic  in  live 
stock,  both  for  slaughter  and  domes- 
tic use.  The  sales  in  1830  and  1837 
are  here  given. 


1330. 

No. 

Value. 

Beef  cattle. 

37,767, 

$977,990. 

Store  do. 

13,635, 

154,564. 

Sheep, 

132,697, 

215,618. 

Swine, 

19,639, 

70,971. 

203,733, 

$1,419,143. 

1837. 

No. 

Value. 

Beef  cattle, 

32,664, 

$1,567,872. 

Store  do. 

16,210, 

436,430. 

Sheep, 

110,206, 

275,515. 

Swine, 

17,052, 

119,364. 

176,132, 

$2,449,231. 

Brimfield,  Mass. 

Hampden  co.  This  town  lies  19 
6* 


miles  E.  by  N.  from  Springfield,  50 
W.  N.  V/.  from  Providence,  R.  I., 
and  70  W.  by  S.  from  Boston.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  1,599.  First  settled, 
1714.  Incorporated,  1731.  This  is 
a fine  farming  town,  with  a good 
soil,  and  is  well  watered  by  Chick- 
opee  and  Quinebaugh  rivers.  The 
articles  manufactured  in  this  town, 
in  one  year,  amounted  to  $105,262. 
The  manufactures  consisted  of  cot- 
ton goods,  boots,  shoes,  leather, 
palm-leaf  hats,  chairs  and  cabinet 
ware.  The  value  of  wool  grown, 
in  one  year,  was  $4,067. 

Bristol  County,  Mass. 

Taunton  and  New  Bedford  are 
the  county  towns. 

The  surface  of  this  county  is 
somewhat  broken,  but  generally 
level.  Its  soil  in  many  parts  is  of 
an  inferior  quality.  There  are  12,- 
468  sheep.  Area,  600  square  miles. 
It  has  a maritime  coast  of  consid- 
erable extent,  and  its  people  are  ex- 
tensively engaged  in  navigation. 
The  tonnage  of  the  two  districts 
in  this  county  (New  Bedford  and 
Dighton)  is  94,163  tons.  This  coun- 
ty gives  rise  to  many  important 
streams  that  fall  into  Massachusetts 
and  Narraganset  bays,  and  its  wa- 
ter power  is  abundant  in  almost  ev- 
ery town.  It  abounds  in  excellent 
iron  ore,  and  in  no  section  of  our 
country,  of  its  extent,  are  more  ex- 
tensive manufactures  of  that  mate- 
rial, for  almost  all  the  uses  of  man. 
JThis  county  is  bounded  N.  by  Nor- 
folk co.,  E.  by  Plymouth  co.,  S.  E. 
by  Buzzard’s  bay,  and  W.  by  the 
counties  of  Providence,  Bristol, 
and  Newport,  R.  I.  In  king  Phi- 
lip’s time  this  part  of  the  country 
was  called  Pawcunnawcutt.  It 
was  incorporated  in  1685.  Popula- 
tion, in  1320, 40,908  ; 1830, 49,474  ; 
and  in  1837,  58,152  : 97  inhabitants 
to  a square  mile.  V alue  of  the  man- 
ufactures, for  the  year  ending  April 
1, 1837,  $7,929,479.  Product  of  the 
fishery,  $2,188,656.  The  Taunton 
and  Pawtucket  are  its  chief  river*. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Bristol  County,  II.  I. 

Bristol  is  ihe  chief  town.  The 
territory  of  this  smallest  county  in 
New  England,  except  the  county 
of  Suffolk,  in  Massachusetts,  be- 
longed to  the  colony  of  Massachu- 
setts until  1746.  It  is  bounded  on 
the  N.  by  Bristol  county.  Mass., 
E.  by  Mount  Hope  bay,  and  S.  and 
W.  by  the  upper  waters  of  Narra- 
ganset  bay.  Area,  23  square  miles. 
The  location  of  this  county,  on  the 
beautiful  waters  of  Mount  Hope 
and  Narraganset  bays,  affords  it  un- 
rivalled facilities  for  navigation. 
The  soil  is  generally  a deep  gravelly 
loam  and  very  fertile,  producing  va- 
rious kinds  of  grain  and  fruits ; and 
has  about  4,000  sheep.  The  rocks 
are  mostly  granite.  Bristol  county 
affords  some  of  the  best  scenery  in 
New  England,  and  is  otherwise  in- 
teresting as  being,  for  many  years, 
the  residence  of  the  brave  and  cruel 
Philip.  Population,  1S30,  5,466  : 
218  inhabitants  to  a square  mile. 

Bristol,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  This  town  is  bound- 
ed N.  by  Nobleborough  and  Bre- 
men, W.by  Damariscotta  river,  S. 
by  the  sea,  and  E.  by  Muscongus 
bay.  *«  Bristol  Mills,”  so  called,  is 
the  centre  of  the  town,  or  the  chief 
place  of  business.  The  town  is 
finely  watered  by  the  Damariscotta 
and  Pemmaquid,  and  possesses  great 
hydraulic  power  and  navigable  fa- 
cilities. There  are  a number  of 
islands  in  the  waters  around  Bristol, 
which  make  a beautiful  appearance; 
some  of  them  are  quite  large,  and 
inhabited.  The  surface  of  Bristol 
is  not  mountainous,  but  elevated, 
with  a good  soil.  A number  of 
square  rigged  vessels  belong  to  this 
town  ; about  20  sail  are  engaged  in 
the  coasting  trade,  and  a great  num- 
ber of  smaller  vessels  are  employ- 
ed in  the  bank  and  shore  fisheries. 
Bristol  lies  15  miles  S.  E.  from  Wis- 
casset,  60  N.  E.  from  Portland,  and 
32  S.  E.  from  Augusta.  Popula- 


tion, 1837,  2,788.  This  town  was 
incorporated  in  1765.  There  was 
a temporary  settlement  here  as  ear- 
ly as  1625.  In  an  old  fort,  on  the 
banks  of  the  Pemmaquid,  once  call- 
ed William  Henry,  and  afterwards 
Frederick  George,  built  of  stone,  in 
1692,  and  taken  by  the  French  in 
1696,  “ are  found  grave  stones  of  a 
very  early  date,  and  streets  regu- 
larly laid  out  and  paved,  in  the  vi- 
cinity of  the  fort.  On  the  side  of 
the  river,  opposite  to  the  fort,  tan 
-pits  have  been  discovered,  the  plank 
remaining  in  a state  of  preserva- 
tion. In  other  places  coffins  have 
been  dug  up,  which  bear  indubi- 
table evidence  of  a remote  antiqui- 
ty.” “A  considerable  portion  of 
the  inhabitants  of  Bristol  are  of 
Irish  extraction,  a small  part  of 
Scotch,  a few  of  German  and  Eng- 
lish. The  predominant  character- 
istics of  the  inhabitants  are  frank- 
ness and  hospitality,  a generous  lib- 
erality of  sentiment,  and  an  ardent 
I love  of  liberty  and  independence. 
There  are  few  of  that  class  of  men 
who  are  esteemed  opulent.  The 
most  wealthy  are  those  who  labor 
daily  with  their  hands,  and  raise  by 
their  own  individual  exertions  the 
bread  they  consume.  On  the  other 
hand,  the  population  of  the  miser- 
ably poor  is  very  small,  and  the 
town  is  burthened  with  but  few 
paupers.”  Bristol  was  the  resi- 
dence of  Commodore  Samuel  Tuck- 
er, distinguished  for  his  bravery  in 
the  revolutionary  war. 

Bristol,  X.  il. 

Bristol,  in  the  S.  E.  part  of  Graf- 
ton county, is  bounded  N.  by  Bridge- 
water,  E.  by  Pemigewasset  river, 
and  W.by  Hill.  It  is  16  miles  S.from 
Plymouth,  and  30  N.  from  Concord. 
The  land  is  hilly,  but  has,  in  gen- 
eral, a good  soil.  Newfound  pond, 
about  6 miles  in  length  and  from 
2 to  3 miles  in  width,  lies  in  this 
town  and  in  Hebron.  Its  waters 
are  discharged  through  Newfound 
river,  a stream  about  2 miles  long 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


and  100  feet  wide,  into  Pemigewas- 
set  river.  At  the  confluence  of 
these  rivers  is  a pleasant  village, 
a cotton  factory,  and  a number  of 
valuable  mill  seats.  Bristol  was 
taken  from  Bridgewater  and  New 
Chester,  and  incorporated  June  24, 
1819.  The  first  settlement  was 
made  in  1770.  Population,  in  1830, 
799. 

Bristol,  Vt. 

Addison  co.  It  is  25  miles  S.  TV. 
from  Montpelier,  11  N.  from  Mid- 
dlebury,  and  25  S.  E.  from  Burling- 
ton. The  town  is  mountainous; 
some  parts  of  it,  about  the  “ Hog’s 
Back”  and  “ South  Mountain,”  are 
unfit  for  cultivation.  On  the  west 
side  of  the  mountains  is  some  fine 
land.  About  2,200  sheep  are  kept 
here.  Bristol  is  watered  by  New 
Haven  river,  Baldwin  and  Lewis’ 
creek,  and  some  beautiful  natural 
ponds.  Here  is  a good  water  pow- 
er, and  some  manufactures.  Pop- 
ulation, in  1830,  1,247. 

Bristol,  R.  I. 

This  is  the  chief  town  of  Bristol 
county ; the  Pocanocket  of  the  In- 
dians. It  is  delightfully  situated 
on  the  waters  of  Narraganset  and 
Mount  Hope  bays,  in  lat.  41°  39' 
53"  N.,  Ion.  71°  19'  W.  It  lies  15 
miles  S.  from  Providence,  15  N. 
from  Newport,  and  56  S.  S.  TV. 
from  Boston.  Its  navigable  advan- 
tages are  unrivalled.  The  com- 
merce of  this  place  is  not  so  extent 
sive  as  formerly ; still  there  is  con- 
siderable maritime  trade.  It  has 
IS  vessels  engaged  in  the  whale 
fishery,  15  or  20  sail  in  the  mer- 
chant service,  and  a large  number 
in  the  coasting  trade.  The  amount 
of  tonnage  in  this  district  in  1837, 
was  16,627  tons.  Much  of  the  cap- 
ital of  this  town  is  employed  in  man- 
ufacturing concerns  at  other  places. 
The  town  comprises  an  area  of 
about  12  square  miles,  including 
Mount  Hope,  once  the  residence  of 
the  celebrated  king  Philip.  The 


soil  is  a deep,  gravelly  loam,  very 
fertile  and  productive.  Great  quan- 
tities of  onions  are  produced  here ; 
the  cultivation  of  which  gives  a 
lucrative  employment  to  a great 
number  of  the  inhabitants.  Popu- 
lation, in  1830,  3,054. 

Mount  Hope  lies  about  2 miles 
N.  E.  of  the  court  house.  It  is  of 
a conical  form,  and  though  not  moro 
than  300  feet  above  tide  water,  pre- 
sents a view  of  great  interest  and 
beauty. 

Mount  Hope  bay  is  an  arm  of 
Narraganset  bay  : it  extends  N.  E. 
from  Bristol  to  Fall  river  and  Som- 
erset, and  receives  the  waters  of 
Taunton  river. 

Bristol,  Ct. 

Hartford  co.  This  town  was  ta- 
ken from  Farmington  in  1785.  It 
is  watered  by  some  streams  which 
flow  into  Farmington  river,  and 
there  are  found  within  its  limits 
iron  and  copper  ores,  and  granite. 
The  copper  mine  is  very  rich  and 
productive,  and  will  probably  be- 
come a source  of  great  wealth. 
“ The  surface  of  the  town  is  une- 
ven and  hilly,  and  the  soil  is  a grav- 
elly loam,  and  considerably  fertile, 
producing  all  kinds  of  grain,  grass 
and  fruit,  common  to  this  region. 
This  is  a manufacturing  town,  and 
the  inhabitants  are  distinguished 
for  their  enterprize  and  industry. 
There  are  at  present  sixteen  clock 
factories,  in  which  nearly  100,000 
brass  and  wooden  clocks  have  been 
manufactured  in  a single  year. 
The  manufacture  of  buttons  is  also 
carried  on  in  this  place.”  Bristol 
is  16  miles  W.  by  S.  from  Hartford, 
and  28  N.  from  New  Haven.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  1,707;  1837,  about 
2,500. 

Brooltflcld,  N.  H. 

Strafford  co.  It  is  45  miles  from 
Concord,  and  90  from  Boston ; was 
originally  a part  of  Middleton,  from 
which  it  was  separated  and  incor- 
porated Dec.  30,  1794.  The  soil  is 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


good.  Cook’s  pond  is  the  source 
of  the  W.  branch  of  Salmon-Fall 
river.  There  is  also  another  small 
pond,  covering  about  15  acres,  di- 
rectly on  the  top  of  Moose  moun- 
tain, which  has  always  about  the 
same  quantity  of  water,  and  a va- 
riety of  fish  in  it.  Population,  in 
1830,  679. 

Brookfield,  Vt. 

Orange  co.  On  the  high  lands 
between  Onion  and  White  rivers ; 
40  miles  N.  by  W.  from  Windsor, 
16  S.  from  Montpelier,  and  bounded 
by  Chelsea  on  the  S.  E.  It  is  wa- 
tered by  a number  of  ponds  and 
springs,  but  has  no  important  mill 
privileges.  This  is  a fine  grazing 
town,  and  feeds  about  10,000  sheep. 
The  products  of  the  dairy  are  con- 
siderable. Here  are  some  manu- 
factures, and  an  inexhaustible  bed 
of  marl,  from  which  lime  is  made. 
The  town  was  first  settled  in  1779, 
and  organized  in  1781.  Population, 
1830,  1,677. 

Brookfield,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  The  Indian  Qua- 
boag , a large,  fertile  and  beautiful 
township,  in  two  parishes,  well  wa- 
tered by  several  large  ponds,  which 
give  rise  to  a principal  branch  of 
Chickopee  river.  For  about  forty 
years  after  its  first  settlement,  in 
1660,  this  town  suffered  exceeding- 
ly by  the  Indians.  The  ponds  af- 
ford fine  fish  of  various  kinds,  and 
in  this  town  is  a mineral  spring  of 
some  celebrity.  It  lies  58  miles 
W.  from  Boston,  18  W.  from  Wor- 
cester, and  7 E.  from  Ware.  In- 
corporated, 1673.  Population,  1830, 
2,342;  1837,2,514.  The  agricul- 
tural products  of  this  town  are  but- 
ter, cheese,  wool,  and  fine  beef  cat- 
tle. The  manufactures  consist  of 
boots,  shoes,  leather,  iron  castings, 
ploughs,  chairs,  cabinet  ware,  palm- 
leat  hats,  silver  plate,  shoe  ma- 
kers rolling  and  shingle  machines, 
sleighs,  carpenters’  hammers,  coach 
wrenches,  sewing  silk,  and  wooden 


legs.  These  manufactures,  for  the 
year  ending  April  1,  1837,  amount- 
ed to  $248,502,  exclusive  of  the 
silk. 

Brookfield,  Ct. 

Fairfield  co.  This  town  lies  33 
miles  S.  W.  from  New  Haven,  24 
N.  by  W.  from  Fairfield,  and  6 N. 
by  E.  from  Danbury.  It  was  taken 
from  New  Milford,  Danbury,  and 
Newtown,  in  1788,  and  named  af- 
ter the  first  minister,  Rev.  Thomas 
Brooks,  who  was  ordained  when 
the  church  was  organized,  in  1758. 
The  surface  of  the  town  is  some- 
what broken,  but  the  soil  is  strong, 
and  well  adapted  to  the  culture 
of  grain.  The  rocks  in  many  parts 
of  the  town  are  limestone,  and  af- 
ford marble.  The  N.  E.  boundary 
is  washed  by  the  Housatonick  riv- 
er, over  which  is  a bridge  to  Mil- 
ford ; and  Still  river  passes  nearly 
through  its  centre.  Fish,  particu- 
larly shad,  are  taken  in  its  waters. 
Population,  1830,  1,261. 

Brookline,  Iff.  II. 

Hillsborough  co.  On  the  S.  line 
of  the  state.  It  is  7 miles  from  Am- 
herst, 35  from  Concord,  and  43  from 
Boston.  Nisitissit  is  the  only  river 
in  Brookline.  It  rises  in  the  N.  E. 
part  of  Mason  ; passes  through  the 
S.  part  of  Milford  into  Brookline, 
pursuing  a S.  E.  course  to  Potanipo 
pond.  From  the  pond  it  runs  S.  E. 
to  Hollis,  passing  through  the  S.  W. 
corner  of  that  town  into  Pepperell, 
where  it  empties  into  Nashua  river. 
Potanipo,  or  Tanapus  pond,  is  situ- 
ated near  the  meeting  house.  It  is 
about  a mile  long  and  one  third  of  a 
mile  wide.  Brookline  formerly  be- 
longed to  Massachusetts.  It  was 
incorporated  March  30,  1769,  by 
the  name  of  Raby.  In  Nov.  1798, 
the  name  was  altered  by  an  act  of 
the  legislature  to  Brookline.  Pop- 
ulation, in  1830, 627. 

Brookline,  Vt. 

Windham  co.  Set  off  from  Put- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ney  and  Athens  in  1794.  The  east- 
erly part  of  the  town  is  elevated 
and  unproductive.  A deep  valley 
runs  through  the  town,  in  which 
is  some  good  land.  Its  principal 
stream  is  Grassy  brook,  a branch  of 
West  river.  An  extensive  bed  of 
porcelain  clay  is  found  here.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  376.  35  miles  S. 

from  Windsor,  10  N.  E.  from  New- 
fane,  and  18  N.  from  Brattlebo- 
rough. 

Brookline,  Mass. 

Norfolk  co.  This  delightful  town 
is  connected  with  Boston  by  the 
mill-dam  across  Charles  river  bay; 
one  of  the  most  beautiful  and  ex- 
pensive avenues  leading  to  the  city. 
It  is  distant  from  Boston  about  5 
miles  S.  W.,  and  from  Dedham  5 
miles  N.N.E.  Incorporated,  1705. 
Population,  1837, 1,083.  This  town 
is  remarkable  for  its  varied  surface, 
high  state  of  cultivation,  elegant 
country  seats  and  gardens,  excel- 
lent roads,  and  for  its  rich  and  pic- 
turesque scenery.  Many  gentle- 
men of  taste  and  fortune  make  this 
their  residence. 

Brooklyn,  Ct. 

Shire  town  of  Windham  co.  This 
town  is  finely  watered  by  Quinne- 
baug  river,  and  Blackwell’s  stream. 
It  was  taken  from  Pomfret  and  Can- 
terbury in  1786.  The  land  is  une- 
ven, and  somewhat  stony;  but  the 
soil  is  strong,  producing  in  abund- 
ance all  the  varieties  common  to 
a fertile  grazing  country.  This' 
town  lies  30  miles  E.  from  Hart- 
ford, 44  W.  from  Providence,  R.  I., 
and  about  20  N.  by  E.  from  Nor- 
wich. Population,  1830,  1,451. — 
Good  landscapes  are  obtained  from 
the  Gray  Mare  and  Tetnuck  hills. 
Here  is  a cave  called  the  Lion’s 
Den,  and  a mineral  spring  of  some 
notoriety.  The  celebrated  hero, 
General  Israel  Putnam,  lived  many 
years  and  died  in  this  town.  He 
was  born  at  Salem,  Mass.,  Jan.  7, 
1718.  He  died  May  29,  1790. 


Speaking  of  this  brave  man,  Dr. 
Dwight  observes,  “ During  the  gay- 
est and  most  thoughtless  period  of 
his  life,  he  regarded  religion  with 
profound  reverence,  and  read  the 
scriptures  with  the  greatest  atten- 
tion.’’ 

Brooks,  Me. 

Waldo  co.  This  town  is  11  miles 
N.  N.  W.  from  Belfast,  and  45  N. 
E.  from  Augusta.  It  produced  in 
1837, 3,475  bushels  of  wheat.  From 
Paasaggassawakeag  pond  issues  a 
stream  of  the  same  name,  which 
passes  into  Belfast  bay.  First  set- 
tled, 1798.  Incorporated,  1816. 
Population,  1837,  800. 

Brooksville,  Me. 

Hancock  co.  On  the  E.  side  of 
Penobscot  bay,  opposite  to  Islesbo- 
rough  and  Castine.  It  is  bounded 
on  the  N.  by  an  arm  of  that  bay, 
and  includes  cape  Rosico.  This 
town  is  well  located  for  navigation 
and  the  fisheries.  It  lies  80  miles  E. 
from  Augusta,  and  about  25  S.  E. 
from  Ellsworth.  Population,  1837, 
1,192.  Incorporated,  1817. 

Brownfield,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  Bounded  E.  by  Sacc 
river,  and  contains  several  ponds 
and  streams ; 81  miles  S.  E.  from 
Augusta,  and  30  S.  W.  from  Paris. 
Incorporated,  1802.  Population, 
1837,  1,178. 

Brownington,  Vt. 

Orleans  co.  Willoughby  river,  a 
branch  of  Barton  river,  furnishes 
this  town  with  a good  mill  stream. 
It  lies  45  miles  N.  N.  E.  from  Mont- 
pelier, and  57  N.  E.  from  Burling- 
ton. Chartered,  1790.  Population, 
1830,  412.  It  is  divided  from  Iras- 
burg,  on  the  W.,  by  Barton  river. 
In  this  town  are  about  1,500  sheep. 

Brownville,  Me. 

Piscataquis  co.  Bounded  on  the 
N.  and  E.  by  Pleasant  river,  S.  by 
Williamsburgh,  and  W.  by  Vaug- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


han.  Incorporated,  1824.  Popu- 
lation, 1837,  532.  It  lies  about  20 
miles  N.  from  Dover,  97  N.  N.  E. 
from  Augusta,  and  171  N.  N.  E. 
from  Portland.  This  is  a good  town- 
ship of  land,  and  produced,  in  1837, 
3,252  bushels  of  wheat. 

Brunswick,  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  This  town  is  on 
the  S.  side  of  Androscoggin  river, 
and  connected  with  Topsham  by  a 
substantial  bridge.  It  is  27  miles  N. 
E.  from  Portland,  30  S.  of  Augusta, 
and  8 W.  from  Bath.  Population,  in 
1830,  3,747;  and  In  1837,4,136.  It 
lies  at  the  head  of  the  tide  waters, 
where  vessels  of  400  tons  are  built. 
Vast  quantities  of  timber  and  logs 
descend  the  Androscoggin  to  this 
place,  and  lumber  of  all  kinds  is 
sent  to  Bath  in  gondolas,  or  trans- 
ported by  land  to  the  sea  board.  A 
rail-road,  of  about  4 miles  in  length, 
is  contemplated,  for  the  transporta- 
tion of  lumber.  There  are  30  board 
saw  mills  at  this  place,  exclusive  of 
those  in  Topsham.  Two  cotton  and 
woolen  factories  were  erected  here  ; 
but  they  were  both  burnt  in  1824. 
Another  factory  was  built  in  1834, 
calculated  for  4,000  spindles.  It  is 
of  stone,  five  stories  high,  and  174 
by  45  feet.  Other  factories  are  con- 
templated. This  place,  possessing 
such  an  exhaustless  water  power, 
and  situated  on  navigable  waters, 
and  on  a large  and  beautiful  river, 
extending  140  miles  into  the  heart 
of  a fertile  and  healthy  country, 
cannot  fail  of  very  soon  becoming 
one  of  our  largest  manufacturing 
towns. 

Brunswick  was  first  settled  in 
1627,  and  incorporated  in  1739.  It 
has  been  the  scene  of  much  savage 
aggression.  See  Register. 

Brunswick,  Vt. 

Essex  co.  This  town  was  first 
settled  in  1780.  Population,  1830, 
160.  It  lies  on  the  W.  side  of 
Connecticut  river,  and  has  some 
excellent  mill  sites  on  the  waters 


of  Nulhegan  river,  and  Wheeler 
and  Paul’s  streams.  There  are 
some  beautiful  ponds  in  town,  and 
a mineral  spring  said  to  contain  me- 
dicinal virtues.  It  is  55  miles  N.  E. 
from  Montpelier,  14  N.  from  Guild- 
hall, and  opposite  to  Stratford, 
N.  H. 

Buckfield,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  This  town  is  finely 
watered  by  a branch  of  Androscog- 
gin river.  It  is  bounded  on  the  W. 
by  Paris,  and  is  34  miles  W.  by  S. 
from  Augusta,  and  50  N.  by  W. 
from  Portland.  Population,  1837, 
1,618.  The  soil  of  this  town  is  very 
good.  Among  its  agricultural  pro- 
ducts,in  1837,  it  yielded  5,613  bush- 
els of  wheat. 

Bucklaiid,  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  This  is  a pleasant 
town  and  is  separated  from  Charle- 
mont  by  Deerfield  river.  It  lies 
102  miles  W.  by  N.  from  Boston, 
10  W.  from  Greenfield,  and  20  E. 
S.  E.  from  Adams.  Incorporated, 
1779.  Population,  1837,  1,051.— 
This  is  a good  farming  town,  and 
produces  a considerable  quantity  of 
wool. 

Bucksport,  Me. 

Hancock  co.  This  town  lies  on 
the  E.  side  of  Penobscot  river,  15 
miles  below  Bangor,  61  N.  E.  by 
E.  from  Augusta,  and  about  18  W. 
by  N/'from  Ellsworth.  It  has  a 
fine  bailor  for  vessels  of  the  larg- 
est class,  and  which  is  seldom  ob- 
structed by  ice.  The  soil  is  good, 
and  the  town  is  watered  by  a num- 
ber of  ponds  and  streams.  Consid- 
erable shipping  belong  to  this  place, 
and  the  trade  is  quite  extensive, 
particularly  in  the  lumber  business. 
It  has  some  manufactures.  From 
1792  to  1816,  Bucksport  was  called 
Buckstown.  Ths  is  a very  beauti- 
ful town,  elevated,  healthy,  and 
flourishing.  It  is  situated  just 
above  the  head  of  Orphan’s  island, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


on  which  a fort  is  to  he  erected. 
Population. 1S30,  2,237 ; 1837,2,825. 

Buxke,  Vt. 

Caledonia  co.  A mountain,  3,500 
feet  in  height,  divides  this  town 
from  Victory,  on  the  E.  Branches 
of  Passumpsic  river  pass  through  it, 
and  afford  a good  water  power. 
This  is  a place  of  some  manufac- 
tures,particularly  of  oil  stones.  This 
stone  (novaculite)  is  found  on  an 
island  in  Memphremagog  lake. — 
The  stones  are  brought  in  their 
rough  state,  and  their  quality  is 
said  to  equal  those  from  Turkey. 
The  soil  of  the  town  is  good,  and 
abounds  with  hard-wood  and  ever- 
greens. A large  number  of  sheep 
are  kept  here.  Burke  was  first  set- 
tled in  1780.  Population,  1830, 
806.  It  lies  40  miles  N.  E.  from 
Montpelier,  and  19  N.  E.  from  Dan- 
ville. 

Burlington,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  The  number  of 
inhabitants  in  this  town  in  1837, 
was  277.  They  produced  the  same 
year  2,106  bushels  of  wheat.  See 
Barnard,  Me. 

Burlington,  Vt. 

This  is  the  chief  town  in  the 
county  of  Chittenden.  It  is  de- 
lightfully situated  upon  the  tohgue 
of  land  formed  by  the  confluence 
of  the  Winooski, or  Onion  river,  with 
lake  Champlain.  This  is  the  most 
important  town  in  Vermont.  It* 
lies  in  lat.  44°  27'  N.  and  in  Ion. 
73°  15'  W.  It  is  38  miles  W.  N. 
W.  from  Montpelier,  62  S.  by  E. 
from  St.  Johns,  L.  C.,  80  S.  -S.  E. 
from  Montreal,  70  N.  from  White- 
hall, 22  S.  E.  from  Plattsburgh,  10 
miles  across  the  lake  to  Port  Kent, 
N.  Y.  and  440  from  "Washington. 

Although  some  beginnings  were 
made  before  that  event,  no  perma- 
nent settlement  was  effected  in  this 
township  till  about  the  close  of  the 
revolution  in  1783.  The  town  was 
organized  by  the  election  of  town 


officers  about  the  year  1786.  The 
surface  of  the  township  is  agreea- 
bly diversified,  and  is  so  much  ele- 
vated above  the  lake  that  the  air  is 
pure  and  wholesome. 

This  town  is  not  surpassed  in 
beauty  of  location  by  any  one  in 
New  England.  It  lies  on  the  east 
shore  of  Burlington  bay,  and  occu- 
pies a gentle  declivity,  descending 
towards  the  west  and  terminated  by 
the  waters  of  the  lake.  The  prin- 
cipal streets,  running  east  and  west 
are  one  mile  in  length,  and  these 
are  intersected  at  right  angles  by 
streets  running  north  and  south, 
and  cutting  the  whole  village  into 
regular  squares.  A large  share  of 
the  business  on  lake  Champlain 
centres  at  this  place,  and  the  town 
is  rapidly  increasing  in  wealth  and 
consequence.  There  are  regular 
daily  lines  of  steam-boats  between 
this  place  and  Whitehall,  between 
this  and  St.  Johns  and  between  this 
and  Plattsburgh,  besides  numerous 
arrivals  of  irregular  boats,  sloops, 
&c.  Three  extensive  wharves, 
with  store-houses,  have  been  con- 
structed and  most  of  the  merchan- 
dize designed  for  the  north-eastern 
section  of  Vermont  is  landed  here. 
The  trade  is  principally  with  the 
city  of  New  York,  although  Mont- 
real and  Troy  have  a share.  For 
the  safety  of  the  navigation,  a light- 
house has  been  erected  on  Juniper 
island,  at  the  entrance  of  Burling- 
ton bay,  and  for  the  security  of  the 
•harbor,  a breakwater  has  been  com- 
menced here  at  the  expense  of  the 
general  government.  There  are 
four  lines  of  mail  stages  which  ar- 
rive and  depart  daily,  besides  three 
or  four  others  which  come  in  and 
go  out  twice  or  thrice  a week. 

The  public  buildings  are  six 
churches,  the  University  of  Ver- 
mont, the  Episcopal  Institute,  the 
court  house,  two  banks,  the  Acad- 
emy and  twm  female  seminaries. 
The  University  consists  of  four 
spacious  edifices,  located  upon  the 
summit  at  the  eastern  extremity  of 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


the  village,  more  than  250  feet 
above  the  level  of  the  lake, and  com- 
mands one  of  the  finest  prospects 
in  the  United  States.  The  village, 
the  lake,  with  its  bays  and  islands 
— its  steam-boats  and  sloops, — the 
Winooski  river,  dashing  through 
frightful  chasms  and  then  winding 
among  the  beautiful  meadows,  and 
the  distant  and  lofty  mountains 
which  form  the  great  outline, 
render  the  view  from  the  dome  of 
the  University  one  of  the  most  va- 
riegated and  interesting  to  be  met 
with  in  our  country. 

As  a part  of  Burlington  may  be 
mentioned  the  village  called  “Win- 
ooski City.”  It  is  situated  on  both 
sides  of  the  Winooski  river,  partly 
in  Burlington  and  partly  in  Col- 
chester, and  is  one  mile  from  the 
village  of  Burlington.  The  water 
power  here  is  sufficient  for  propel- 
ling almost  any  amount  of  machine- 
ry, and  is  beginning  to  be  employed 
to  some  purpose.  Besides  two  saw 
mills,  a large  grist  mill,  a machine 
shop  and  numerous  smaller  works, 
there  is  a large  satinet  factory  and 
tn  extensive  block  factory  now  in 
successful  operation,  and  a woolen 
factory  of  the  first  class  is  to  com- 
mence running  the  present  season. 
A substantial  covered  bridge  con- 
nects the  two  sides  of  the  river ; a 
handsome  church,  and  several  stores 
have  been  erected,  and  ‘Winooski 
City’  bids  fair  to  become  a place  of 
business  and  importance.  See  Reg- 
ister. 

Burlington,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  This  town  is  wa- 
tered by  Vine  brook,  a branch  of 
the  Shawsheen  river.  It  lies  11 
miles  S.  E.  from  Lowell,  10  N.  E. 
from  Concord,  and  13  N.  W.  by  N. 
from  Boston.  Population,  1837, 
522.  Some  shoes  are  made  here. 
The  soil  is  light,  and  suitable  for 
the  growth  of  rye  and  hops. 

Burlington,  Ct. 

Hartford  co.  An  agricultural 


township,  with  a soil  of  gravelly 
loam,  pleasantly  diversified  by  hills 
and  vales,  17  miles  W.  from  Hart- 
ford, and  36  N.  from  New  Haven. 
Population,  1830,  1,301.  It  is  water 
ed  by  Farmington  river,and  was  tak- 
en from  Bristol  in  1806.  This  town 
has  some  manufactures,  and  has 
been  noted  for  the  equality  of  its 
inhabitants,  in  regard  to  property. 

Burnham,  Me. 

Waldo  co.  It  lies  37  miles  N. 
E.  from  Augusta,  and  about  30  N. 
W.  from  Belfast.  It  is  bounded  S. 
W.  by ’Sebasticook  river,  and  E.  by 
Troy.  Incorporated,  1824.  Popu- 
lation, 1837,  602.  It  produced 
2,297  bushels  of  wheat  in  1837. 

Burnham’s  River,  N.  H. 

See  Lyman,  J\r.  H. 

Burnt  Coat  Island,  Me. 

Hancock  co.  A large  island,  sur- 
rounded by  others  of  a smaller 
size,  lying  off  Blue  Hill  bay,E.  by 
S.  from  Deer  island  about  13  miles, 
and  about  6 miles  S.  by  W.  from 
the  town  of  Mount  Desert.  It  has 
a light-house  and  good  harbors,  and 
is  a fine  location  for  the  shore  fish- 
ery. 

Burrilville,  R.  I. 

Providence  co.  This  town  was 
taken  from  Gloucester  in  1806.  It 
is  finely  watered  by  Branch  river, 
with  many  branches ; one  branch 
of  which  rises  in  Allum  pond,  part- 
ly in  this  town  and  partly  in  Doug- 
las, Mass.  This  river  is  an  im- 
portant tributary  to  the  Blackstone. 
Manufacturing  villages  are  scatter- 
ed over  this  large  town  in  almost 
every  direction,  and  a vast  amount 
of  manufactures  of  various  kinds  is 
annually  produced.  The  face  of 
the  town  is  rough,  but  the  soil  is 
adapted  to  grazing,  and  produces 
large  quantities  of  beef,  pork,  but- 
ter, cheese,  &c.  Herring  and  Ed- 
dy’s ponds  are  pleasant  sheets  of 
water.  Burrilville  lies  24  miles 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


N.  W.  from  Providence,  and  27  S. 
by  E.  from  Worcester.  Population, 
1830,  2,196. 

Buxton,  Me. 

York  co.  This  town  is  bounded 
on  the  S.  W.  by  Saco  river.  At 
this  place  the  Saco  falls  about  80 
feet,  and  produces  a great  hydrau- 
lic power,  which  is  partly  improv- 
ed for  manufacturing  establish- 
ments. It  lies  8 miles  N.  W.  from 
Saco,  16  N.  E.  from  Alfred,  18  W. 
from  Portland,  and  71  S.  W.  from 
Augusta.  Incorporated,  1772.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  2,8SS. 

Buzzard's  Bay,  Mass. 

This  bay  lies  N.  W.  from  Dukes 
county,  W.  from  Barnstable  county, 
and  S.  by  E.  from  the  counties  of 
Plymouth  and  Bristol.  The  length 
of  the  bay  is  about  30  miles  from 
N.  E.  to  S.  W.,  and  its  average 
breadth  about  7 miles.  From  the 
head  of  this  bay,  across  Cape  Cod 
to  Massachusetts  bay,  (the  place 
proposed  for  a canal,)  is  5 miles. 

Byiield,  Mass. 

See  JVewbury. 

Byram  River. 

See  Greenwich,  Ct. 

Eyron,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  See  Barnard,  Me. 

Cabot,  Vt. 

Caledonia  co.  On  the  height  of 
land  between  Onion  and  Connecti- 
cut rivers.  “ The  Plain”  is  delight- 
fully situated,  having  the  Green 
and  White  mountains  in  prospect. 
Several  branches  of  the  Onion  riv- 
er water  this  town,  and  afford  it 
some  water  power.  Here  is  Jo 
and  Molly's  pond,  and  a sulphur 
spring.  The  surface  is  broken  and 
hard,  but  good  for  sheep,  of  which 
about  6,000  are  reared.  The  town 
was  first  settled  in  1785.  The  first 
females  who  came  here  came  on 
snow-shoes.  This  is  the  birth  place 
of  Zerah  Colburn,  the  celebrated 

7 


mathematician.  Cabot  lies  12  miles 
N.  E.  from  Montpelier,  and  bound- 
ed E.  by  Danville.  Population, 
1830,  1,304. 

Calais,  Me. 

Washington  co.  At  the  head  of 
navigation  on  the  Schoodic,  or  St. 
Croix  river,  nearly  opposite  to  St. 
Andrews,  N.  B.  The  Upper  vil- 
lage, or  Mill  Town,  is  about  two 
miles  from  tide  water.  At  the 
Lower  village,  below  the  falls,  is  a 
bridge  to  the  British  side.  Calais 
lies  28  miles  above  Eastport,  about 
35  N.  by  E.  from  Machias,  and  204 
E.  N.  E.  from  Augusta.  This  is  a 
great  mart  for  lumber  of  all  kinds. 
About  40  saw  mills  and  other  ma- 
chinery are  in  operation  by  the 
great  fall  of  the  river.  The  tide 
rises  here  about  20  feet,  and  large 
vessels  ascend  to  the  lower  village. 
A rail-road  is  in  operation  between 
the  two  villages;  it  is  to  extend  to 
Baring.  Incorporated,  1S09.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  1,686;  1837,  3,027. 

Calais,  Vt. 

Washington  co.  Abijah  Whee- 
lock  and  others  first  settled  this 
town  in  1787.  It  lies  36  miles  E. 
by  S.  from- Burlington,  and  12  N.  E. 
from  Montpelier.  Population,  1830, 
1,539.  Calais  has  a number  of 
streams,  branches  of  Onion  river, 
and  several  fine  ponds.  Two  thou- 
sand pounds  of  trout  have  been  tak- 
en in  a season.  There  is  some  man- 
“ufacturing  carried  oh  in  the  town, 
and  it  feeds  about  6,000  sheep. 

Caledonia  County,  Vt. 

Danville  is  the  chief  town. — 
Bounded  E.  by  Connecticut  river 
and  Essex  county ; S.  by  Orange 
county;  W.  by  Washington  coun- 
ty, and  N.  by  the  county  of  Orleans. 
It  contains  about  700  square  miles. 
Population,  1820,  16,669 ; 1830, 

19,943.  Inhabitants  to  a square 
mile,  28.  Incorporated,  1792.  The 
eastern  range  of  the  Green  moun- 
tains extends  through  the  western 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


part  of  the  county.  It  is  watered 
by  many  fine  streams,  but  the  Con- 
necticut and  Passumpsic  are  its 
chief  rivers.  A large  part  of  the 
county  is  high  and  good  land  ; that 
along  the  rivers  is  excellent.  It 
produces  wheat  and  other  grain, 
beef  cattle,  horses,  and  about  60,- 
000  sheep.  There  are  some  sul- 
phur springs  in  this  county  ; lime- 
stone and  granite  are  abundant. 

Cambridge,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  In  the  year  1837 
the  town  had  a population  of  431, 
and  raised,  the  same  year,  2,890 
bushels  of  wheat.  See  Barnard, 
Me. 

Camtoi’idge,  N.  II., 

Coos  co.,  is  an  uninhabited  town- 
ship, of  23,160  acres,  granted  May 
19,  1773,  to  Nathaniel  Rogers  and 
others.  It  is  bounded  N.  by  the 
township  of  Errol  and  Umbagog 
lake,  E.  by  the  state  of  Maine,  S. 
by  Success  and  Milan,  and  W.  by 
Duramer.  This  tract  has  an  une- 
ven surface,  but  might  be  advanta- 
geously cultivated.  Several  streams 
rise  here,  and  fall  into  the  Ameris- 
coggin,  which  passes  through  the 
N.  W.  part  of  the  town. 

Cambridge,  Vt. 

Lamoille  co.  It  lies  30  miles  N. 
W.  from  Montpelier,  and  about  16 
W.  from  Hydepark.  Population, 
1830,  1,613.  First  settled,  1783. 
The  Lamoille  and  other  streams 
afford  this  town  a good  water  pow- 
er. There  is  some  good  intervale 
in  the  town,  but  the  land  is  rough, 
and  chiefly  valuable  for  grazing: 
it  feeds  about  7,000  sheep. 

Cambridge,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  This  town  may 
be  divided  into  three  parts : Old 

Cambridge , the  seat  of  the  most 
ancient  and  best  endowed  college, 
in  the  United  States,  is  3 miles  from 
West  Boston  bridge,  which  divides 
Cambridge  from  Boston.  Cam- 


bridge-Port  is  a compact,  flourish- 
ing village,  about  midway  between 
the  University  and  the  bridge.  East 
Cambridge  is  of  newer  growth,  and 
is  a very  flourishing  place.  It  is 
the  seat  of  the  county  courts,  and 
is  immediately  connected  wTith  Bos- 
ton by  Canal  bridge  and  the  viaduct 
of  the  Boston  and  Lowell  rail-road, 
over  Charles  river.  This  town  was 
incorporated  by  the  name  of  New- 
ton in  1630.  It  took  the  name  of 
Cambridge  in  163S.  The  first  print- 
ing press  in  America  was  establish- 
ed here,  by  Stephen  Day,  in  1639. 
The  first  work  printed  was  the 
“ Freeman’s  Oath.”  In  this  town 
are  various  and  extensive  manu- 
factories. They  consist  of  glass, 
hats,  leather,  boots  and  shoes,  shoe 
blacking,  tin  ware,  chairs  and  cabi- 
net ware,  rail-road  cars,  chaises, 
coaches,  and  other  carriages ; iron 
axletrees,  harnesses,  organs,  car- 
penters’ tools,  clothing,  pumps  and 
blocks,  cigars,  brass  and  britannia 
ware,  bricks,  ropes  and  twine,  soap, 
brushes,  varnish,  confectionary, 
stamped  and  stained  paper,  stoves, 
sheet  iron,  glue,  pocket  books,  and 
medicine.  The  value  of  these  man- 
ufactures the  year  ending  April  1, 
1837,  amounted  to  $930,066.  The 
amount  of  glass,  which  is  consid- 
ered of  admirable  quality,  exceed- 
ed $450,000.  Cambridge  is  very 
pleasant,  although  not  so  elevated 
as  some  of  the  neighboring  towns. 
Besides  the  buildings  of  the  Uni- 
versity, it  contains  the  United 
States’  arsenal,  other  handsome  pub- 
lic buildings,  and  many  very  ele- 
gant private  residences.  Pop.  1830, 
1,072  ; 1837,  7,631.  See  Register. 

Mount  Auburn  Cemetery,  lies 
about  a mile  W.  of  the  Univer- 
sity, in  the  towns  of  Cambridge  and 
Watertowm.  It  contains  about  100 
acres  of  land,  and  is  laid  out  with 
gravelled  walks,  and  planted  and 
embellished  with  all  the  varieties 
of  trees,  shrubbery,  and  flowers. 
Lot3  of  of  300  square  feet* 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


at  suitable  distances  along  the  I 
winding  passages,  are  appropriated 
as  family  burial  places,  with  the 
perpetual  right  to  purchasers  of 
enclosing,  decorating,  and  using 
them  for  that  purpose.  Numerovls 
monuments  of  exquisite  workman- 
ship are  already  erected,  which 
add,  if  possible,  to  the  melancholy 
grandeur  of  the  scene.  It  is  an  en- 
chanting spot ; — a magnificent  rest- 
ing place  of  the  dead.  This  ceme- 
tery was  dedicated  Sept.  24,  1831. 

We  cannot  deny  ourselves  the 
gratification  of  quoting  a few  lines 
from  the  descriptive  part  of  Judge 
Story’s  admirable  address  on  that 
occasion. 

“ A rural  cemetery  seems  to  com- 
bine in  itself  all  the  advantages 
which  can  be  proposed  to  gratify 
human  feelings,  or  tranquilize  hu- 
man fears;  to  secure  the  best  re- 
ligious influences,  and  to  cherish 
all  those  associations  which  cast  a 
cheerful  light  over  the  darkness  of 
the  grave. 

“ And  what  spot  can  be  more  ap- 
propriate than  this,  for  such  a pur- 
pose ? Nature  seems  to  point  it  out 
with  significant  energy,  as  the  fa- 
vorite retirement  for  the  dead. — 
There  are  around  us  all  the  varied 
features  of  her  beauty  and  gran- 
deur— the  forest-crowned  height ; 
the  abrupt  acclivity  ; the  sheltered 
valley ; the  deep  glen ; the  grassy 
glade,  and  the  silent  grove.  Here 
are  the  lofty  oak,  the  beech,  that 
‘ wreaths  its  old  fantastic  roots  so 
high,’  the  rustling  pine,  and  the 
drooping  willow,— the  tree,  that 
sheds  its  pale  leaves  with  every 
autumn,  a fit  emblem  of  our  ow  n 
transitory  bloom  ; and  the  ever- 
green, with  its  perennial  shoots,  in- 
structing us,  that  * the  wintry  blast 
of  death  kills  not  the  buds  of  vir- 
tue.’ Here  is  the  thick  shrubbery, 
to  protect  and  conceal  the  new- 
made  grave  ; and  there  is  the  wild- 
flower  creeping  along  the  narrow 
path,  and  planting  its  seeds  in  the 
upturned  earth.  All  around  us 


there  breaths  a solemn  calm,  as  if 
we  were  in  the  bosom  of  a wilder- 
ness, broken  only  by  the  breeze  as 
it  murmurs  through  the  tops  of  the 
forest,  or  by  the  notes  of  the  warb- 
ler, pouring  forth  his  matin  or  his 
evening  song. 

“ Ascend  but  a few  steps,  and 
what  a change  of  scenery  to  sur- 
prise and  delight  us.  We  seem,  as 
it  wrere,  in  an  instant,  to  pass  from 
the  confines  of  death  to  the  bright 
and  balmy  regions  of  life.  Below  us 
flows  tke  winding  Charles,  with  its 
rippling  current,  like  the  stream  of 
time  hastening  to  the  ocean  of  eter- 
nity. In  the  distance,  the  city, — 
at  once  the  object  of  our  admiration 
and  our  love, — rears  its  proud  emi- 
nences, its  glittering  spires,  its  lofty 
towers,  its  graceful  mansions,  its 
curling  smoke,  its  crowded  haunts 
of  business  and  pleasure,  which 
speak  to  the  eye,  and  yet  leave  a 
noiseless  loneliness  on  the  ear. — 
Again  we  turn,  and  the  walls  of 
our  venerable  University  rise  be- 
fore us,  with  many  a recollection 
of  happy  days  passed  there  in  the 
interchange  of  study  and  friend- 
ship, and  many  a grateful  thought 
of  the  affluence  of  its  learning, 
which  has  adorned  and  nourished 
the  literature  of  our  country. — 
Again  we  turn,  and  the  cultivated 
farm,  the  neat  cottage,  the  village 
church,  the  sparkling  lake,  the  rich 
valley,  and  the  distant  hills,  are  be- 
fore us  through  opening  vistas ; and 
We  breathe  amidst  the  fresh  and 
varied  labors  of  man. 

“ There  is,  therefore,  within  our 
reach,  every  variety  of  natural  and 
artificial  scenery,  which  is  fitted  to 
awaken  emotions  of  the  highest  and 
most  affecting  character.  We  stand, 
as  it  were,  upon  the  borders  of  two 
worlds ; and  as  the  mood  of  our 
minds  may  be,  we  may  gather  les- 
sons of  profound  wisdom  by  con- 
trasting the  one  with  the  other,  or 
indulge  in  the  dreams  of  hope  and 
ambition,  or  solace  our  hearts  by 
melancholy  meditations.” 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Camdcu,  Me. 

Waldo  co.  This  sea-port  is  fine- 
ly located  for  navigation,  with  two 
beautiful  harbors,  on  the  W.  side  of 
Penobscot  bay,  10  miles  N.  from 
Thomaston,  17  S.  from  Belfast,  and 
40  E.  S.  E.  from  Augusta.  Popu- 
lation, 1837,  2,991.  This  place  has 
some  navigation  engaged  in  the 
coasting  trade  and  fisheries,  and 
considerable  ship  building  is  carri- 
ed on ; but  the  principal  business 
is  the  manufacture  of  lime  from  in- 
exhaustible quarries  of  marble,  or 
lime  stone.  About  200,000  casks 
of  lime  is  annually  shipped  from 
this  place  to  all  parts  of  the  United 
States.  This  lime  is  noted  for  mak- 
ing a cement  of  a superior  quality. 
The  Megunticook  river  waters  a 
part  of  the  town,  and  gives  it  a 
great  water  power,  which  might 
be  well  applied  to  manufacturing 
purposes.  From  a mountain  in  the 
rear  of  the  town  a beautiful  pros- 
pect is  presented  of  Penobscot  bay 
and  its  numerous  islands.  Camden 
is  a pleasant  retreat  in  summer 
months. 

Camel’s  Back  Mountain,  Vt. 

This  most  elevated  summit  of  the 
Green  mountains  lies  in  Hunting- 
ton,  17  miles  W.  from  Montpelier, 
25  N.  E.  from  Middlebury,  and  20 
S.  E.  from  Burlington.  It  is  4,183 
feet  above  the  sea. 

Campton,  N.  IT., 

Grafton  co.,  Is  bounded  N.  by 
Thornton,  E.  by  Sandwich,  S.  by 
Holderness  and  Plymouth,  W.  by 
Rumney;  is  50  miles  from  Con- 
cord, and  75  from  Portsmouth.  Its 
surface  is  broken  and  uneven, 
abounding  with  rocky  ledges,  and 
having  several  mountainous  tracts. 
Besides  Pemigewasset  river,  run- 
ning N.  and  S.  through  nearly  the 
centre  of  the  town,  it  is  watered  by 
Mad  and  Beebe’s  rivers,  which  fall 
into  the  Pemigewasset  on  the  E., 
and  by  West  Branch  river  and  Bog 


brook  on  the  W.  The  land  in  the 
valleys  is  generally  good,  and  there 
is  some  good  intervale.  The  high 
land  is  good  for  grazing.  The  for- 
est trees  are  mostly  deciduous.  No 
white  oak  or  pitch  pine  is  found  N. 
of  the  centre  of  the  town.  Iron 
ore  of  an  inferior  quality  is  found 
in  some  places.  The  towns  of 
Campton  and  Rumney  were  both 
granted  in  Oct.  1761,  to  Capt.  Jabez 
Spencer,  of  East  Haddam,  Conn., 
but  he  dying  before  a settlement 
was  effected,  his  heirs,  in  conjunc- 
tion with  others,  obtained  a new 
charter,  Jan.  5,  1767.  The  first 
settlement  was  made  in  1765,  by 
two  families  of  the  names  of  Fox 
and  Taylor.  The  proprietors  held 
their  first  meeting  Nov.  2,  1769, 
and  the  inhabitants  theirs,  Dec.  16, 
1771.  From  the  circumstance  of 
the  first  proprietors  building  a camp 
when  they  went  to  survey  Carap- 
ton  and  Rumney,  this  town  derives 
its  name.  In  the  revolutionary 
war,  this  town,  though  in  its  infan- 
cy, furnished  nine  or  ten  soldiers, 
five  of  whom  died  in  the  service, 
and  three  were  living  in  1822.  Pop- 
ulation, in  1330,  1,318. 

Canaan,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  This  town  wras  first 
settled  in  1774,  and  incorporated  in 
1783.  It  formerly  embraced  the 
territory  of  Skowhegan  and  Bloom- 
field. It  is  a good  farming  town, 
and  produced,  in  1837, 5,444  bushels 
of  wheat.  It  lies  on  the  east  side 
of  Kennebec  river,  13  miles  E.  from 
Norridgewock,  and  34  N.  from  Au- 
gusta. Population,  1S37,  1,347. 

Canaan,  N.  II. 

Grafton  co.  Bounded  N.  by 
Dame’s  gore,  which  separates  it 
from  Dorchester,  E.  by  Orange,  S. 
by  Enfield,  and  W.  by  Hanover, 
and  is  situated  on  the  height  of  land 
between  the  rivers  Connecticut  and 
Merrimack.  It  is  16  miles  E.  from 
Dartmouth  college,  30  S.  E.  from 
Haverhill,  25  S.  W.  from  Plymouth, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


and  40  N.  W.  from  Concord.  The 
only  stream  of  consequence  is  the 
Mascomy,  which  rises  in  the  N'.W. 
part  of  Dorchester,  arid  after  a me- 
andering course  of  8 or  10  miles, 
falls  into  Mascomy  pond  in  Enfield. 
Indian  stream  river  rises  in  the  S. 
E.  corner  of  Dorchester,  and  run- 
ning about  8 miles,  mingles  with 
the  waters  of  Mascomy,  near  the 
centre  of  the  town.  Heart  pond, 
so  called  from  its  figure,  is  situated 
in  the  centre  of  the  town,  and  upon 
a swell  of  land  so  elevated  that 
at  a distance  it  presents  the  appear- 
ance of  a sheet  of  water  on  a hill. 
It  is  about  500  rods  in  length  and 
200  in  width,  and  the  only  natural 
curiosity  of  any  note,  is  the  mound, 
or  bank  of  earth,  which  nearly  sur- 
rounds this  pond.  It  is  from  4 to 
5 feet  high,  and  from  its  uniform 
height  and  regular  construction 
would  seem  to  be  the  work  of  art; 
but  from  frequent  annual  observa- 
tion, it  is  found  to  have  been  pro- 
duced by  the  drifting  of  the  ice 
when  breaking  up  in  the  spring. 
Besides  this,  there  are  Goose, 
Clark’s,  Mud  and  Bear  ponds.  The 
land  is  not  so  broken  as  in  some  of 
the  adjoining  towns.  There  is  but 
little  not  capable  of  cultivation. 
The  soil  is  tolerably  fertile,  and 
produces  wheat,  rye,  corn,  flax,  &c. 
Canaan  was  granted  by  charter, 
July  9,  17G1,  to  62  persons,  all  of 
whom  except  ten  belonged  to  Con- 
necticut. It  derived  its  name  from 
Canaan  in  that  state.  The  first  per- 
manent settlement  was  made  in  the 
winter,  in  1766  or  7,  by  John  Sco- 
field, who  conveyed  what  effects 
he  possessed  the  distance  of  14  miles 
over  a crust  of  snow  upon  a hand- 
sled.  Among  others  of  the  first 
settlers,  were  George  Harris,  Tho- 
mas Miner,  Joshua  Harris,  and 
Samuel  Jones.  The  first  proprie- 
tors’ meeting  was  held  July  19, 
1768.  Population,  in  1830,  1,428. 

Canaan,  Vt. 

Essex  co.  Bounded  N.  by  Can- 


ada, and  E.  by  Stewartstown,  N. 
H. ; 31  miles  N.  from  Guildhall, 
and  112  N.  E.  from  Montpelier. 
First  settled,  1785.  Population, 
1830,  373.  The  land  in  this  town 
is  broken  and  cold.  Leed’s  pond 
produces  an  abundance  of  fish. 
Canaan  produces  more  fish  than 
grain. 

Canaan,  Ct. 

Litchfield  co.  First  settled  in 
1738.  Incorporated,  1739.  Canaan 
lies  41  miles  N.  W.  from  Hartford, 
and  18  N.  N.  Yvr.  from  Litchfield. 
Population,  1830,  2,301 . The  town 
lies  on  the  E.  side  of  Housatonick 
river,  opposite  to  Salisbury.  A 
ledge  of  limestone  rocks  crosses  the 
river  at  this  place,  about  30  rods  in 
length,  causing  a perpendicular  fall 
of  60  feet.  The  river  is  rapid,  both 
above  and  below  this  beautiful  cata- 
ract. The  whole  descent  of  the 
river,  in  Canaan,  is  about  130  feet, 
“ nobly  arranged  and  distributed, 
and  comprehending  a remarkable 
variety  of  beauty  and  grandeur.” 
The  township  is  mountainous,  with 
some  arable  land  along  the  streams. 
About  4,000  she'ep  are  kept  here. 
This  section  of  country  is  noted  for 
its  excellent  mutton.  Limestone 
and  iron  ore  are  abundant ; the  lat- 
ter is  of  a very  fine  quality.  Iron 
works,  on  an  extensive  scale,  are 
established  here  ; a satinet  factory 
and  other  machinery. 

Canals  in  Sew  England. 

See  Register . 

Candia,  N.  H., 

Rockingham  co.,  Was  detached 
from  the  N.  part  of  Chester  and  in- 
corporated, 1763.  The  soil  is  natu- 
rally hard  of  cultivation  ; but  the 
industry  of  the  inhabitants  has  mads 
it  fruitful.  It  was  originally  cover- 
ed with  a thick  growth  of  oak,  ash, 
maple,  birch,  &.c.  The  site  of  this 
town  is  elevated,  and  commands 
an  extensive  view  of  the  rich  s'ccne- 
ry  of  the  adjacent  country — the 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


White  HiHs,  the  Wachusett,  and 
other  mountains,  the  lights  on  Plum 
island,  and  the  ocean  being  visible. 
In  the  W.  part  of  the  town  is  a 
ridge  of  land  extending  from  N.  to 
S.,  which  is  the  highest  elevation 
between  Merrimack  river  and  the 
ocean.  On  the  E.  side  of  this  ridge, 
two  branches  of  Lamprey  river 
take  their  rise.  Candia  lies  15 
miles  from  Concord.  This  town 
among  others  contributed  largely 
to  the  attainment  of  independence  ; 
and  the  names  df  69  soldiers  of  the 
revolution  are  found  on  its  records. 
The  inhabitants  are  mostly  indus- 
trious farmers,  many  of  whom  are 
wealthy.  Population,  1830,  1,362. 

Canterbury,  N.  H. 

Merrimack  co.  Canterbury, 
though  an  uneven  township,  is  not 
mountainous.  The  soil  is  generally 
good ; the  more  uneven  parts  af- 
fording excellent  pasturage.  There 
are  no  large  streams  in  this  town ; 
but  several  ponds  give  rise  to  smal- 
ler streams,  furnishing  good  mill 
sites,  and  near  which  are  cut  great 
quantities  of  hay.  Two  bridges  over 
the  Merrimack  connect  this  town 
with  Boscawen.  The  town  was  set- 
tled about  1727,  and  for  along  time 
the  inhabitants  were  exposed  to  the 
inroads  of  the  savages.  The  hus- 
bandman cleared  and  tilled  his  land 
under  the  protection  of  a guard, 
uncertain  wThether  the  seed  he  com- 
mitted to  the  ground  might  not  be 
watered  by  his  blood,  or  that  of  an 
enemy.  Canterbury  lies  8 miles 
N.  from  Concord.  Population, 
1836,  1663. 

The  Hon.  Abiel  Foster  de- 
serves a particular  notice.  He  pos- 
sessed in  a great  degree  the  esteem 
and  confidence  of  the  people  ; and 
soon  after  he  left  the  pastoral  care 
of  the  church,  he  was  called  to  ar- 
duous duties  as  a magistrate  and 
legislator.  In  1783,  he  was  elected 
to  Congress ; and  for  three  years 
was  a member  of  that  body  under 
t.Vi  old  confederation.  He  was  suc- 


cessively returned  a member  for 
nearly  all  the  time  until  1804 ; 
when  he  retired  to  private  life  and 
domestic  traquillity.  He  was  an 
ardent  lover  of  his  country,  and 
faithfully  served  his  constituents — 
by  whom  his  memory  will  long  be 
cherished.  He  died  in  Feb.,  1806. 
Canterbury, -from  its  elevated  situa- 
tion, has  ever  been  a healthy  town. 

In  the  S.  E.  part  of  this  town, 
on  an  elevated  and  beautiful  site,  is 
the  village  of  the  “Shakers.”  At 
present  it  consists  of  more  than  two 
hundred  members.  They  have  a 
meeting-house  open  at  all  times  of 
public  worship,  where  any  discreet 
and  decent  spectator  is  allowed  to 
attend.  They  have  a “Trustees’ 
Office,”  where  all  their  public  busi- 
ness is  transacted,  and  where  stran- 
gers are  at  first  received  on  their  vis- 
its to  the  society.  They  have  also 
neat  dwelling-houses,  of  two  and 
three  stories,  and  several  work- 
shops both  for  men  and  women. 
Their  mills  and  various  kinds  of 
machinery  are  moved  by  water  on 
an  artificial  stream.  They  manu- 
facture many  articles  for  sale, 
which  are  remarkable  for  neatness 
and  durability.  Their  gardens  are 
perhaps  the  most  productive  of  any 
in  the  country  and  indeed  all  their 
improved  lands  exhibit  the  pleasing 
effects  of  industry  and  rural  econ- 
omy. They  cultivate  garden  seeds 
and  take  much  pains  to  pro- 
pagate those  of  the  best  kind. — 
They  occupy  more  than  1,500  acres 
of  land,  lying  principally  in  a body, 
which  they  have  4 consecrated  to 
the  Lord,’  and  which  they  enjoy 
in  common.  They  cheerfully  pay 
their  proportion  of  public  taxes, 
and  share  all  the  burthens  of  gov- 
ernment, except  the  bearing  of 
arms,  which  they  deem  to  be  con- 
trary to  the  gospel ; and  in  return 
they  claim  from  government  only 
that  protection  and  support  guaran- 
tied to  other  citizens.  The  income 
of  their  manufactures,  together 
with  their  agricultural  products. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


yields  their  temporal  support ; and 
what  they  become  possessed  of 
more  than  is  necessary  to  their 
wants,  they  devote  to  charitable 
purposes,  agreeably  to  their  church 
covenant.  It  should  be  mentioned 
as  a practice  highly  creditable 
to  this  sect,  that  the  members 
of  their  societies  never  make  use 
of  ardent  spirits,  except  in  cases  of 
sickness,  being  aware  of  the  evils 
intemperance  brings  upon  society. 
Another  practice  not  unworthy  of 
imitation  is,  they  refuse  to  be  trust- 
ed even  in  the  smallest  sum.  They 
transact  their  secular  concerns  with 
great  uprightness ; and  though  they 
may  have  suffered  reproach  from 
their  singularity  of  life  and  man- 
ners,they  have  become  a proverb  for 
industry,  justice  and  benevolence. 

For  a particular  account  of  the  re- 
ligious tenets  of  this  singular  peo- 
ple, see  Religious  Creeds  and  Sta- 
tistics. 

Canterbury,  Ci. 

Windham  co.  The  first  settlers 
of  this  town  were  principally  from 
Dorchester,  Mass,  and  its  neighbor- 
hood. They  came  here  about  the 
year  1690.  The  soil  of  the  town  is 
a gravelly  loam,  generally  fertile 
and  productive.  It  lies  40  miles 
E.  by  S.  from  Hartford,  and  6 S. 
from  Brooklyn.  Population,  1830, 
1,831.  The  Quinnebaug  is  here 
a large  and  beautiful  stream.  It 
annually  overflows  its  banks,  and 
fertilizes  a large  tract  upon  its  bor- 
ders. There  is  line  fishing  in  Bates’ 
pond.  Considerable  excitement 
manifested  itself  in  this  town,  in 
1832,  in  consequence  of  a Miss 
Crandall  proposing  to  open  a school 
for  the  instruction  of  “ Young  la- 
dies and  little  misses  of  color.” — 
Although  no  one  seemed  to  question 
the  purity  of  Miss  Crandall’s  mo- 
tives, yet  the  people  doubted  the 
expediency  of  the  measure. 

Cantou,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  Incorporated,  1821. 


Population,  1837,  827.  It  lies  on 
both  sides  of  the  Androscoggin  riv- 
er, 32  miles  W.  N.  W.  from  Au- 
gusta, and  24  N.  E.  from  Paris. 
Canton  produced,  in  1837,  3,114 
bushels  of  wheat. 

Canton,  Mass. 

Norfolk  c\i.  Neponset  river  and 
several  large  ponds  give  this  town 
a great  water  power.  It  lies  15 
miies  S.  W.  from  Boston,  and  5 S. 
by  E.  from  Dedham.  Incorporated, 
1797.  Population,  1830,  1,517 ; 
1837,  2,185.  The  manufactures  of 
Canton  the  year  ending  1st  of 
April,  1337,  amounted  to  $695,- 
180.  They  consisted  of  cotton  and 
woolen  goods,  shoes,  palm-leaf  hats, 
copper,  wicking,  thread,  candle- 
sticks, hoes,  iron  castings,  trying 
squares,  and  “ shapes.”  The  bells 
manufactured  at  this  place  are  of 
superior  metal  and  sound.  This 
place  is  easily  approached  from  the 
capital  by  the  Boston  and  Provi- 
dence rail-road.  The  viaduct,  or 
bridge,  on  that  road  at  this  place, 
cost  the  company  about  $80,000. 
It  is  of  massive  hewn  granite,  600 
feet  in  length  ; 63  f6et  above  the 
foundation,  on  6 arches,  with  a suc- 
cession of  arches  at  top.  It  is  an 
admirable  piece  of  workmanship. 

C'aaton,  Ct. 

Hartford  co.  First  settled,  1740. 
Incorporated,  1803.  Population, 
1830,  1,437.  Collinsville  is  the 
•principal  village  in  the  town,  at 
which  a large  amount  of  axes,  of  a 
superior  quality,  are  annually  made. 
It  lies  13  miles  X.  W.  by  W.  from 
Hartford,  and  16  N.  E.  from  Litch- 
field. This  village  presents  a beau- 
tiful appearance,  and  is  a noble 
specimen  of  individual  enterprize. 
The  soil  of  Canton  is  coarse  and 
stony,  and  the  surface  hilly.  F arm- 
ington  river  passes  through  its  S. 
W.  corner. 

Carlisle,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  This  town  lies 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


20  miles  N.  W.  from  Boston,  and  5 
N.  from  Concord.  Incorporated, 
1805.  Population,  1837,  506.  It 
is  bounded  S.  E.  by  Concord  river. 
This  is  a poor  town,  and  its  manu- 
factures are  very  trifling. 

Carmel,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  Population,  1837, 
510.  Growth  of  wheat,  same  year, 
1,890  bushels.  71  miles  from  Au- 
gusta. See  Soicadabscook  Stream. 

Carroll,  N.  II. 


some  of  the  best  harbors  in  the 
world.  It  is  said  that  Casco  bay 
contains  as  many  islands  as  there 
are  days  in  the  year  ; however  that 
may  be,  we  know  that  they  are 
very  numerous,  some  very  large, 
fertile,  and  well  cultivated ; and 
that  a survey  of  them  from  the  high 
grounds  in  Portland,  Falmouth, 
Cumberland,  or  Y armouth,  affords  a 
treat  of  island  and  ocean  scenery 
of  transcendent  beauty. 

Castine,  Me. 


A township  in  Coos  county,  ly- 
ing at  the  base  of  the  White  Moun- 
tains, on  the  N.  W.,  having  Jeffer- 
son and  Whitefield  N.,  Whitefield 
and  Bethlehem  W.,and  the  ungrant- 
ed lands,  and  Nash  and  Sawyer’s 
Location  on  the  S.  It  was  granted 
Feb.  8,  1772,  to  Sir  Thomas  Went- 
worth, Bart., Rev.  Samuel  I.angdon, 
and  81  others.  Its  surface  is  un- 
even, and  its  appearance  dreary. — I 
Population,  in  1839,  108. 

Cartilage,  Me. 

Franklin  co.  Incorporated,  1826. 
Population,  1837,  455.  46  miles  i 

from  Augusta,  and  73  from  Port-  i 
land.  See  Barnard,  Me. 

Carver,  Mass. 

Plymouth  co.  Set  off  from  Ply- 
mouth in  1790.  Population,  1837, 
990.  38  miles  S.  E.  from  Boston, 

and  8 S.  W.  by  S.  from  Plymouth. 
There  are  a number  of  pleasant  j 
ponds  in  this  town.  The  soil  is  not  ; 
very  productive.  The  manufac-  ! 
tures  of  Carver  consist  of  iron  east-  { 
ings,  boots,  shoes,  boxes,  and  wil-  ! 
low  baskets;  annual  amount  about 
$50,000. 

Casco  Eay,  Me. 

This  is  one  of  the  finest  bays  on 
the  American  coast.  Its  western 
boundary  is  Cape  Elizabeth ; its 
eastern.  Cape  Small  Point.  The 
distance  between  those  capes  is 
abou  1 20  miles.  Its  indentation  does 
not  exceed  15  miles.  Within  it  are 


Plancock  co.  Castine  derived  its 
name  from  a French  baron  of  that 
name,  who  resided  here  upwards  of 
twenty  years  after  1667.  This 
peninsula,  jutting  out  into  Belfast 
bay,  at  the  mouth  of  Penobscot 
river,  was  formerly  called  “ Major 
Biguyduce,”  pronounced,  Baga- 
duee.  The  peninsula  embraces 
2,500  acres  of  land,  and  was  first 
settled  by  the  English,  in  1760. 
The  British  occupied  this  place  in 
both  of  the  wars  with  the  U.  S.  It 
was  the  shire,  or  chief  town,  of  the 
county  from  1789  to  183S,  when 
the  courts  were  removed  to  Ells- 
worth. Castine  possesses  an  excel- 
lent maritime  position,  but  its  trade 
from  the  country  is  limited,  being 
cut  off  by  the  more  inland  towns. 
Its  trade,  however,  is  considerable.- 
The  lumber  and  coasting  trade, 
with  the  fisheries,  give  active  em- 
ployment to  its  people.  78  miles 
E.  from  Augusta,  and  about  25  S. 
W.  from  Ellsworth.  Population, 
1830,  1,155;  1837,  1,168. 

Castleton,  Vt. 

Rutland,  co.  This  is  a flourish- 
ing town,  watered  by  a river  of  the 
same  name  ; 11  miles  W.  from  Rut- 
land, 72  S.  W.  from  Montpelier, 
and  14  E.  from  Whitehall.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  1,783.  First  settled, 
1770.  The  surface  of  the  town  is 
rough  and  billy,  but  there  is  some 
rich  land.  It  feeds  about  9,000 
sheep.  Mill  streams  abound  in 
Castleton,  on  which  are  a woolen 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


and  other  manufacturing  establish- 
ments. Lake  Bombazine,  7 miles 
in  length  and  2 in  breadth,  is  chief- 
ly in  this  town.  It  is  stored  with 
fish,  and  has  an  island  near  its  cen- 
tre of  exquisite  beauty.  The  vil-  J 
lage  of  Castleton  is  elevated,  neat-  i 
ly  built,  and  presents  a great  vari- 
ety of  rich  and  beautiful  scenery.  ! 

CaveniUsli,  Vt. 

Windsor  co.  There  are  two  flour-  I 
ishing  villages  in  Cavendish,  Put-  < 
ton’s  village  and  Proctorsville.  It  ; 
is  watered  b y Black  river  and  T wen-  j 
ty  Mile  Stream,  which  afford  a good 
hj  draulic  power.  Here  are  in  op- 
eration 4 large  woolen  factories,  I 
iron  works,  manufactures  of  tin,  ; 
and  many  other  branches  of  me-  ; 
chanies.  Along  the  streams  the  | 
soil  is  excellent : the  high  land  is  ! 
good,  but  best  adapted  to  grazing.  ! 
Here  are  about  6,000  sheep.  The 
channel  of  Black  river,  at  the  falls,  ! 
has  been  worn  down  100  feet.  The 
effects  of  the  water,  at  this  place,  | 
are  very  curious.  Hawk’s  moun- 
tain separates  this  town  from  Balti-  | 
more.  Cavendish,  in  common  with  j 
most  of  the  towns  in  Vermont,  pre- 
sents a great  variety  of  mountain  ! 
scenery.  It  lies  10  miles  S.  W.  > 
from  Windsor,  and  60  S.  from  Mont-  f 
pelier.  First  settled,  1769.  Pop-  ! 
ulation,  1830,  1,498. 

Centre-Harbor,  N.  II., 

Strafford  co.,  is  pleasantly  situa- 
ted between  Winnepisiogee  and 
Squam  lakes  ; distant  from  Concord, 
39  miles,  Portsmouth  60,  Boston 
104.  Measley  pond  is  partly  in  this 
town.  Squam  lake  furnishes  fine 
trout,  and  has  several  islands  valu- 
able for  grazing.  The  soil  is  very 
good,  mostly  a rich  loam.  Centre 
Harbor  is  a delightful  resting  place, 
during  the  warm  season,  of  tourists, 
to  the  White  Mountains,  and  the 
great  resort  of  those,  visiting  the 
Winnepisiogee  lake  and  the  great 
natural  curiosities  in  the  adjoining 
town  of  Moultonborough.  The 


first  settlements  were  made  by  Eb- 
enezer  Chamberlain,  in  1765,  and 
Col.  Joseph  Senter,  in  1767.  Pop- 
ulation, in  1830,  577. 

Champlain  Lake. 

This  delightful  expanse  of  water 
is  the  boundary  line  between  New 
York  and  Vermont.  Vermont  em- 
braces about  two  thirds  of  its  sur- 
face. New  York  is  on  the  W.  side, 
and  the  counties  of  Franklin,  Chit- 
tenden, Addison,  and  a part  of  Rut- 
land, in  the  state  of  Vermont,  lie 
on  the  E.  At  the  N.  it  extends  a 
few  miles  into  Lower  Canada,  and 
receives  the  waters  of  Pike  river. 
It  discharges  into  the  St.  Lawrence 
by  the  Richelieu,  Sorel,  or  Chambly 
river.  Among  its  tributaries  from 
Vermont  are  ihe  Missisque,  Lam- 
oille, Onion,  Otter,  and  Pawlet  riv- 
ers. From  New  York  it  receives 
the  waters  of  the  Chazv,  Saranac, 
Sable,  Bouquet,  and  Wood  rivers, 
and  of  Lake  George.  Its  length  is 
about  130  miles  : its  breadth  varies 
from  1 to  12  miles  : average  breadth 
about  3 miles.  It  abounds  with 
salmon,  trout,  pickerel  and  other 
fish.  It  is  navigable  for  vessels 
of  90  tons  burthen,  and  splen- 
did steamboats  are  continually  ply- 
ing, in  the  season  of  navigation, 
from  Whitehall,  aiong  its  beautiful 
shores,  to  St.  John’s  in  Canada. — 
This  lake  contains  about  60  islands, 
is  remarkable  for  its  splendid  scene- 
ry, and  renowned  in  ancient  and 
modern  stories  for  its  scenes  of  war- 
like achievements.  Lake  Cham- 
plain is  a great  resort,  both  for  bu- 
siness and  pleasure. 

In  the  Register,  under  Burling- 
ton, may  be  found  some  notes  for 
travellers. 

Cliaplin,  Ct. 

Windham  co.  Taken  from  Mans- 
field, Hampton  and  Windham,  in 
1832.  It  is  watered  by  Natchaug 
river,  which  passes  nearljT  through 
its  centre.  The  town  is  small,  but 
the  soil  is  good,  and  populated  by 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


industrious  farmers,  who,  by  their 
practice  of  keeping  a large  number 
of  sheep,  seem  to  be  convinced  of 
the  fact  that  wool  is  one  of  the  most 
important  staples  of  New  England. 
It  lies  10  miles  W.  by  N.  from 
Brooklyn,  and  30  E.  by  N.  from 
Hartford. 

Cliai'lemont,  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  Deerfield  river  me- 
anders through  this  town,  and  gives 
it  a good  water  power.  Garrisons 
were  erected  here  in  1754,  against 
the  savage  French  and  Indians. 
Their  remains  are  now  visible.  In- 
corporated, 1765.  Population,  1837, 
994.  It  lies  110  miles  W.  N.  W. 
from  Boston,,  and  14  W.  by  N.  from 
Greenfield.  Although  this  is  a 
mountainous  township,  it  contains 
much  valuable  land.  It  maintains 
about  5,000  merino  and  other  sheep. 
Its  manufactures  consist  of  boots, 
shoes,  leather,  iron  castings,  axes, 
hoes,  palm-leaf  hats,  saddlery, 
scythe  snaiths,  and  lather  boxes. 

diaries  Rivers. 

Charles  river,  in  Massachusetts, 
is  the  Quinobeguin  of  the  Indians. 
This  river  rises  on  the  borders  of 
Hopkinton  and  Milford,  and  after 
meandering  » through  Bellingham, 
Franklin,  Medway,  Medfield, Sher- 
burne, Dover,  Dedham,  Need- 
ham, Natick,  Newton,  Waltham 
and  Watertown,  it  meets  the  tide 
waters,  and  forms  a part  of  Boston 
harbor.  It  is  navigable  to  Water- 
town,  7 miles  W.  from  Boston. 

Charles  river,  in  R.  I.,  has  its 
source  in  Warden’s  pond,  in  South 
Kingston,  and  empties  into  the 
Pawcatuck,  at  Westerly. 

Charleston,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  At  the  source  of 
Pushaw  lake.  Bounded  W.  by  Gar- 
land. It  lies  25  miles  S.  W.  from 
Belfast,  and  73  N.  W.  from  Augus- 
ta. This  township  is  fine  wheat 
land ; it  yielded,  in  1S37,  7,606 


bushels.  Incorporated,  18.11.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  1,140. 

Charleston,  Vt. 

Orleans  co.  Echo  pond,  the  out- 
let of  lake  Seymour,  waters  this 
town.  Lake  Seymour  is  a large 
sheet  of  water,  and  passes  N.  into 
lake  Memphremagog.  Charleston 
lies  about  35  miles  N.E.  from  Hyde- 
park,  55  N.  N.E.  from  Montpelier, 
and  15  S.  of  Canada  line.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  564. 

Charlestown,  N.  H., 

Sullivan  co.,  is  situated  on  Con- 
necticut river,  51  miles  from  Con- 
cord, 100  from  Boston,  100  from 
Albany,  110  from  Hartford,  Conn., 
and  18  miles  from  Windsor,  Vt. 
The  only  rivers  in  Charlestown 
are  the  Connecticut  and  Little  Su- 
gar rivers.  In  the  former,  there 
are  three  islands  within  the  limits 
of  this  town,  the  largest  of  which 
contains  about  ten  acres,  and  is  call- 
ed Sartwell’s  island.  The  others 
contain  about  six  acres  each,  and 
have  a rich  loamy  soil.  Sartwell’s 
island  is  under  a high  cultivation 
There  are  no  falls  in  this  river  with- 
in the  limits  of  Charlestown  which 
interrupt  the  boat  navigation,  al- 
though some  little  inconvenience 
is  experienced  in  low  water  from 
what  are  called  “ Sugar  river  bars.” 
Little  Sugar  river  waters  the  north 
part  of  Charlestown,  and  empties 
into  Connecticut  river  about  two 
miles  south  of  the  S.  line  of  Clare- 
mont. This  town  has  but  few  fac- 
tory or  mill  privileges.  The  soil 
is  extremely  various.  West  of 
the  great  road  leading  from  Wal- 
pole to  Claremont,  are  not  less  than 
1,500  acres  of  fine  intervale  land, 
generally  of  a deep,  rich  and  loamy 
soil,  and  favorable  for  the  culture 
and  growth  of  most  of  the  various 
kinds  of  grass  and  grain.  In  the 
E.  and  N.  E.  parts  of  the  town,  the 
soil  of  the  upland  is  good — the  nat- 
ural growth  of  wood,  consisting 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


principally  of  beech,  birch,  oak, 
maple  and  hemlock.  There  is  a 
ridge  of  hard,  broken,  and  in  some 
parts  stony,  land,  east  of  the  river 
road,  extending  almost  the  whole 
length  of  the  town,  and  which  is 
considered  unfit  for  settlements. 
The  south  part  of  the  town  appears 
to  have  a different  soil,  and  is  favor- 
able for  yielding  the  lighter  grains. 
Charlestown  contains  two  parishes, 
which  are  divided  by  a line  run- 
ning from  Cheshire  bridge  S.  87° 
E.,  to  the  corner  of  Ac  worth  and 
Unity.  In  the  south  parish,  there 
is  a handsome  village,  delightfully 
situated,  at  the  distance  of  about 
half  a mile  from  Connecticut  river, 
and  parallel  w’ith  it.  In  the  north 
parish  is  a meeting-house  and  a 
small  village.  Cheshire  bridge, 
about  2 miles  N.  of  the  S.  meeting- 
house, connects  this  town  with' 
Springfield,  Vt.  From  this  bridge 
Cheshire  turnpike  leads  southerly 
through  the  principal  village,  to 
Keene.  Charlestown  was  granted 
by  Massachusetts,  Dec.  31,  1T35, 
by  the  name  of  Number  4,  which 
is  sometimes  applied  to  it  at  the 
present  day. 

On  the  2d  July,  1753,  No.  4 was 
incorporated  by  the  name  of  Charles- 
town. The  charter  was  granted  by 
Gov.  Benning  Wentworth  to  Jo- 
seph Wells,  Phinehas  Stevens  and 
others,  who  were  purchasers  under 
the  old  grantees.  In  1754,the  French 
war  commenced — and  the  inhabit- 
ants were  obliged  to  take  up  their 
residence  in  the  fort.  The  first  set- 
tlers of  Charlestown,  like  the  first 
inhabitants  of  almost  every  frontier 
town  in  New  England,  were,  prior 
to  1760,  the  victims  of  savage  cru- 
elty. For  twenty  years  after  the 
first  settlement,  their  neighbors  on 
the  N.  were  the  French  in  Canada, 
on  the  W.  the  Dutch,  near  the 
Hudson,  on  the  E.  the  settlements 
on  Merrimack  river,  and  on  the  S. 
few  were  found  until  arrived  at 
Northfield,  in  Massachusetts,  a dis- 
tance of  more  than  40  miles.  The 


Indians  were'  at  peace  but  a small 
portion  of  that  time.  From  their 
infancy,  the  settlers  had  been  fa- 
miliar with  danger,  and  had  acquir- 
ed' a hardihood  unknown  to  poster- 
ity.' When  they  attended  public 
worship,  or  cultivated  their  lands, 
they  sallied  from  the  fort  prepared 
for  battle,  and  worshipped  or  labor- 
ed under  the  protection  of  a senti- 
nel. In  their  warfare,  the  Indians 
preferred  prisoners  to  scalps,  and 
few  were  killed  but  those  who  at- 
tempted to  escape,  or  appeared  too 
formidable  to  be  encountered  with 
success.  The  first  child  born  in 
Charlestown  was  Elizabeth,  the 
daughter  of  Isaac  Parker.  She  was 
born  1744,  and  died  in  1806. — 
Charlestown  has  been  favored  with 
a number  of  eminent  men,  only 
one  of  which  we  have  room  to  men- 
tion. Capt.  Phinehas  Stevens 
was  one  of  the  first  settlers.  The 
town  w;hen  in  its  infancy  was  pro- 
tected by  his  intrepidity.  He  was 
a native  of  Sudbury,  Mass.,  from 
whence  his  father  removed  to  Rut- 
land. At  the  age  of  16,  while  his 
father  was  making  hay,  he,  with 
three  little  brothers,  followed  him 
to  the  meadows.  They  were  am- 
bushed by  the  Indians,  who  killed 
two  of  his  brothers,  took  him  pris- 
oner, and  were  preparing  to  kill  his 
youngest  brother,  a child  four  years 
old.  He,  by  signs  to  the  Indians, 
made  them  understand  if  they 
would  spare  him,  he  would  carry 
him  on  his  back — and  he  carried 
him  to  Canada.  They  were  redeem- 
ed and  both  returned.  He  receiv- 
ed several  commissions  from  Gov. 
Shirley,  and  rendered  important 
services  in  protecting  the  frontiers. 
In  1747,  when  Charlestown  was 
abandoned  by  the  inhabitants,  he 
was  ordered  to  occupy  the  fort  with 
30  men.  On  the  4th  of  April,  he 
was  attacked  by  400  French  and  In- 
dians, under  Mons.  Debeline.  The 
assault  lasted  three  days.  Indian 
stratagem  and  French  skill,  with 
fire  applied  to  every  combustible 


/ 


✓ 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


about  the  fort,  had  not  the  desired 
effect.  The  heroic  band  were  not 
appalled.  They  refused  to  capitu- 
late. At  length  an  interview  be- 
tween the  commanders  took  place. 
The  Frenchman  shewed  his  forces, 
and  described  the  horrid  massacre 
that  must  ensue  unless  the  fort  was 
surrendered.  “ My  men  are  not 
afraid  to  die,”  was  the  answer  made 
by  Capt.  Stevens.  The  attack  con- 
tinued with  increased  fury  until 
the  end  of  .the  third  day,  when  the 
enemy  returned  to  Canada,  and  left 
Capt.  Stevens  in  possession  of  the 
fort.  Capt.  Stevens,  For  his  gallant- 
ry on  this  occasion,  was  presented 
by  Sir  Charles  Knowles  with  an  el- 
egant sword;  and  from  this  circum- 
stance the  township,  when  it  was 
incorporated,  in  1753,  took  the  name 
of  Charlestown.  Population,  in 
1330,  1,773. 

Cliarlcsto-wn,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  The  Indian  name 
of  this  town  was  Mishawun.  First 
settled,  1623.  Incorporated,  1629. 
Population,  1820,  6,591;  1S30, 

8,737;  1837,10,101.  Charlestown 
is  a peninsula,  formed  by  Charles 
and  Mystic  rivers,  and  is  united 
to  Boston  by  Charles  and  Warren 
bridges.  It  is  also  united  to  Boston 
as  a port  of  entry,  and  in  its  various 
commercial  and  manufacturing  pur- 
suits. This  town  is  noted  for  its 
sacrifices  in  the  cause  of  liberty ; 
and  its  soil  will  ever  be  dear  to  the 
patriot’s  bosom.  The  town  is  not 
so  regularly  laid  out  as  Philadel- 
phia, yet  it  is  neatly  built,  and  con- 
tains many  elegant  public  and  pri- 
vate edifices.  The  streets  are  wide 
and  airy,  and  many  of  them  have 
recently  been  planted  with  trees 
for  shade.  Considerable  shipping 
is  owned  here,  engaged  in  foreign 
and  domestic  commerce.  The  an- 
nual value  of  the  cod  and  mackerel 
fisheries  is  about  $40,000.  The 
value  of  the  manufactures,  in 
Charlestown,  the  year  ending  April 
1 , 1837,  exclusive  of  a large  amount 


of  leather,  w7as  $390,000.  The  ar 
tides  manufactured  were  as  fol- 
lows : soap,  candles,  boots,  shoes, 
hats,  morocco,  chairs,  cabinet  ware, 
vessels,  combs,  tin  ware,  and  spirits. 

The  United  States’  Navy  Yard 
was  first  established  in  this  town 
about  the  year  1798.  The  yard  is 
situated  on  the  N.  side  of  Charles 
river,  on  a plot  of  ground  of  about 
60  acres.  It  is  enclosed  by  a high 
wall  of  durable  masonry,  and  con- 
tains several  ware-houses,  dwell- 
ing-houses for  the  officers,  and  a 
large  amount  of  naval  stores,  live 
oak  and  other  timber.  It  also  con- 
tains three  large  ship-houses,  in 
which  are  the  Vermont  and  Caro- 
lina of  74,  and  the  Cumberland 
frigate  of  44  guns.  These  ships 
can  be  launched  and  ready  for  sea 
in  a very  shoj-t  time. 

The  dry  dock  at  this  place  is  of 
hewn  granite,  and  of  unrivalled 
masonry.  It  is  341  feet  in  length, 
80  in  width,  and  30  in  depth.  It 
cost  $670,089.  This  dock  was  com- 
pleted and  received  the  Constitu- 
tion on  the  24th  of  June,  1833. — 
Connected  with  this  establishment 
are  a naval  hospital  and  magazine, 
at  Chelsea,  and  a large  rope  walk  in 
the  yard ; other  additions  are  con- 
templated. This  is  considered  one 
of  the  best  naval  depots  in  the  Uni- 
ted States. 

McLean  Asylum.  This  estab- 
lishment is  located  on  a beautiful 
rise  of  ground,  in  Charlestown,  near 
East  Cambridge,  and  about  a mile 
and  a half  from  the  City  Hall,  in 
Boston.  The  buildings  are  large, 
and  exceedingly  well  adapted  to 
their  philanthropic  design.  They 
cost  about  $186,000.  This  House 
was  opened  for  patients  on  the  6th 
of  October,  1818. 

Belonging  to,  and  surrounding 
this  Asylum,  are  about  15  acres  of 
land, appropriated  to  courts  and  gar- 
dens. These  are  laid  out  with  grav- 
elled walks.  The  former  are  furnish* 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ed  with  summer  houses,  and  the 
latter  are  ornamented  with  groves 
of  fruit  and  ornamental  trees,  shrub- 
bery and  flowers.  Surrounding  the 
lower  garden  and  within  the  enclo- 
sure, is  a carriage  path,  where  pa- 
tients are  taken  to  ride.  In  the 
centre  is  a small  fresh  water  pond, 
containing  several  hundred  gold  and 
silver  fish,  and  immediately  contig- 
uous is  a summer  house,  where  the 
patients  at  times  resort  for  games 
and  amusements. 

The  system  of  moral  treatment 
adopted  and  pursued,  is  founded  up- 
on principles  of  elevated  benevo- 
lence and  philanthropy,  and  an  ac- 
quaintance with  human  nature  and 
the  capabilities  and  wants  of  the 
insane.  The  previous  tastes,  hab- 
its and  pursuits,  and  the  present  in- 
clinations and  feelings  of  each  in- 
dividual, are  habitually  consulted. 
A library  for  the  use  of  the  patients 
has  been  purchased,  and  those  of 
them  who  are  disposed  to  read,  are 
permitted  at  stated  periods  to  send 
in  their  names  and  the  number  of 
the  book  desired  ; the  list  is  exam- 
ined and  approved  by  the  physician, 
and  the  books  are  distributed  by  the 
librarian.  In  the  same  way,  writ- 
ing materials  'are  distributed,  and 
patients  are  engaged  in  keeping 
journals — writing  sketches  of  their 
lives — poetry — addressing  letters  to 
their  friends,  drawing,  &c.  Some 
engage  in  games,  as  bowling — 
throwing  the  ring — battledore — gra- 
ces— jurhping  the  rope — chess — 
draughts — back  gammon,  &c.,  or 
are  occupied  in  walking  and  riding 
into  the  country,  or  in  making  fish- 
ing excursions  in  the  company  of 
their  attendants ; while  others  are 
working  on  the  form  and  in  the 
garden.  The  female  patients,  be- 
sides being  employed  in  various 
kinds  of  needle  and  ornamental 
work,  are  engaged  in  various  do- 
mestic labors.  The  quiet  and  con- 
valescent patients  regularly  attend 
the  religious  exercises  of  the  fam- 
ily, and  a portion  of  them  join  in 

s 


the  vocal  and  instrumental  music 
of  the  occasion ; a part  of  this  num- 
ber also  attend  church  on  the  Sab- 
bath, in  company  with  the  nurses 
and  attendants,  and  dine  with  the 
family.  A regulated  intercourse 
with  the  family  and  society  is  re- 
garded as  an  important  auxiliary  in 
the  means  of  cure,  and  on  suitable 
occasions  they  are  invited  into  the 
house,  where  parties  are  made  for 
their  special  amusement  and  bene- 
fit. 

John  McLlean,  Esq.,  late  of 
Boston,  an  eminent  merchant,  be- 
queathed a large  amount  of  prop- 
erty to  this  institution ; hence  its 
name. 

Bunker  Hill  Monument.  On  the 
17th  of  June,  1825,  the  corner  stone 
of  an  Obelisk  was  laid  on  the  heights 
in  this  town,  by  the  illustrious  La 
Fayette,  to  commemorate  the  battle 
between  the  Americans  and  Brit- 
ish on  the  17th  of  June,  1775.  In 
that  battle,  449  Americans  and 
1,055  Britons  were  slain.  Charles- 
town was  burnt  by  the  British  the 
same  day.  The  site  of  the  Monu- 
ment is  62  feet  above  the  level  of 
the  sea.  It  is  of  hewn  granite, 
and,  when  completed,  will  be  SO 
feet  square  at  the  base,  15  feet 
square  at  the  top,  and  220  feet  in 
height.  It  is  now  raised  about  60 
feet,  and  will  probably  be  complet- 
ed in  one  or  two  years.  The  cost 
of  it  will  be  about  {$100,000. 

The  State  Prison.  This  institu- 
tion was  founded  in  1800,  and  soon 
after  located  on  a point  of  land  in 
this  town,  near  East  Cambridge, 
and  which  is  connected  with  Canal 
bridge  by  a lateral  bridge  of  1,820 
feet  in  length.  After  having  strug- 
gled with  many  and  great  difficul- 
ties attendant  on  the  establishment 
of  an  institution  so  entirely  new, 
the  state,  by  the  agency  of  suitable 
men,  have  so  placed  it  as  to  effect 
all  the  objects  proposed,  without 
any  expense  to  the  commonwealth. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Charlestown,  R.  I. 

Washington  co.  Charlestown  lies 
on  the  sea,  opposite  to  Block  Island. 
It  has  five  large  ponds,  which  cov- 
er an  area  of  7 square  miles. — 
Charlestown  and  Conaquetogue 
ponds  are  salt  water,  and  Posquis- 
sett,Watchaug  and  Cochumpaug  are 
l'resh  water.  These  waters  afford  a ‘ 
great  variety  of  fish.  Near  the  \ 
sea,  the  land  is  arable,  but  the  inte-  I 
rior  of  the  town  is  more  fit  for  the 
growth  of  wood.  This  town  con- 
tains the  graves  of  the  remnant  of 
the  tribe  of  the  once  powerful  and 
dreaded  Naraganset  Indians.  They1 
possessed  a considerable  tract  of  | 
land  in  this  town,  but  owing  to  i 
a dislike  to  agricultural  pursuits,  I 
and  by  intermarriages  with  the 
whites  and  negroes,  their  race  as  a 
distinct  people  has  long  since  be-  ! 
come  extinct.  Charles  river  pas- 
ses through  the  town,  and  gives  it  ; 
mill  privileged.  Charlestown  lies 
about  8 miles  W.  S.  W.  from  South  j 
Kingston,  and  40  S.  W.  from  Provi- 
dence. Population,  1830,  1,284. 

Charlotte,  Ale. 

Washington  co.  Incorporated, 
1S25.  Population,  1837, 612.  About. 
25  miles  N.  W.  from  Machias,  and 
1S4  E.  by  N.  from  Augusta.  Char-  j 
lotte  contains  a pond,  the  waters 
of  which  pass  through  Dennysville 
and  empty  in  Cobscook  bay. 


ners,”  the  lake,  and  the  mountains 
that  skirt  its  borders,  present  a very 
romantic  appearance.  Population, 
in  1830,  1,702. 

Charlton,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  Charlton  was  set 
off  from  Oxford,  1754.  It  lies  53 
miles  S.  W.  from  Boston,  and  12 
W.  N.  W.  from  Worcester.  Pop- 
ulation, 1337,  2,469.  There  is  a 
cotton  mill  in  this  town,  and  some 
manufactures  of  leather  and  shoes. 

Chatham,  N.  II., 

Strafford  co.,  is  situated  on  the 
E.  side  of  the  White  Mountains, 
and  adjoining  the  line  which  divides 
this  state  from  Maine.  It  has  Con- 
way on  the  S.,  Bartlett  and  Jackson 
on  the  W.,  Mount  Royse  on  the 
N.  Chatham  was  granted  to  Peter 
Livius  and  others,  Feb.  7,  1767. 
There  are  several  ponds  in  Chat- 
ham,and  some  considerable  streams. 
The  surface  is  mountainous  and 
rocky,  and  can  never  sustain  a 
great  population.  Between  Chat- 
ham and  Jackson,  Carter’s  moun- 
tain rises  so  high  as  to  prevent  the 
opening  a road  between  the  two 
towns ; so  that  in  holding  an  inter- 
course with  the  rest  of  the  county, 
the  inhabitants  are  obliged  to  pass 
through  part  of  the  state  of  Maine. 
Population,  in  1830,  419. 

Cliatliam,  Mass., 


Cliarlotte,  Vt. 

This  is  a pleasant  town,  in  Chit- 
tenden county,  on  lake  Cham- 
plain, and  opposite  to  Essex,  N.  I 
Y.  In  Essex,  about  3 miles  across 
the  lake,  is  Split  Rock , a great  nat- 
ural curiosity.  Charlotte  lies  49  j 
miles  W.  of  Montpelier,  11  S.  of 
Burlington  and  21  X.  W.  of  Mid- 
dlebury.  A part  of  this  town  grad- 
ually slopes  toward  the  lake,  and 
is  very  productive.  Its  trade  is 
chiefly  with  Canada.  From  the 
principal  village,  “ The  Four  Cor- 


Barnstable  co.,  lies  on  the  el- 
bow of  Cape  Cod-,  south  side.  Pleas- 
ant bay,  inside  of  Chatham  beach, 
forms  a good  harbor.  Chatham  is 
20  miles  E.  from  Barnstable,  and 
32  S.  S.  E.  from  Provincetown. 
Incorporated,  1712.  Population, 
1S37,  2,271.  The  value  of  the  cod 
and  mackerel  fisheries,  for  the  year 
ending  April  1,  1837,  was  $56,- 
100; — value  of  salt  made,  $8,220; 
— value  of  boots  and  shoes  made, 
$1,500.  There  are,  belonging  to 
this  place,  about  20  sail  of  fisher- 
men and  30  coasters. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Chatham,  Ct. 

Middlesex  co.  The  township  of 
Chatham  embraces  Chatham  par- 
ish, (formerly  East  Middletown,) 
the  greater  part  of  Middle  Haddam 
parish,  the  parish  of  East  Hampton 
and  a part  of  the  parish  of  West 
Chester.  It  lies  16  miles  S.  from 
Hartford,  and  opposite  to  Middle  - 
town,  from  which  it  was  taken  in 
1767.  Population,  1830,  3,646. 
Chatham  is  watered  by  Salmon  and 
Pine  brooks  and  several  ponds. — 
Job's  pond,  about  2 miles  in  cir- 
cumference, has  no  outlet.  It  rises 
and  falls  about  15  feet.  It  rises  for 
six  or  twelve  months,  and  then  falls 
about  the  same  period.  It  is  high- 
est in  the  driest  season  of  the  year, 
and  lowest  when  there  is  most  rain. 
It  is  from  40  to  60  feet  deep.  Chat- 
ham is  noted  for  its  valuable  quar- 
ries of  freestone.  “ For  forty  years 
past  it  has  been  extensively  improv- 
ed, and  the  stone,  to  the  depth  of 
thirty  feet  from  the  surface,  are  now 
removed  over' an  area  of  an  acre 
and  a half,  back  from  the  river. 
The  stone  in  this  quarry  is  covered 
in  some  places  with  four  or  five 
feet  of  earth,  and  in  others  with 
four  or  five  feet  more  of  shelly  rock. 
It  is  not  perfectly  solid,  but  lies  in 
blocks,  eight  or  ten  feet  thick,  and 
fifty  and  sixty  feet  long.  The  seams 
and  joints  facilitate  the  process  of 
removing  these  from  their  beds; 
and  when  removed,  they  are  reduc- 
ed by  the  wedge  and  chisel  to  any 
size  or  form  which  is  wished.  In 
this  quarry  thirty  hands  have  been 
employed  for  several  years,  eight 
months  in  the  year,  and  from  four 
to  six  teams.  The  quantity  of  stone 
prepared  for  market,  and  sold  to  the 
inhabitants  of  this  and  the  neigh- 
boring towns,  and  exported  to  dis- 
tant parts  of  the  country,  has  been 
very  great;  and  has  yielded  a hand- 
some profit.  Fifty  rods  south  of 
this  quarry  an  opening  was  made 
about  1783,  now  spreading  over 
half  an  acre.  Here  the  stone  is 


covered  with  about  ten  feet  of 
earth.  In  this  opening  as  many  as 
twelve  hands  have  been  sometimes 
employed.  Vessels  come  to  this 
and  the  above  quarry,  and  load  from 
the  bank.  The  bed  of  stone  in 
which  these  and  the  smaller  open- 
ings in  the  neighborhood  have  been 
made  is  immense,  and  lies  at  differ- 
ent depths  from  the  surface  in  dif- 
ferent places.  It  has  been  discov- 
ered in  sinking  wells,  for  half  a 
mile  in  northern  and  southern  di- 
rections, and  has  been  opened  at  a 
greater  distance  eastward.  Where- 
ever  found,  the  stone  possesses  the 
same  general  properties,  but  varies, 
like  the  freestone  in  Middletown, 
in  the  fineness  of  its  texture.” 

ClieLmsfoi-d,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  On  the  south  side 
of  Merrimack  river,  and  connect- 
ed with  Dracut  by  a bridge. — 
First  settled,  1753.  Incorporated, 
1655.  Population,  1837,  1,613.  It 
lies  25  miles  N.  W.  from  Boston, 
and  4 S.  W.  from  Lowell.  Chelms- 
ford abounds  in  limestone  and  gran- 
ite ; considerable  of  the  latter  is 
transported  to  Boston  by  the  Mid- 
dlesex canal,  which  passes  through 
the  town.  The  manufactures  of 
this  town,  during  the  year  ending 
April  1,  1837,  amounted  to  about 
$100,000 ; — principally  of  glass  and 
iron. 

Chelsea,  Vt. 

— County  town  of  Orange  county. 
First  settled,  1785.  Chelsea  is  a 
township  of  good  land,  with  a pleas- 
ant village  in  the  centre.  It  is  wa- 
tered by  the  head  branches  of  White 
river  and  has  a good  hydraulic  pow- 
er. Its  manufactures  consist  of 
cassimere,  satinet,  leather,  iron,  &c. 
Chelsea  produces  all  the  various 
commodities  common  to  the  climate, 
and  feeds  about  6,000  sheep.  It  lies 
20  miles  S.  by  E.  from  Montpelier. 
Population,  1830,  1,958. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Chelsea,  Mass. 

Suffolk  co.  This  town  was  for- 
merly a ward  of  Boston.  Incor- 
porated, 1738.  Population,  1837, 
1,659.  The  centx*e  of  the  town  lies 
from  Boston  about  3 miles  N.  E., 
across  Charles  river,  and  3 miles 
E.  of  Charlestown.  The  manufac- 
tures of  Chelsea  consist  of  uphold 
stery,  stone  ware,  snuff,  segars, 
wood  and  copper  engravings,  car- 
riages, bricks,  vessels,  salt,  boots, 
shoes,  &c. ; — annual  value,  about 
$90,000. 

The  United  States  Marine  Hos- 
pital in  this  town,  is  on  a large  plot 
of  ground,  in  a delightful  and  airy 
situation,  and  affords  a comfortable 
retreat  for  sick  and  disabled  seamen. 
Point  Shirley,  extending  southeast- 
erly,forms  the  northern  part  of  Bos- 
ton harbor.  Winnesimet  Ferry, lead- 
ing from  the  foot  of  Hanover  street, 
in  Boston,  to  this  town,  is  probably 
the  oldest  establishment  of  the  kind 
in  America.  The  first  grant  was 
given  to  Thomas  Williams,  in  1631. 
The  distance  across  Charles  river  is 
about  a mile  and  a half.  Neat  and 
commodious  steam-boats  are  con- 
tinually running  across  this  delight- 
ful stream,  making  the  Winnesi- 
jnet  of  the  Indians  the  Hoboken  of 
Boston. 

Clierryfield,  Me. 

Washington  co.  At  the  head  of 
tide  water,  on  both  sides  of  Narra- 
guagus  river,  with  a handsome  vil- 
lage, and  considerable  trade.  Incor- 
porated, 1815.  Population,  1837, 
1,000.  116  miles  E.  by  N.  from 

Augusta,  and  about  35  W.  from 
Machias. 

Cheshire  County,  N.  II. 

Cheshire  is  one  of  the  western 
counties  in  this  state.  Its  length 
is  31  miles  : its  greatest  breadth  26 
miles  : and  its  least  breadth  15.  It 
is  bounded  N.  by  the  county  of 
Sullivan,  E.  by  Hillsborough  coun- 
ty* S.  by  the  state  of  Massachu- 


setts, and  W.  by  Vermont.  This 
county  contains  727  square  miles. 
Throughout  the  whole  extent  on 
the  west,  it  is  watered  by  the  Con- 
necticut, the  western  bank  of  which 
forms  the  boundary  line  between 
New  Hampshire  and  Vermont. 
Ashuelot  river  is  a considerable 
stream,  and  is  tributary  to  Connec- 
ticut river.  It  has  its  source  from 
a pond  in  Washington,  and  after  re- 
ceiving two  branches  in  Keene  and 
Swanzey,  and  several  smaller 
streams  in  Winchester,  empties 
into  Connecticut  river  at  Hinsdale. 
Spafford’s  Lake,  a beautiful  collec- 
tion of  water,  of  about  8 miles  in 
circumference,  is  situated  in  Ches- 
terfield. There  is  a pleasant  island 
in  the  lake,  containing  about  eight 
acres.  The  Grand  Monad  nock,  in 
Dublin  and  Jaffrey,  is  the  highest 
mountain,  its  attitude  having  been 
repeatedly  found  to  be  more  than 
3,000  feet  above  the  level  of  the 
sea.  Bellows’  Falls’  in  Connecti- 
cut river,  at  Walpole,  have  been 
regarded  as  one  of  the  greatest  nat- 
ural curiosities  in  this  county. 

The  earliest  settlement  in  this 
county  was  made  about  the  year 
1732,  at  Hinsdale,  then  a part  of 
Northfield,  and  under  the  govern- 
ment of  Massachusetts.  The  coun- 
ty was  formed  March  19,  1771,  and 
it  probably  received  its  name  from 
Cheshire,  one  of  the  western  coun- 
ties in  England.  The  population 
of  Cheshire  county  in  1790,  was 
19,665,  in  1800,  24,288,  in  1810, 
24,673,  in  1820,  26,843,  in  1*830, 
27,016.  It  has  22  towns  - 39  in- 
habitants to  a square  mile.  Keene , 
the  chief  town,  is  nearly  in  the 
cehtre  of  the  county,  and  lies  in 
N.  lat.  42°  57'. 

C'liesliire,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  Cheshire  has  ren- 
dered itself  worthy  of  its  name  by 
its  production  of  cheese  of  fine  fla- 
vor and  quality.  In  1801,  the  good 
people  of  this  place  sent  a cheese 
to  Mr.  Jefferson,  weighing  about 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


1200  pounds.  The  value  of  wool, 
the  growth  of  1836,  sold  for  $5,522. 
The  Hoosack  river  passes  through 
the  town.  Although  a mountain- 
ous township,  the  soil  has  been 
rendered  productive  by  the  industry 
of  the  people.  It  has  some  manu- 
factures of  leather  and  shoes.  125 
miles  W.  N.  W.  from  Boston,  and 
16  N.  by  E.  from  Lenox.  Popula- 
tion, 1837,  924.  Incorporated,  1793. 

Cheshire,  Ct. 

New  Haven  co.  Taken  from 
Wallingford  in  1780.  It  lies  14 
miles  N.  from  New  Haven,  and  25 
S.  E.  from  Hartford.  Population, 
1830,1,780.  The  Quinnipiac  river 
and  Farmington  canal  pass  through 
the  town.  Cheshire  has  an  un- 
even, but  good  soil,  with  a very 
pleasant  village,  and  an  Episcopal 
academy,  54  by  34  feet; — a brick 
building  of  considerable  taste.  Ag- 
riculture is  the  chief  occupation  of 
the  inhabitants. 

Chester,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  Incorporated,  1834. 
Population,  1837,  323.  See  Bar- 
nard, Me. 

Chester,  N.  II., 

Rockingham  co.,  is  17  miles  W.  S. 
W.  from  Exeter,  30  W.  S.  W.  from 
Portsmouth,  17  N.  W.  from  Haver- 
hill, and  23  S.  E.  from  Concord. 
A branch  of  Exeter  river,  called 
“ The  Branch,”  flows  through  the 
N.  E.  part  of  Chester,  beside  which 
there  is  no  stream  deserving  men- 
tion. Massabesick  pond  is  the  larg- 
est body  of  fresh  water  in  the  coun- 
ty, and  contains  about  1,500  acres. 
The  line  between  this  town  and 
Manchester  passes  more  than  2 
miles  through  the  westerly  partjof 
this  pond.  The  Indians  had  a set- 
tlement of  10  or  12  wigwams  on  an 
island  in  this  pond,  vestiges  of 
which,  it  is  said,  may  still  be  seen. 
A considerable  portion  of  the  town 
possesses  a good  soil,  and  many  of 
the  large  swells  yield  in  fei'tility  to 
8* 


none  in  the  state.  There  are  sever- 
al large  and  valuable  meadows.  In 
this  town  are  two  caves,  sometimes 
visited  by  strangers.  That  which 
was  earliest  noticed,  is  situated  in 
Mine  hill,  near  the  east  side  of 
Massabesick  pond.  The  entrance 
is  about  5 feet  high  and  2 1-2  wide. 
The  cavern  extends  into  the  hill,  in 
a northern  direction,  about  80  feet, 
of  sufficient  dimensions  to  admit  a 
person  to  pass.  Its  form  is  very  ir- 
regular, and  its  height  and  breadth 
various,  from  2 to  12  feet.  The  oth- 
er is  in  the  westerly  side  of  Rattle- 
snake hill,  in  the  S.  W.  part  of  the 
town,  in  a ledge  of  coarse  granite, 
nearly  40  feet  high.  It  has  two 
entrances.  The  north  entrance  is 
about  11  feet  high  and  4 broad. 
Native  sulphur  is  found  in  this  town 
in  small  quantities,  imbedded  in 
tremolite.  Granite  and  gneiss  are 
the  prevailing  rocks,  and  handsome 
specimens  of  graphic  granite  are 
sometimes  found.  The  village  in 
this  town  is  pleasant,  and  stands 
chiefly  on  a long  street.  It  is  the 
principal  place  of  business  in  this 
part  of  the  county,  and  is  situated 
on  an  elevated  rise,  commanding 
one  of  the  most  extensive  prospects 
in  New  England.  From  this  hill, 
the  ocean,  though  more  than  20 
miles  distant,  may,  in  a clear  day, 
be  distinctly  seen.  Population, 
1830,  2,039.  Incorporated,  1722. 

Chester,  Vt. 

"Windsor  co.  First  settled,  1764. 
Population,  1830,  2,320.  Three 
considerable  streams  form  William’s 
river  and  give  Chester  a good  water 
power.  The  land  is  uneven,  but 
fertile  and  productive.  This  is  a 
j very  pleasant  town,  with  two  hand- 
some villages,  manufactures  of  va- 
rious kinds, and  about  10,000  sheep. 
This  is  a great  thoroughfare  for  trav- 
ellers from  the  eastern  part  of  New 
England  to  the  Hudson  river,  near 
Troy,  N.  Y.  The  passage  over  the 
Green  Mountains,  from  Chester  to 
Manchester,  is  considered  the  best 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


in  iliis  part  of  the  state.  Chester 
lies  16  miles  S.  S.  W.  from  Wind- 
sor, 79  S.  from  Montpelier,  and 
about  30  E.  N.  E.  from  Manchester. 

Chester,  Blass. 

Hampden  co.  This  is  a moun- 
tainous township,  but  good  for  graz- 
ing. In  1837,  it  had  3,720  sheep  ; 
their  wool  weighed  10,325  pounds, 
and  sold  for  $5,818.  There  are 
2 cotton  mills  in  Chester,  3 tanne- 
ries, and  a window  blind  factory. 
Total  amount  of  manufactures,  in 
one  year,  $47,975.  Branches  of 
Westfield  river  pass  through  the 
town.  Incorporated,  1765.  Popu- 
lation, 1837,  1,290.  115  miles  W. 

by  S.  from  Boston,  and  20  N.  W. 
from  Springfield. 

Chesterfield,  N.  II., 

Cheshire  co.,  is  11  miles  S.  W. 
from  Keene,  and  65  S.  W.  from 
Concord.  Few  towns  on  Connec- 
ticut river  have  so  little  intervale 
land.  For  the  whole  six  miles  that 
it  lies  upon  the  river,  the  hills  ap- 
proach near  the  river’s  side.  There 
is  much  good  upland,  well  adapted 
for  grazing  and  the  production  of 
Indian  corn.  The  chief  articles 
carried  to  market  are  beef,  pork, 
butter  and  cheese.  Cat’s  Bane 
brook  is  a stream  of  great  import- 
ance, as  it  furnishes  many  mill  seats. 
Spafford’s  lake  is  a beautiful  collec- 
tion of  water,  situated  about  one 
mile  N.  from  the  meeting-house, 
it  contains  a surface  of  about  526 
acres.  It  is  fed  by  springs  in  its 
bosom.  Its  waters  are  remarkably 
clear  and  pure,  its  bed  being  a white 
sand.  In  this  lake  there  is  an  isl- 
and of  about  six  acres,  which  forms 
a delightful  retreat.  On  its  E.  side 
issues  a stream  called  Partridge’s 
brook,  sufficiently  large  to  carry 
the  machinery  of  a cotton  factory, 
saw-mills,  &c.  West  river  moun- 
tain lies  in  this  town  and  Hinsdale. 
It  is  supposed  to  have  been  once 
subject  to  a volcanic  eruption,  and 


there  is  at  present  a considerable 
quantity  of  lava  near  its  crater.  It 
is  said  by  those  who  live  near  the 
mountain,  that  it  frequently  trem- 
bles, and  a rumbling  noise  is  heard 
in  its  bowels.  Chesterfield  has  3 
villages.  The  principal  one,  lead- 
ing from  Hartford  to  Hanover,  is  sit- 
uated near  the  centre  of  the  town, 
and  3 miles  E.  from  Connecticut  riv- 
er. Here  are  several  dwelling- 
houses,  the  meeting-house  and  a 
flourishing  academy,  which  was 
opened  Aug.  14,  1794.  The  first 
settlement  was  made  Nov.  25, 1761, 
on  the  banks  of  the  Connecticut,  by 
Moses  Smith  and  William  Thomas, 
with  their  families.  At  that  peri- 
od, the  river  afforded  abundance  of 
shad  and  salmon,  and  the  forests 
were  well  stocked  with  deer,  bears 
and  other  game,  so  that  the  inhab- 
itants did  not  experience  those  pri- 
vations so  common  in  new  settle- 
ments. Population,  1830,  2,040. 

Chesterfield,  Blass. 

Hampshire  co.  A township  of 
rough,  elevated  land,  97  miles  W. 
from  Boston,  and  11  W.  N.  W.  from 
Northampton  ; watered  by  a branch 
of  Westfield  river.  It  has  a good 
water  power,  1 woolen  mill,  2 tan- 
neries, some  curious  minerals,  and 
a water  course,  worn  very  deep 
through  solid  rock.  Population, 
1837,  1,158.  There  were  sheared 
in  Chesterfield,  in  1837,  7,100 

sheep,  producing  20,800  pounds  of 
wool,  valued  at  $12,480.  A noble 
example. 

Cliesterville,  Ble. 

Franklin  co.  Wilson’s  stream 
passes  through  this  town,  and  emp- 
ties below  the  falls  of  Sandy  river. 
First  settled,  1782.  Incorporated, 
1802.  Population,  1837,  1,040.— 
This  is  an  excellent  township  of 
land.  It  yielded,  in  1837,  4,046 
bushels  of  wheat.  It  lies  about  24 
miles  N.  E.  from  Augusta,  and  12 
N.  E.  from  Farmington. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Chesnncook  Lake,  Hie., 

In  the  county  of  Piscataquis,  is 
a large  sheet  of  water  through 
which  the  Penobscot  river  passes. 
It  also  receives  the  Kahkoguamook 
and  Umbazookskus  rivers.  This 
lake  is  about  25  miles  long  and  3 
miles  wide.  The  country  around 
this  fine  lake  is  very  fertile,  and  as 
well  adaptedtothe  growing  of  wool 
and  wheat  as.  any  portion  of  the 
globe.  Its  central  point  is  about 
130  miles  W.  N.  W.  from  Augusta. 

Chichester,  X.  II., 

Merrimack  co.,  is  situated  8 miles 
E.  from  Concord.  It  was  granted 
May  20,  1727,  to  Nathaniel  Gookin 
and  others ; but  the  settlement  was 
not  commenced  until  1758,  when 
Paul  Morrill  settled  in  the  woods. 
The  soil  is  good,  and  richly  repays 
the  cultivator.  There  is  little  waste 
land,  nor  are  there  any  considerable 
elevations.  The  east  part  of  the 
town  is  watered  by  the  Suncook 
river,  which  affords  its  mill  seats 
and  some  productive  intervale. — 
Population,  1830,  1,084.  In  vari- 
ous parts  of  the  town  are  still  to  be 
seen  traces  of  Indian  settlements; 
and  implements  of  stone,  chisels, 
axes,  &c.,  have  frequently  been 
found.  The  vicinity  was  once  the 
residence  of  a powerful  tribe,  the 
Penacooks,  and  their  plantations  of 
corn,  &c.,  were  made  on  the  banks 
of  the  Suncook. 

Chickopee  River,  Mass. 

This  river  rises  in  Spencer,  Lei- 
cester and  Paxton,  and  receives  the 
waters  of  Quaboag  pond,  in  Brook- 
field. It  passes  through  Warren. 
At  Palmer  it  receives  the  waters 
of  Ware  and  Swift  rivers,  and  en- 
ters the  Connecticut  at  the  N.  part 
of  Springfield,  7 miles  S.  from  South 
Hadley. 

Chilmark,  Mass. 

Dukes  co.  This  town  lies  on  the 
S.  and  W.  part  of  Martha’s  Vine- 


yard. Gay  Head,  in  this  town, 
is  the  south  point  of  the  island ; it 
is  150  feet  above  the  sea,  and  is 
crowned  with  one  of  the  five  light- 
houses in  this  county. 

Gay  Head  is  about  60  miles  E 
N.  E.  of  Montauk,  on  Long  Island, 
and  bears  marks  of  having  been 
subject  to  volcanic  eruptions.  The 
place  abounds  in  specimens  of  min- 
erals worthy  the  notice  of  geolo- 
gists. This  part  of  the  island  is  in- 
habited by  some  descendants  of  the 
native  Indians,  who  own  part  of  the 
lands.  There  is  some  salt  manufac- 
tured at  this  place,  and  about  7,000 
sheep  are  kept.  Cliilmark  was  in- 
corporated in  1714.  Population, 
1837,  700.  It  lies  92  miles  S.  E. 
from  Boston,  33  W.  from  Nantucket, 
23  S.  E.  by  S.  from  New  Bedford, 
and  12  S.  W.  by  S.  from  Edgarton. 

China,  Me. 

Kennebec  co.  This  ‘ is  a town- 
ship of  excellent  land,  which  pro- 
duced, in  1837,  12,953  bushels  of 
wheat.  China  is  watered  by  a lake, 
or  “Twelve  Mile  Pond,”  a fine 
miniature  of  the  beautiful  Skane- 
ateles,  in  the  state  of  New  York. 
At  the  outlet  of  this  pond,  into  the 
Kennebec,  are  excellent  mill  priv- 
ileges. On  the  bank  of  the  pond 
is  a very  flourishing  village,  a steam 
saw-mill,  and  an  academy.  A vis- 
it to  this  place,  Albion,  Clinton, 
Dixmont,  and  the  neighboring 
towns,  where  wheat  is  worth  a dol- 
Jar  and  a half  a bushel  in  the  barn, 
is  a good  specific  against  the  west- 
ern fever.  A trip  from  Boston  to 
China  and  back  again  may  be  per- 
formed in  the  same  number  of  hours 
that  it  takes  to  go  up  either  of  the 
canals  100  miles,  towards  an  un- 
seen country.  China  lies  20  miles 
N.  E.  from  Augusta,  48  S.  W.  from 
Bangor,  and  138  from  Boston.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  2,641. 

Chittenden  Connty,  Vt. 

Burlington  is  the  chief  town. 
This  county  is  bounded  N.  by 


t 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Franklin  county,  E.  by  Washing- 
ton county,  S.  by  Addison  county, 
and  W.  by  Champlain  lake.  Area, 
500  square  miles.  Population,  1820, 
16,055;  1830,  21,765.  Population 
to  a square  mile,  about  44.  A 
few  settlements  commenced  in  this 
county  before  the  revolution,  but 
they  were  all  abandoned  during  the 
war.  Incorporated,  1782.  Its  soil 
varies  from  rich  alluvial  meadows 
to  light  and  sandy  plains.  The 
beautiful  Champlain  washing  its 
western  boundary  gives  it  great  fa- 
cilities for  trade  to  New  York  and 
Canada.  Its  agricultural  and  man- 
ufacturing products  are  consider- 
able. In  1837  there  were  in  this 
county  about  80,000  sheep.  La- 
moille river  passes  through  its  N.W. 
corner,  and  Onion  river  pierces  its 
centre.  These  streams,  with  sever- 
al others  of  smaller  size,  afford  the 
county  a good  water  power. 

Chittenden,  Vt. 

Rutland  co.  Most  of  the  lands 
in  this  town  lie  on  the  Green  moun- 
tains. Some  of  the  branches  of 
White  river  pass  through  it.  Near 
the  head  of  the  Philadelphia  branch, 
so  called,  is  a mineral  spring,  said 
to  contain  some  good  qualities. — 
Manganese  of  an  excellent  quality 
is  found  here.  In  1837  there  were 
in  Chittenden  about  700  people,  and 
3,000  sheep.  About  12  miles  N. 
by  E.  from  Rutland,  and  40  N.  by 
E.  from  Montpelier. 

Claremont,  N.  H., 

Sullivan  co.,  is  12  miles  N.  from 
Charlestown,  8 W.  from  Newport, 
47  N.  N.  W.  from  Concord,  and  97 
W.  N.  W.  from  Portsmouth.  This 
town  is  watered  by  Connecticut  and 
Sugar  rivers,  besides  numerous 
Drooks  and  rivulets.  Claremont  is 
a fine  undulating  tract  of  territory, 
covered  with  a rich  gravelly  loam, 
converted  into  the  best  meadows 
and  pastures.  The  hills  are  sloping 
acclivities,  crovvned  with  elegant 
summits.  The  intervales  on  the 


rivers  are  rich  and  luxuriant.  The 
agricultural  products  are  large  and 
valuable.  „ The  houses  and  build- 
ings present  a very  favorable  ap- 
pearance, and  indicate  the  wealth 
and  prosperity  of  the  town.  In  this 
town  are  a number  of  manufacto- 
ries of  cloth,  paper,  leather,  &c. 
Claremont  was  granted  in  1764. — 
In  this  town  are  fine  beds  of  iron 
ore  and  limestone.  It  received 
its  name  from  the  country  seat  of 
Lord  Clive,  an  English  general. 
The  first  settlement  was  made  in 
1762,  by  MOses  Spafford  and  David 
Lynde.  Many  eminent  men  have 
resided  in  this  town.  The  Hon.  Ca- 
leb Ellis  came  to  reside  in  Clare- 
mont about  1800.  In  1804,  he  was 
chosen  a member  of  congress  from 
this  state  ; in  1809  and  1810,  a mem- 
ber of  the  executive  council : in 
1812,  an  elector  of  president  and 
vice-president  of  the  U.  S.  In  1813, 
he  was  appointed  judge  of  the  su- 
perior court,  in  which  office  he  re- 
mained till  his  death,  May  9,  1816, 
aged  49.  Population,  1830,  2,526. 

Clatenden,  Vt. 

Rutland  co.  Otter  creek.  Mill 
and  Cold  rivers  arid  several  brooks 
give  this  town  good  mill  privileges. 
Here  are  good  marble,  a mineral 
spring,  and  a curious  cave.  The 
soil  is  a gravelly  loam,  with  con- 
siderable alluvial  meadow  along  its 
streams.  There  are  some  manu- 
facturing establishments  in  CJaren- 
den,  and  about  13,000  sheep.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  1,585.  It  lies  55  miles 
S.  from  Montpelier,  and  7 S.  from 
Rutland. 

Clarksburgh,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  A branch  of  tloo- 
sick  river  passes  through  this  moun 
tainous  township.  It  lies  125  miles 
W.  by  N.  from  Boston,  and  27  N. 
by  E.  from  Lenox.  Incorpora- 
ted, 1798.  Population,  1837,  3S6. 
Clarksburgh  has  a small  cotton  mill, 
5 saw  mills,  and  255  sheep. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Clarksville,  N.  H. 

This  town  was  incorporated  in 
1S32.  it  had  before  that  time  borne 
the  name  of  the  First  College 
Grant.  It  wasgranled  to  the  trus- 
tees of  Dartmouth  College,  Feb.  5, 
1789.  It  contains  40,860  acres,  and 
is  situated  on  Connecticut  river,  in 
Coos  county,  N.  of  Stewartstown. 
Its  population,  in  1830,  was  88. 

Cl  ill  ion,  3Ie. 

Kennebec  co.  This  fine  town- 
ship is  hounded  on  the  E.  by  Ken- 
nebec river.  The  Sebasticook  pass- 
es through  the  town,  and,  at  the 
falls  on  that  river,  affords  it  a great 
hydraulic  power.  It  has  a neat  and 
pleasant  village  on  the  bank  of  the 
Sebasticook,  some  manufactures, 
and  large  agricultural  products.  In 
1837  this  town  produced  a consid- 
erable quantity  of  wool,  and  10,807 
bushels  of  wheat.  Incorporated, 
1795.  Population,  1837,  2,642. 
Clinton  lies  21  miles  N.  by  E.  from 
Augusta,  and  about  12  S.  by  E. 
from  Skowhegan. 

Cofrbessecontee  Waters,  Me. 

The  pond  is  a fine  sheet  of  wa- 
ter, lying  W.  of  Hallowell,  and 
connected  with  smaller  ponds  in 
Monmouth,  Winthrop,  Readfield, 
and  Mount  Vernon.  The  outlet 
of  the  pond  is  a river  of  the  same 
name,  which  passes  into  a beauti- 
ful pond  we  see  on  the  stage  road  in 
Richmond,  and  empties  into  the 
Kennebec  at  Gardiner.  These  wa- 
ters afford  a great  hydraulic  power, 
an  abundance  of  fish,  and  much  de- 
lightful scenery. 

C'obscook  Day,  Me. 

A large  bay,  the  recipient  of  a 
number  of  large  ponds,  on  the  S. 
W.  side  of  Eastport,  in  Passama- 
quoddy  hay.  See  Eastport. 

Cod,  Cape  and  Eay. 

Having  briefly  described  this 
cape,  under  Barnstable  county , >ve 


have  only  to  add  that  Cape  Cod  light 
is  in  N*  lat.  42°  2'  22" ; W.  Ion. 
70°  4'  22". 

Cape  Cod  bay  is  in  Massachu- 
setts bay,  and  is  formed  by  the  half 
extended  arm  of  the  cape.  See 
Barnstable  county. 

Cohasset,  Mass. 

Norfolk  co.  A town  on  Massa- 
chusetts bay,  noted  for  its  rocky 
coast  and  numerous  shipwrecks.  6 
miles  E.  from  Hingbam,  20  E.  by 
S.  from  Dedham,  and  about  16  S. 
E.  from  Boston,  by  water.  Incor- 
porated, 1770.  Population,  1837, 
1,331.  This  place  has  about  40  sail 
of  merchant,  coasting  and  fishing 
vessels,  and  a large  tide- water  pow- 
er. Cohasset  has  become  a great 
resort  for  citizens  and  strangers,  in 
summer  months,  to  enjoy  the  ma- 
rine scenery,  exhilarating  air,  and 
all  those  pleasures  for  which  JYa- 
hant  is  celebrated.  The  value  of 
the  fisheries,  for  the  year  ending 
April  1,  1837,  was  $75,536.  The 
value  of  salt,  vessels,  boots,  shoes, 
and  wTooden  ware  manufactured, 
was  $35,920. 

Colchester,  Vt., 

Chittenden  co.,  is  pleasantly  sit- 
uated at  the  head  of  a bay  on  the 
E.  side  of  lake  Champlain,  36  miles 
N.  W.  from  Montpelier,  and  6 N. 
from  Burlington.  This  town  is  well 
watered  by  Onion  river,  and  some 
smaller  streams.  Colchester  has 
some  good  and  some  poor  land,  some 
trade  on  the  lake,  and  about  4,000 
sheep.  First  settled  by  Gen.  Ira 
Allen,  in  1774.  Population,  1830, 
1,4S9. 

Colchester,  Ct. 

New  London  co.  This  is  a plea- 
sant town ; the  site  of  Bacon  acad- 
emy. It  lies  20  miles  N.  W.  from 
New  London,  and  23  S.  E.  from 
Hartford.  First  settled,  1701.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  2,068.  The  surface 
of  the  town  is  uneven,  with  a strong, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


gravelly  soil.  Excellent  iron  ore 
i3  found  here. 

Rev.  John  Bulkley,  a grandson 
of  president  Chauncy,  was  the  first 
settled  minister  in  this  place.  Mr. 
Bulkley  was  a very  distinguished 
scholar.  He  died  in  1731.  He 
published  a curious  treatise,  in 
which  he  contended  that  the  In- 
dians had  no  just  claims  to  any  lands 
but  such  as  they  had  subdued  and 
improved  hy  their  own  labor.  The 
following  story  is  told  in  an  old  book. 

“ The  Rev.  Mr.  Bulkley  of  Col- 
chester, Conn.,  was  famous  in  his 
day  as  a casuist  and  sage  counsel- 
lor. A church  in  his  neighborhood 
had  fallen  into  unhappy  divisions 
and  contentions,  which  they  were 
unable  to  adjust  among  themselves. 
They  deputed  one  of  their  number 
to  the  venerable  Bulkley,  for  his 
services,  with  a request  that  he 
would  send  it  to  them  in  writing. 
The  matters  were  taken  into  serious 
consideration,  and  the  advice,  with 
much  deliberation,  committed  to 
writing.  It  so  happened,  that  Mr. 
Bulkley  had  a farm  in  an  extreme 
part  of  the  town,  upon  which  he 
entrusted  a tenant.  In  superscrib- 
ing the  two  letters,  the  one  for  the 
church  was  directed  to  the  tenant, 
and  the  one  for  the  tenant  to  the 
church.  The  church  was  conven- 
ed to  hear  the  advice  which  was  to 
settle  all  their  disputes.  The  mod- 
erator read  as  follows  : You  will  see 
to  the  repair  of  the  fences,  that  they 
be  built  high  and  strong , and  you 
toill  take  special  care  of  the  old 
black  bull.  This  mystical  advice 
puzzled  the  church  at  first,  but  an 
interpreter  among  the  more  dis- 
cerning ones  was  soon  found,  who 
said,  Brethren,  this  is  the  very  ad- 
vice we  most  need ; the  directions 
to  repair  the  fences  is  to  admonish 
us  to  take  good  heed  in  the  admis- 
sion and  government  of  our  mem- 
bers : we  must  guard  the  church 
by  our  Master’s  laws,  and  keep  out 
strange  cattle  from  the  fold.  And 
we  must  in  a particular  manner  set 


a watchful  guard  over  the  Devil , 
the  old  black  bull,  who  has  done  so 
much  hurt  of  late.  All  perceived 
the  wisdom  and  fitness  of  Mr.  Bulk- 
ley’s  advice,  and  resolved  to  be  gov- 
erned  by  it.  The  consequence  was, 
all  the  animosities  subsided,  and 
harmony  was  restored  to  the  long 
afflicted  church.” 

Colebrook.,  N.  II., 

Coos  co.,  on  Connecticut  river, 
about  35  miles  N.  of  Lancaster.  It 
is  watered  by  the  Mohawk  river 
and  Beaver  brook.  The  soil  here 
is  rich,  and  capable  of  culture.  In- 
tervales of  good  quality  stretch 
along  the  Connecticut.  Colebrook 
was  originally  granted  to  Sir  George 
Colebrook  and  others,  and  was  in- 
corporated Dec.  1,  1790.  There  is 
an  academy  in  this  town,  incorpo- 
rated in  1833.  Population,  1830, 
542. 

Colebrook,  Ct. 

Litchfield  co.  An  elevated  town- 
ship of  a hard  gravelly  soil  and  un- 
even surface,  on  the  line  of  Mas- 
sachusetts ; 31  miles  N.  W.  from 
Hartford,  and  18  N.  E.  from  Litch- 
field. The  eastern  part  of  the  town 
is  watered  by  Farmington  river. 
Here  are  a number  of  good  mill 
seats,  and  a manufactory  of  broad- 
cloth. The  village  is  very  plea- 
sant, having  Mount  Pisgah  in  the 
rear.  First  settled,  1765.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  1,332. 

Coleraine,  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  This  town  was  first 
settled  by  a colony  from  the  north 
of  Ireland,  about  the  year  1736.  It 
lies  105  miles  N.  W.  from  Boston, 
and  9 N.  W.  from  Greenfield.  It 
is  watered  by  a branch  of  Deerfield 
river,  which  produces  a water  pow- 
er for  3 cotton  mills  and  several 
other  manufactories.  The  manu- 
factures consist  of  cotton  goods,  iron 
castings,  leather,  hats,  chairs,  cab- 
inet ware,  ploughs,  spades,  shovels, 
forks,  and  hoes  ; total  value,  in  one 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


year,  $91,000.  This  is  a fine  graz- 
ing township,  and  produced,  in 
1S37,  16,123  pounds  of  wool,  valu- 
ed at  $9,133,  the  fleeces  of  5,754 
sheep.  Population,  1S37,  1,998. 

Colleges  in  New  England. 

See  Register. 

Columbia,  Me. 

Washington  co.  At  the  head  of 
tide  water,  on  the  W.  side  of  Plea- 
sant river.  It  is  a very  large  town- 
ship, well  provided  with  mill  seats, 
and  was  settled  soon  after  the  rev- 
olutionary war.  It  lies  15  miles  W. 
from  Machias,  and  120  E.  by  N. 
from  Augusta.  Columbia  has  con- 
siderable trade,  particularly  in  lum- 
ber. Population,  1837,  793. 

Columbia,  N.  H., 

In  the  county  of  Coos,  lies  on  the 
E.  bank  of  Connecticut  river,  30 
miles  N.  of  Lancaster,  and  147  N. 
of  Concord.  The  surface  of  the 
town  is  quite  uneven,  the  moun- 
tains of  Stratford  lying  along  the 
S.  From  these  a number  of  streams 
descend  north-westerly  into  the 
Connecticut,  furnishing  many  fine 
mill  seats.  There  are  also  several 
small  ponds  in  town.  On  the  bor- 
ders of  one,  called  Lime  pond,  vast 
quantities  of  shells  are  found,  from 
which  a species  of  lime  is  made 
that  answers  for  some  uses.  It 
was  incorporated  1797.  Population, 
1830,  142. 

Columbia,  Ct. 

Tolland  co.  Taken  from  Leba- 
non, in  1800.  It  is  22  miles  E.  from 
Hartford,  and  about  14  S.  by  E. 
from  Tolland.  Population,  1830, 
962.  Columbia  is  watered  by  a 
branch  of  the  Willimantic,  and  has 
a satinet  factory,  and  other  ope- 
rations by  water.  The  surface  is 
uneven  ; the  soil  hard  and  gravelly, 
but  excellent  for  grazing.  In  this 
place,  about  the  year  1741,  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Eleazar  Wheelock,  the  first 
president  of  Dartmouth  College, 


opened  a school  for  the  instruction 
of  Indian  youth.  He  removed  his 
family  and  pupils  to  Hanover,  N. 
H.,  in  the  autumn  of  1770.  The 
snow  was  very  deep,  and  Hanover 
was  a wilderness.  “ Sometimes 
standing  in  the  open  air,  at  the  head 
of  his  numerous  family,  Dr.  Whee- 
lock presented  to  God  their  morn- 
ing and  evening  prayers  : the  sur- 
rounding forests,  for  the  first  time, 
reverberated  the  solemn  sounds  of 
supplication  and  praise.”  This  good 
man  died  in  1779,  aged  69. 

Concord,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  Incorporated  in 
1821.  Population,  1837,  524.  Con- 
cord lies  on  the  W.  side  of  Kenne- 
bec river,  55  miles  N.  from  Augus- 
ta, and  about  20  N.  from  Norridge- 
wock.  This  is  a good  township, 
and  produced,  in  1837,  3,121  bush- 
els of  wheat. 

Concord,  X.  H., 

The  capitol  of  the  state,  and  shire 
town  of  the  county  of  Merrimack. 
It  lies  on  both  sides  of  the  Merri- 
mack river,  in  N.  lat.  43°  12'  26'', 
and  W.  Ion.  71°  29';  and  is  146 
miles  S.  W.  from  Augusta,  Me. ; 
97  S.  E.  from  Montpelier,  Vt.;  153 
N.  E.  from  Albany,  N.  Y. ; 65  N. 
N.  W.  from  Boston,  Mass. ; 103  N. 
from  Providence,  R.  I.  ; 139  N.  N. 
E.  from  Hartford,  Conn.,  and  474 
N.  E.  by  E.  from  Washington. 
There  are  five  ponds  in  Concord, 
the  largest  of  which  are  Turkey,  in 
the  S.  W.,  and  Long  pond  in  the 
N.  W.  parts  of  the  town,  on  the 
streams  passing  from  which  are 
some  valuable  mills  and  privileges. 
The  Contoocook  river  enters  the  W. 
corner  of  the  town,  and  uniting 
with  the  Merrimack  on  the  N.  W. 
line,  forms  at  its  junction  the  cel- 
ebrated Duston's  Island.  On  the 
borders  of  the  Merrimack,  which 
is  the  principal  river  of  this  region, 
are  rich  intervale  lands,  highly  val- 
ued by  the  inhabitants,  and  well 
cultivated.  Soon  after  entering 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Concord,  the  river  passes  over  Sew- 
nll’s  falls,  or  rapids,  below  Avhich  is 
Sewall’s  island.  From  thence  the 
river  has  no  natural  obstruction  un- 
til it  reaches  the  falls  at  the  S.  E. 
extremity  of  the  town,  where  is  a 
water  power,  now  owned  by  the 
Amoskeag  Manufacturing  Compaq 
ny,  almost  sufficient  to  move  the 
machinery  of  another  Lowell. — 
Locks  are  here  constructed,  and 
navigation  by  boats  has  been  open 
since  1815  during  the  boating  sea- 
son, adding  much  to  the  business  and 
importance  of  the  place.  The  riv- 
er is  about  100  yards  wide  opposite 
the  town ; but  during  the  great 
freshets  which  sometimes  occur 
here,  the  river  rises  20  feet  above 
the  ordinary  level,  presenting  to 
the  eye  a body  of  water  a mile  in 
width.  There  are  two  handsome 
bridges  thrown  across  the  river. 

The-  principal  village,  and  seat 
of  most  of  the  business  of  the  town, 
is  on  the  western  side  of  the  river, 
extending  nearly  two  miles  between 
the  two  bridges ; and  is  one  of  the 
most  healthy  and  pleasantly  situa- 
ted villages  in  New  England.  The 
state  house,  state  prison  and  court 
house,  and  five  very  commodious 
and  handsome  structures  for  public 
worship,  are  in  this  village.  The 
state  house  occupies  a beautiful  site 
in  the  centre  of  the  village,  and  is 
constructed  of  hewn  granite.  It  is 
126  feet  in  length,  49  in  width,  50 
feet  of  the  centre  of  the  building 
having  a projection  of  4 feet  on 
each  front.  It  rises  two  stories 
above  the  basement.  The  height 
from  the  ground  to  the  eagle  on  the 
top  of  the  cupola  is  120  feet.  The 
cost  of  the  building  and  appenda- 
ges, $80,000.  The  state  prison  is 
also  a solid  structure  of  massive 
granite.  On  the  east  side  of  the 
river  is  the  second  principal  village, 
where  the  Se wall’s  Falls  Locks  and 
Canal  Company,  recently  chartered, 
have  commenced  their  works, 
which,  by  taking  the  waters  of  the 
river  in  a canal  from  Se  wall’s  falls, 


will  create  a vast  and  valuable  wa- 
ter power  at  this  village,  that  must 
ultimately  prove  of  immense  im- 
portance to  the  town.  Another 
handsome  village  has  grown  up  in 
the  west  part  of  the  town.  The 
intercourse  with  Lowell  and  Boston, 
by  way  of  the  canal  on  the  Merri- 
mack, has  been  open  since  1815, 
and  a very  large  amount  of  busi- 
ness in  freights  has  been  done  on 
the  river.  The  Concord  rail-road, 
to  connect  with  the  Lowell  rail- 
road, has  also  been  surveyed,  and 
will  doubtless  soon  be  put  in  pro- 
gress. This  is  a link  in  the  great 
chain  of  northern  railways,  which 
must  ultimately  extend  from  Boston 
to  connect  with  the  western  waters 
at  the  outlet  of  lake  Ontario.  The 
importance  of  extending  the  rail- 
road to  the  heart  of  New  Hamp- 
shire has  by  no  means  been  fully 
estimated  by  the  public.  Concord 
is  the  great  thoroughfare  for  trav- 
ellers from  the  north,  and  the  freight 
by  horses  and  baggage  wagons  is 
immense. 

The  soil  of  this  town  is  general- 
ly good,  and  the  intervales  very 
productive.  Large  masses  of  gran- 
ite suitable  for  the  purposes  of  build- 
ing exist  here,  the  most  important  of 
which  is  The  JVew  Hampshire 
Ledge , a name  by  which  in  an  act  of 
incorporation  on  immense  mass  of 
granite  in  the  N.W.  part  of  the  town 
has  been  designated.  This  ledge  is 
situated  about  1 1-2  miles  N.  W.  of 
the  state  house,  and  about  200  rods 
distant  from  Merrimack  river, which 
is  navigable  to  this  place  with  boats. 
The  course  of  the  ledge  is  from  N. 
E.  to  S.  W.  and  its  rise  about  45° 
from  a plane  of  the  horizon,  and  its 
height  about  350  feet.  It  presents 
a surface  of  massive  primitive 
granite,  of  more  than  4,500  square 
rods.  The  rift  of  this  stone  is  very 
perfect,  smooth  and  regular;  splits 
are  easily  made  to  the  depth  of  12 
to  20  feet,  and  of  almost  any  re- 
quired length.  And  unlike  much 
of  the  building  stone  now  in  the 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


market,  it  has  been  ascertained  by 
a recent  examination  (made  by  Mr. 
A.  H.  Hayes,  of  Roxbury,  Mass., 
and  other  eminent  chemists  and 
geologists,)  that  the  stone  from  this 
quarry  is  perfectly  free  from  those 
oxides,  or  other  mineral  substances, 
which  on  exposure  to  the  atmos- 
phere, mar  the  beauty  of  much  of 
the  New  England  granite.  This 
stone  quarries  easily  ; the  great  ele- 
vation and  dip  of  the  ledge,  and  its 
proximity  to  the  river,  giving  it  facil- 
ities of  working  and  transportation,  i 
it  is  believed  unequalled.  From  the  i 
base  of  the  ledge  to  the  bank  of  the  | 
Merrimack,  a rail- way  is  contem-  | 
plated,  the  proprietors  of  the  ledge 
having  already  obtained  a charter 
for  that  purpose.  As  the  great  fa- 
cility of  transportation  by  way  of 
the  river  to  the  markets,  becomes 
known,  together  with  the  fact,  that 
the  upward  freight  would,  during  a 
great  portion  of  the  year,  go  far 
towards  remunerating  the  cost  of 
transportation  of  this  stone  to  the 
seaboard — the  situation,  extent,  and 
value  of  this  quarry  will  be  seen 
and  appreciated.  On  several  large 
perpendicular  faces  of  the  ledge, 
protected  by  shelving  rocks  from 
vegetable  stains,  but  exposed  for 
ages  perhaps  to  the  atmosphere,  the 
stone  is  found  to  be  entirely  free 
from  anyjcoloring  or  stain,  preserv- 
ing its  natural  color.  The  amount 
of  the  whole  mass,  when  wrought, 
can  scarcely  be  estimated.  This 
representation  is  derived  from  gen- 
tlemen of  Concord  not  at  all  in- 
terested in  the  quarry,  and  is  here 
given,  with  the  sole  qualification, 
that  if  the  quality  of  the  stone  is  as 
pure  as  is  stated,  there  is  no  danger 
of  over-estimating  the  value  of  the 
quarry.  A specimen  of  this  granite 
i3  with  the  editor  for  examination. 
Concord,  originally  called  Pena- 
eook,  was  granted  by  Massachu- 
setts to  a company  of  settlers,  17th 
Jan.,  1725,  and  the  settlement  began 
the  year  following.  In  1733,  the 
plantation  was  incorporated  by  the 

9 


name  of  Rumford,  which  name 
it  retained  until  7th  June,  1765, 
when  the  town  was  incorporated 
by  its  present  name.  This  town 
suffered  much  from  incursions  of 
the  savages.  Several  of  the  inhab- 
itants were  killed,  and  others  taken 
into  captivity,  between  the  years 
1740  and  1750.  The  manufactures 
of  Concord  are  numerous  and  val- 
uable. They  consist  of  books,  fur- 
niture of  all . kinds,  boots,  shoes, 
granite,  lumber,  and  a variety  ot 
other  articles.  The  manufacture 
of  books  is  very  extensive,  and  an- 
nually increasing. 

Population  in  1775, 1,052  ; in  1790, 
1,747  ; in  1800,  2,052;  in  1810, 
2,393  ; in  1820,  2,838  ; and  in  1830, 
3,727.  The  present  population  is 
between  4 and  5 thousand. 

Among  the  early  inhabitants  and 
distinguished  citizens  of  this  town, 
may  be  mentioned  the  following  : 

Hon.  Timothy  Walker,  son 
of  the  first  minister  of  Concord,  an 
active  patriot  during  the  revolution, 
member  of  the  convention  of  1784, 
a legislator,  and  judge  of  the  com- 
mon pleas.  He  died  May  5,  1822, 
aged  85. 

Dr.  Philip  Carrigain,  an 
eminent  physician,  who  died  in 
1806. 

Hon.  Thomas  W.  Thompson, 
a distinguished  lawyer  and  politi- 
cian, who  died  1 Oct.,  1821,  aged 
57. 

Sir  Benjamin  Thompson 
“(known  to  the  world  as  Count 
Rumford)  settled  and  married 
here  in  early  life. 

John  Farmer,  Esq.,  an  emin- 
ent antiquary  and  genealogist,  re- 
sided here  for  the  last  seventeen 
years  of  his  life,  and  died  13  Aug., 
1838,  aged  49.  Mr.  Farmer’s  health 
was  always  exceedingly  delicate  : 
he  therefore,  partly  of  necessity  and 
partly  of  choice,  adopted  a very 
sedentary  mode  of  life.  He  col- 
lected around  him  books  of  ancient 
date — gathered  together  early  rec- 
ords of  towns — notices  of  the  first 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


settlers  of  the  country — inquired 
into  the  names,  ages,  characters, 
and  deaths  of  distinguished  men  of 
every  profession — entered  into  ex- 
tensive correspondence  with  men 
who  might  be  able  to  furnish  him 
with  facts  relative  to  the  subjects  of 
his  inquiry.  In  short,  Mr.  Farmer 
soon  became  known  as  an  Anti- 
quarian, distinguished  far  beyond 
all  his  fellow  citizens,  for  exact 
knowledge  of  facts  and  events  rel- 
ative to  the  history  of  New  Eng- 
land. His  mind  was  a wonderful 
repository  of  names  and  dates  and 
particular  incidents,  not  stored  up 
indeed  for  private  gratification,  but 
always  open  for  the  benefit  of  oth- 
ers. So  general  and  well  establish- 
ed was  his  reputation  for  accuracy, 
that  his  authority  w as  relied  on,  as 
decisive  in  historical  and  genealog- 
ical facts. 

Feelings  of  personal  attachment 
and  obligations  for  numerous  inval- 
uable tokens  of  friendship,  received 
by  the  editor,  would  seem  to  require 
a full  length  portrait  of  the  charac- 
ter of  this  distinguished  man  and 
estimable  Christian — even  in  a work 
of  this  kind ; and  it  should  be  giv- 
en, had  not  an  abler  pen  performed 
that  act  of  justice.  See  American 
Quarterly  Register. 

Concord,  Vt. 

Essex  co.  First  settled,  1788. 
Population,  1830,  1,031.  On  the 
W.  side  of  Connecticut  river : 38 
miles  E.  by  N.  from  Montpelier, 
and  18  S.  W.  from  Guildhall.  Moose 
river,  a branch  of  the  Passumpsic, 
waters  the  north  part  of  the  town. 
Hall’s  and  Mile  ponds  are  beau- 
tiful sheets  of  water,  and  afford  a 
variety  of  fish.  The  soil  of  the  town 
is  pretty  good,  and  keeps  about  3,000 
sheep. 

Concord,  Mass. 

One  of  the  chief  towns  of  Mid- 


dlesex county.  This  tovrn  is  situ- 
ated on  the  river  of  the  same  name, 
17  miles  W.  N.  W.  from  Boston, 
14  S.  S.  W.  from  Low  ell,  and  30  E. 
N.  E.  from  Worcester.  Incorpo- 
rated, 1635.  Population,  1820, 
1,788  ; 1837,2,023.  This  town  was 
the  first  inland  settlement  in  the 
colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay.  The 
township  was  originally  six  miles 
square,  and  derives  its  name  from 
the  harmony  in  which  it  was  pur- 
chased of  the  natives.  Its  Indian 
title  was  Musketaqxiid.  It  took  an 
active  part  in  the  prosecution  of  the 
war  against  king  Philip,  in  1675-6, 
and  in  April  of  the  latter  year,  10 
or  12  of  its  citizens  were  killed,  in 
the  attack  made  by  the  Indians  on 
the.  neighboring  town  of  Sudbury. 
The  general  court  has  frequently 
held  its  sessions  in  this  town,  and 
in  the  year  1774  the  provincial  con- 
gress selected  it  as  their  place  of 
meeting.  On  the  19th  of  April, 
1775,  a detachment  of  British  troops, 
sent  out  by  Gen.  Gage  for  the  pur- 
pose of  seizing  a quantity  of  mili- 
tary stores  which  were  deposited 
here  by  the  province,  were  met  at 
the  North  bridge  by  the  citizens  of 
Concord  and  the  neighboring  towns, 
and  forcibly  repulsed.  It  was  at 
this  spot  that  the  first  regular  and 
effectual  resistance  wras  made,  and 
the  first  British  life  w*as  taken,  in 
the  war  of  the  revolution.  Tho 
graves  oftw  o of  the  British  soldiers, 
who  were  killed  at  this  place,  are 
still  marked,  and  a suitable  monu- 
ment is  erected  near  the  site  of  the 
bridge,  to  commemorate  the  event. 
The  monument  is  of  granite,  in  the 
form  of  an  obelisk  ; its  height  about 
25  feet ; the  base,  which  is  square, 
is  a large  block  5 1-2  feet  broad, 
and  about  3 in  height.  On  the  west 
side  of  the  next  block,  is  inlaid  a 
slab  of  white  Italian  marble,  on 
which  is  engraved  the  following  in- 
scription : — 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Here, 

On  the  19th  of  April, 

1775, 

Was  made 

The  first  forcible  resistance 
To  British  aggression. 

On  the  opposite  Bank, 

Stood  the  American  Militia. 

Here  stood  the  invading  Army, 
And  on  this  spot 
The  first  of  the  enemy  fell 
In  the  War  of  that  Revolution 
Which  gave 
Independence 
To  these  United  States. 

In  gratitude  to  God, 

And 

In  the  love  of  freedom, 

This  Monument 
Was  erected 
A.  D. 1836. 

The  manufactures  of  Concord 


consist  of  cotton  goods,  satinet  and 
flannel,  boots,  shoes,  hats,  ploughs, 
lead  pipe,  chairs  and  cabinet  ware. 
The  whole  value,  in  one  year,  ex- 
clusive of  cotton  goods,  amounted  t® 
$156,012. 

Concord  River. 

This  river  is  formed  by  the  union 
of  Assabet  and  Sudbury  rivers  at 
Concord  : after  passing  through  the 
towns  of  Bedford,  Billerica,  and 
Chelmsford,  it  falls  into  the  Mer- 
rimack between  Lowell  and  Tewks- 
bury. This  river  furnishes  the  Mid- 
dlesex canal  with  most  of  its  wa- 
ters. 

Connanicut  Island. 

See  Jamestown , R.  I. 


CONNECTICUT. 

This  state  is  bounded  N.  by  Massachusetts,  E.  by  Rhode  Island, 
S.  by  Long  Island  Sound,  and  W.  by  New  York.  Situated  between 
40°  58'  and  42°  1'  N.  lat.  and  72°  37'  and  71°  43'  W.  Ion. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


The  territory  of  Connecticut  was  formerly  two  colonies — Connecticut 
and  Arew  Haven.  The  colony  of  Connecticut  was  planted  by  citizens 
of  Massachusetts,  at  Windsor,  in  1633,  and  at  Hartford  and  Wethersfield, 
in  1635  and  1636.  The  colony  of  New  Haven  was  settled  by  English- 
men, in  1638.  In  1665,  the  two  colonies  were  united  by  a charter 
granted  by  Charles  the  Second.  This  charter  was  the  basis  of  the  gov- 
ernment till  1818,  when  the  present  constitution  was  formed. 

The  executive  power  of  this  State  is  vested  in  a Governor,  and  a Lieu- 
tenant-Governor, who  is  also  President  of  the  Senate. 

The  legislative  power  is  vested  in  a Senate  and  a House  of  Represen- 
tatives, which  together  are  called  The  General  Assembly.  The  Senate 
consists  of  not  less  than  18  and  not  more  than  24  members.  Most  of  the 
towns  may  choose  two  Representatives  ; the  others  one  each.  All  the 
above  are  elected  annually  by  the  people  on  the  first  Monday  of  April. 
The  General  Assembly  has  one  stated  session  in  each  year,  commencing 
on  the  first  Wednesday  in  May.  These  sessions  are  held  alternately,  in 
the  years  of  even  numbers  at  New  Haven,  and  in  the  years  of  odd  num- 
bers at  Hartford. 

The  electors  are  all  the  white  male  citizens,  of  twenty-one  years  of 
age,  who  have  resided  in  the  town  in  which  they  vote  six  months  next 
preceding,  and  have  a freehold  estate  of  the  value  of  seven  dollars ; or 
who  have  performed  regular  military  duty  in  said  town  lor  one  year  next 
previous  to  the  voting ; or  who  shall  have  paid  a tax  within  a year  of  his 
voting.  Those  entitled  to  be  electors,  before  voting  must  be  qualified  by 
taking  the  oath  prescribed  by  law. 

No  person  is  obliged  to  join  any  religious  society;  but  having  joined 
one  he  is  liable  by  law  to  pay  his  proportion  of  the  charges  for  its  sup- 
port. He  may  separate  himself  from  such  society  by  leaving  with  the 
clerk  thereof  notice  of  his  determination  to  close  his  connextion  with 
them. 

The  judicial  department  of  the  government  embraces  the  Supreme 
Court  of  Errors,  the  Superior  Court,  a County  Court  in  each  county,  a 
City  Court  in  each  city,  a Court  of  Probate  in  each  probate  district,  and 
as  in  other  states  in  New  England,  an  indefinite  number  of  Justices  of 
the  Peace  in  each  county. 

The  Supreme  Court  of  Errors  consists  of  five  Judges,  who  are  ap- 
pointed by  the  General  Assembly,  and  hold  their  offices  during  good 
behavior,  but  not  after  seventy  years  of  age.  They  are  subject  to  re- 
moval by  impeachment,  and  by  the  Governor,  on  the  address  of  two  thirds 
of  the  members  of  each  House  of  the  General  Assembly.  This  court 
has  final  and  exclusive  jurisdiction  of  writs  of  error,  brought  to  revise 
the  judgment  on  decrees  of  the  Superior  Court,  in  law  or  equity,  wherein 


NE)Y  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 

the  errors  complained  of  appear  from  the  files  and  records.  It  holds  one 
term  in  each  county  annually.  Though  this  body,  as  a court,  has  cog- 
nizance only  of  writs  of  error,  yet,  as  all  the  members  are  Judges  of  the 
Superior  Court,  a convenient  opportunity  is  afforded,  while  they  are 
thus  assembled,  for  hearing  arguments  on  motions  for  new  trials  and  cases 
stated.  These,  of  course,  occupy  a considerable  portion  of  the  term 
The  opinions  of  the  Judges  upon  them  are  given  by  way  of  advice  to 
the  Superior  Court,  in  which  the  cases  are  respectively  pending.  This 
advice  is  always  followed,  it  being  understood  as  settling  the  law. 

A Judge  of  the  Superior  Court  of  Errors,  designated  by  that  court 
for  the  purpose,  constitutes  the  Superior  Court;  two  terms  of  which  a^e 
held  in  each  county  annually.  This  court  has  cognizance  of  civil  actions 
at  law  brought  by  appeal  from  the  County,  City,  and  Probate  Courts, 
and  of  suits  for  relief  in  chancery,  wherein  the  value  of  the  matter  in 
demand  exceeds  $335.  In  criminal  causes  it  has  exclusive  jurisdiction 
of  offences  punishable  with  death  or  imprisonment  for  life  ; and,  concur- 
rent with  the  County  Courts,  of  all  other  offences  not  committed  to  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  Justices  of  the  Peace.  It  has  also  cognizance  of 
writs  of  error  brought  to  revise  the  decisions  of  inferior  tribunals ; of 
petitions  for  divorce,  and  of  writs  of  scire  facias,  audita  querela , and 
petitions  for  new  trials  relative  to  matters  in  or  issuing  from  the  court. 
In  capital  cases,  the  Judge  holding  the  court  is  to  call  to  his  assistance 
one  or  more  of  the  other  Judges. 

The  County  Courts  consist  of  one  Chief  Judge  and  two  Associate 
Judges,  who  are  appointed  annually  by  the  General  Assembly.  This 
court  has  original  jurisdiction  of  all  civil  actions  at  law,  wherein  the 
value  of  the  matter  in  demand  exceeds  $35,  and  appellate  jurisdiction 
of  all  such  actions  wherein  the  value  in  demand  exceeds  $7.  It  has 
also  original  and  final  jurisdiction  of  suits  for  relief  in  equity,  wherein 
the  value  in  demand  does  not  exceed  $335,  except  suits  for  relief  against 
a judgment  rendered  on  a cause  depending  at  law  in  the  Superior 
Court. 

In  criminal  jurisdiction,  it  has  cognizance  of  all  offences  above  the 
jurisdiction  of  a Justice  of  the  Peace,  and  not  exclusively  within  that 
of  the  Superior  Court.  It  is  also  vested  with  powers  relative  to  the 
laying  out  of  roads,  granting  licences,  the  appointment  of  survey- 
ors, &c. 

Justices  of  the  Peace  have  cognizance  of  all  actions  at  law  of  a civil 
nature,  wherein  the  value  in  demand  does  not  exceed  $35,  and  of  aM 
offences  and  crimes  punishable  by  fine  not  exceeding  $7,  or  by  impris- 
onment not  exceeding  thirty  days,  or  both. 

In  each  of  the  six  cities — Hartford,  New  Haven,  New  London,  Nor- 

9* 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


wichj  Middletown,  and  Bridgeport — there  is  a City  Court,  consisting  of 
the  Mayor  and  two  senior  Aldermen,  having  cognizance  of  all  civil 
actions  wherein  the  title  of  land  is  not  concerned. 

Succession  of  Governors  since  the  Union  of  the  Colonies  under 
the  Charter  in  1665. 

John  Winthrop,  1665—1676.  William  Leet,  1676— 16S3.  Robert 

Treat,  1683 — 1698.  Fitz-John  Winthrop,  169S — 1707.  Gurdon  Sal- 

tonstall,  1708 — 1724.  Joseph  Talcott,  1725 — 1741.  Jonathan  Law, 

1742—1751.  Roger  Wolcott,  1751—1754.  Thomas  Fitch,  1754—1766. 
William  Pitkin,  1766— 1769.  Jonathan  Trumbull,  1769—1784.  Mat- 
thew Griswold,  1784 — 1786.  Samuel  Huntington,  17S6 — 1795.  Oliver 
Wolcott,  1796,1797.  Jonathan  Trumbull,  1798 — 1809.  John  Treadwell, 
1809—1811.  Roger  Griswold,  1811,  1812.  John  Cotton  Smith,  1813— 
1817.  Oliver  Wolcott,  1817—1827.  Gideon  Tomlinson,  1827—1831. 
John  S.  Peters,  1831—1833.  Henry  W.  Edwards,  1833,  1834.  Samuel 
A.  Foot,  1834— rl836.  Henry  W.  Edwards,  1836 — 

Succession  of  Chief  Justices. 

Richard  Law,  1785 — 1789.  Eliphalet  Dyer,  1789 — 1793.  Andrew 

Adams,  1793—1797.  Jesse  Root,  1798—1807.  Stephen  M.  Mitchell, 
1807—1814.  Tapping  Reeve,  1814,  1815.  Zephaniah  Swift,  1815— 
1819.  Stephen  T.  Hosmer,  1819 — 1833.  David  Daggett,  1833 — 1835. 
Thomas  S.  Williams,  1835 — 

Connecticut  is  divided  into  the  eight  following  counties — Hartford, 
New  Haven,  New  London,  Fairfield,  Windham,  Litchfield,  Middlesex, 
and  Tolland.  The  face  of  the  state  is  greatly  diversified  by  hills  and 
valleys.  In  general  it  is  so  exceeding  undulating  or  uneven,  as  to  pre- 
sent an  everchanging  variety  of  objects.  The  ranges  of  mountains  from 
the  north,  which  terminate  near  New  Haven,  are  not  remarkable  for  their 
elevation  in  this  state.  Connecticut  is  finely  watered  by  the  noble  river 
from  which  it  derives  its  name,  by  the  Thames,  Housatonick,  Nauga- 
tuck, and  other  smaller  streams.  The  soil  varies  from  a gravelly  loam 
on  the  hills,  to  a rich  and  exceedingly  fertile  alluvial  in  the  valleys.  The 
former  is  more  particularly  adapted  to  grazing,  the  latter  to  tillage.  These 
lands,  in  possession  of  an  industrious  class  of  freemen,  yield,  in  great 
abundance,  all  the  varieties  of  products  common  to  a northern  climate. 
The  mineral  resources  of  the  state  are  not  yet  fully  developed ; but 
iron  and  copper  ores  of  excellent  qualities  are  found  ; also,  lead,  cobalt, 
marble  and  freestone.  The  mineral  waters  at  Stafford  are  the  most 
•elebrated,  Manufacturing  establishments  are  scattered  over  the  state, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


on  its  numerous  delightful  streams  ; and  foreign  commerce,  the  coasting 
trade,  and  fisheries,  enjoy  an  enviable  position  on  the  waters  of  Long 
Island  Sound. 

Blessed  with  a salubrious  climate  and  fertile  country,  the  people 
of  Connecticut  probably  enjoy  as  much  happiness  as  is  allotted  to 
any  part  of  the  human  family.  Her  population  is  always  full,  and  although 
her  domain  is  not  extensive,  no  Atlantic  state  has  sent  so  many  of  her 
children,  or  so  large  a share  of  intellectual  wealth,  to  the  western 
country,  as  Connecticut. 

If  the  love  of  liberty,  literature  and  the  arts,  of  social  feeling  and 
moral  worth  has  an  asylum  on  earth,  Connecticut  may  boast  that  it  is 
to  be  found  within  her  bosom.  See  Register. 


Connecticut  River. 

This  beautiful  river,  the  Quonek- 
tacut  of  the  Indians,  and  the  pride 
of  the  Yankees,  has  it  sources  in 
New  Hampshire  and  the  moun- 
tainous tracts  in  Lower  Canada.  Its 
name  in  the  Indian  language  is  said 
to  signify  Long  River,  or,  as  some 
render  it.  River  of  Pines.  Its 
general  course  is  north  and  south. 
After  forming  the  boundary  line 
between  New  Hampshire  and  Ver- 
mont, it  crosses  the  western  part  of 
Massachusetts,  passes  the  state  of 
Connecticut,  nearly  in  its  centre ; 
and,  after  a fall  of  1,600  feet,  from 
its  head,  north  of  latitude  45°,  it  falls 
Into  Long  Island  Sound,  in  latitude 
41°  16'.  The  breadth  of  this  river, 
at  its  entrance  into  Vermont,  is 
about  150  feet,  and  in  its  course  of' 
60  miles  it  increases  to  about  390 
feet.  In  Massachusetts  and  Con- 
necticut, its  breadth  may  be  esti- 
mated from  450  to  1*050  feet.  It  is 
navigable  to  Hartford,  45  miles,  for 
vessels  of  considerable  burthen,  and 
to  Middletown,  30  miles  from  the 
aea,  for  vessels  drawing  12  feet  of 
water.  By  means  of  canals  and  oth- 
er improvements,  it  has  beeti  made 
navigable  for  boats  to  Fifteen  Mile 
Falls,  nearly  250  miles  above  Hart- 
ford. The  most  considerable  rapids 
this  river,  are  Bellows’  Falls,  the 


falls  of  Queechy,  just  below  the 
mouth  of  Waterqueechy  river  ; the 
White  river  falls,  below  Hanover, 
and  the  Fifteen  Mile  Falls,  in  N.  H. 
and  Vt.: — the  falls  at  Montague  and 
South  Hadley,  in  Mass.,  and  the 
falls  at  Enfield,  in  Ct.,  where  it 
meets  the  tide  water.  The  perpen- 
dicular height  of  the  falls  which 
have  been  overcome  by  dams  and 
locks  between  Springfield,  in  Mass., 
and  Hanover,  in  N.  H.,  a distance 
of  130  miles,  is  240  feet.  Bars  of 
sand  and  gravel  extend  across  this 
river  in  various  places,  over  which 
boats  with  difficulty  pass  in  low 
water.  The  most  important  tribu- 
taries to  the  Connecticut,  in  New 
Hampshire,  are  Upper  and  Lower 
Amonoosuck,  Israel’s,  John’s,  Mas- 
comy,  Sugar,  and  Ashuelot  rivers : 
in  Vermont,  Nulhegan,Passumpsic, 
Wells,  Wait’s,  Ompomponoosuck, 
White,  Waterqueechy,  Black,  Wil- 
liams, Sexton’s,  and  West  rivers  : 
in  Massachusetts,  Miller’s,  Deer- 
field, Agawam,  Chickopee,  and 
Westfield  rivers  ; and  the  Farming- 
ton,  in  Connecticut. 

The  intervales  are  generally 
spread  upon  one  or  both  sides  of  the 
river,  nearly  on  a level  with  its 
banks,  and  extending  from  half  a 
mile  to  five  miles  in  breadth ; but 
its  borders  are  in  some  places  high. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


rocky  and  precipitous.  In  the 
spring  it  overflows  its  banks,  and, 
through  its  winding  course  of  nearly 
400  miles,  forms  and  fertilizes  a 
vast  tract  of  rich  meadow.  In  point 
of  length,  utility,  and  beauty,  this 
river  forms  a distinguished  feature 
of  New  England. 

Large  quantities  of  shad  are  taken 
in  this  river,  but  the  salmon,  which 
formerly  were  very  plenty,  have 
entirely  disappeared.  Connecticut 
river  passes  through  a basin  or  val- 
ley of  about  12,000  square  miles  ; 
it  is  decorated,  on  each  side,  with 
towns  and  villages  of  superior 
beauty,  and  presents  to  the  eye  a 
wonderful  variety  of  enchanting 
scenery. 

Connecticut  Lake, 

The  source  of  one  of  the  princi- 
pal branches  of  Connecticut  river, 
is  situated  in  latitude  45°  2' ; and  is 
5 1-2  miles  in  length,  and  2 1-2  in 
width.  It  is  supplied  by  several 
small  streams,  rising  in  the  high- 
lands north  of  the  lake. 

Contoocook  River,  N.  II., 

A stream  of  considerable  length 
and  importance,  waters  most  of  the 
towns  in  the  W.  part  of  the  county 
of  Hillsborough.  It  has  its  origin 
from  several  ponds  in  JafFrey  and 
Rindge,  and  in  its  course  north  re- 
ceives numerous  streams  from  Dub- 
lin, Peterborough,  Sharon,  Nel- 
son, Stoddard,  Washington,  Antrim, 
Deering,  and  Hillsborough.  In 
Hillsborough  it  takes  a N.  E.  and 
easterly  direction,  and  proceeds 
through  Henniker  to  Hopkinton, 
where  it  receives  Warner  and  Black- 
water  rivers.  From  Hopkinton, 
it  pursues  a meandering  course 
through  Concord,  and  discharges 
itself  into  the  Merrimack  between 
Concord  and  Boscawen.  Near  the 
mouth  of  this  river  is  Duston’s 
Island,  celebrated  as  the  spot  where 
Mrs.  Duston  destroyed  several  In- 
dians, in  1698. 


Conway,  N.  H., 

Strafford  co.,  on  Saco  river,  is  72 
miles  N.  N.  E.  from  Concord,  60 
N.  by  W.  from  Dover, and  57  N.  W. 
from  Portland,  Me.  Swift  river,  a 
considerable  and  very  rapid  stream, 
Pequawkett  river,  and  a stream  tak- 
ing its  rise  in  Walker’s  pond,  the 
two  last  affording  mill  privileges, 
discharge  themselves  into  Saco  riv- 
er in  this  town.  Saco  river  here  is 
from  10  to  12  rods  wide,  and  about 
2 feet  deep ; its  current  rapid  and 
broken  by  falls.  This  river  has 
been  known  to  rise  27  and  even 
30  feet  in  the  course  of  24  hours. 
The  largest  collections  of  water  in 
Conway  are  a part  of  Walker’s 
pond,  and  Little  Pequawkett  pond, 
which  lie  in  the  south  part  of  the 
town.  There  is  a detached  block 
of  granite  on  the  southern  side  of 
Pine  hill,  the  largest  perhaps  in  the 
state.  A spring  near  the  centre  of 
the  town, on  the  bank  of  Cold  brook, 
strongly  impregnated  with  sulphur, 
has  been  visited  frequently  by  the 
infirm,  and  in  many  instances  found 
beneficial.  There  are  also  in  this 
town  large  quantities  of  magnesia 
and  fuller’s  earth.  The  intervale 
along  the  river  is  from  50  to  220 
rods  wide.  The  plain,  when  prop- 
erly cultivated,  produces  large 
crops  of  corn  and  rye.  Conway  is 
quite  a resort  for  travellers  from  the 
east  and  south  to  the  White  Moun- 
tains. From  Conway  village  to 
Crawford’s  house,  at  the  Notch,  is 
34  miles  N.  W.  Daniel  Foster,  in 
1765,  obtained  a grant  of  this  town- 
ship, containing  21,040  acresj  on 
condition  that  each  grantee  should 
pay  a rent  of  one  ear  of  Indian  corn 
annually  for  the  space  of  ten  years, 
if  demanded.  Pop.  1880,  1,601. 

Conway,  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  This  town  is  divid- 
ed from  Shelburne,  on  the  north, 
by  Deerfield  river.  It  lies  100  miles 
W.  by  N.  from  Boston,  and  7 S.  W. 
from  Greenfield.  Incorporated, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


1767.  Population,  1837, 1,4-15.  A 
tributary  of  Deerfield  river  passes 
its  northern  border.  The  manu- 
factures of  Conway  consist  of  cotton 
and  woolen  goods,  leather,  boots, 
shoes,  hats,  chairs  and  cabinet 
ware.  Total  amount,  year  ending 
April  1,  1837,  $22,475.  The  value 
of  wool  grown,  the  same  year,  was 
$5,072,  comprising  4,830  fleeces, 
weighing  14,490  pounds. 

Cooper,  Me. 

Washington  co.  Denny’s  river, 
emptying  into  Meddybemps  lake, 
and  both  discharging  into  the  river 
St.  Croix  at  Baring,  water  the  north 
part  of  this  town.  It  lies  164  miles 
E.  N.  E.  from  Augusta,  and  about 
36  miles  N.  from  Machias.  Popu- 
lation, 1837,  571. 

Coos  County,  X.  H. 

Coos  is  the  largest  county  in  New 
Hampshire,  and  within  its  limits 
are  situated  the  contested  Indian 


and  Kilkenny;  Pilot  and  Mill  moun- 
tains in  Stark  ; Cape  Horn  in  North- 
umberland, and  Pondicherry,  S.  W. 
of  Jefferson,  are  all  of  considerable 
magnitude,  and  partake  of  the  gran- 
deur of  the  White  Hills.  In  the 
neighborhood  of  high  mountains  are 
generally  found  the  sources  of  our 
greater  rivers.  Three  of  the  prin- 
cipal rivers  of  New  England,  the 
Connecticut,  Androscoggin  and  Sa- 
co, take  their  rise  in  this  county. 
There  are  numerous  other  streams 
which  become  tributary  to  these 
rivers,  the  principal  of  which  are 
the  Mohawk,  Amonoosuck,  Israel’s 
and  John’s  rivers.  The  Margalla- 
way,  after  receiving  the  waters  of 
Dead  and  Diamond  rivers,  unites 
with  the  Androscoggin,  near  Um- 
bagog  lake.  This  lake  lies  princi- 
pally in  Maine.  Lake  Connecti- 
cut is  situated  north  of  the  45th  de- 
gree of  latitude,  and  is  one  of  the 
sources  of  Connecticut  river.  The 
largest  pond  in  this  county  lies  N. 


Stream  territory  and  the  greater  \ of  lake  Connecticut,  and  is  connect- 


part  of  the  ungranted  lands.  Large 
portions  of  this  county  are  exceed- 
ingly mountainous,  cannot  be  culti- 
vated, and  will  probably  never  be 
settled.  This  county  extends  from 
lat.  43°  58'  to  the  extreme  north 
part  of  the  state — being  76  miles  in 
length,  and  having  a mean  width 
of  about  20  miles.  The  area  of 
this  county  is  estimated  to  contain 
1600  square  miles,  or,  in  round 
numbers,  1,000,000  of  acres.  It  i^ 
bounded  N.  by  Lower  Canada,  E. 
by  Maine,  S.  by  the  county  of 
Strafford,  W.  by  Grafton  county 
and  the  state  of  Vermont.  Besides 
the  stupendous  pile  of  the  White 
Mountains,  which  distinguishes  this 
county,  there  are  several  other 
mountains  of  no  inconsiderable 
height.  Those  in  Shelburne,  Jack- 
son  and  Chatham,  on  the  east  side 
of  the  White  Mountains,  are  bold 
and  abrupt.  The  Peak  and  Bow- 
back  mountains  in  Stratford ; the 
elevations  in  Dixville,  Columbia 


ed  with  it  by  an  outlet. 

The  first  settlement  in  the  coun- 
ty was  made  at  Lancaster  in  1763. 
The  county  was  incorporated  Dec. 
24,  1803,  and  the  name  is  of  Indian 
origin,  although  the  same  name  oc- 
curs in  the  New  Testament.  The 
population  in  1S20  was  5,549  : and 
in  1S30,  8,390.  Coos  contains  23 
towns,  and  five  inhabitants  to  a 
square  mile.  Lancaster,  Shiretown. 

Coimna,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  Situated  53  miles 
W.  N.  W.  from  Augusta,  and  about 
35  N.  W.  from  Norridgewock.  In- 
corporated, 1816.  Population,  1837, 
1,513.  In  1837,  8,864  bushels  of 
wheat  were  raised  in  this  valuable 
township. 

Corinth,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  This  delightful 
township  lies  81  miles  N.  W.  by  W. 
from  Augusta,  and  about  25  S.  W. 
from  Bangor.  It  is  watered  by 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Kenduskeag  stream,  and  produced, 
in  1837,  9,017  bushels  of  wheat. 
Population,  same  year,  1,232. 

Corinth,  Vt. 

Orange  co.  Two  branches  of 
Wait’s  river  water  this  town.  It  is 
20  miles  S.  E.  from  Montpelier,  and 
10  N.  E.  from  Chelsea.  First  set- 
tled, 1777.  Population,  1330, 1,953. 
Corinth  is  pleasant,  with  a rough, 
strong  soil,  and  very  healthy ; it 
has  some  water  power  and  keeps 
about  7,000  sheep. 

Cornish,  Me. 

York  co.  Bounded  N.  by  the  Saco 
and  Great  Ossipee  rivers.  83  miles 
S.  W.  from  Augusta,  32  W.  by  N. 
from  Portland,  and  25  N.  from  Al- 
fred. Incorporated,  1794.  Popula- 
tion, 1337, 1,180.  Cornish  produces 
good  crops  of  wheat  and  some  wool. 

Cornish,  N.  II., 

Sullivan  co.,  is  17  miles  N. 
from  Charlestown,  50  N.  W.  by  W. 
from  Concord,  and  12  N.  W.  from 
Newport.  Connecticut  river  waters 
the  west  part  of  this  town,  and  by 
means  of  abridge  connects  Cornish 
with  Windsor,  V t.  The  soil  is  gen- 
erally fertile.  The  town  is  hilly, 
with  the  exception  of  that  part 
which  lies  on  the  river.  Blow-me- 
down  and  Bryant’s  brooks  are  the 
only  streams  of  any  magnitude — 
these  afford  good  mill  privileges, 
which  are  improved  for  a woolen 
factory,  a large  number  of  saw,  and 
other  mills.  The  agricultural  pro- 
ducts of  this  town  are  very  consid- 
erable. Cornish  was  granted  June 
21,  1763,  to  Rev.  Samuel  McClin- 
tock,  of  Greenland,  and  69  others. 
The  town  was  settled  in  1765. — 
Population,  1830,  1,687. 

Cornville,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  This  town  is  well 
watered  by  the  Wessaransett  river, 
a branch  of  the  Kennebec.  There 
is  much  choice  land  in  Cornville.  A 
few  of  the  inhabitants,  in  1837,  by 


way  of  experiment,  raised  7000 
bushels  of  wheat.  Incorporated, 
1798.  Population,  1837,  2,112. 
Bounded  S.  by  Skowhegan:  38  miles 
N.  from  Augusta,  and  about  13  N. 
E.  from  Norridgewock. 

Cornwall,  Vt. 

Addison  co.  This  is  a level  town- 
ship of  excellent  land,  watered  by 
Otter  creek  and  Lemonfair  river,  but 
without  any  good  mill  sites.  Not- 
withstanding there  is  a very  large 
swamp  in  this  town,  the  people  are 
healthy,  and  many  live  to  a very 
great  age.  Very  beautiful  calca- 
reous spar,  in  rhomboidal  crystals,  is 
found  here.  The  population  of 
Cornwall,  in  1330,  was  1,264.  The 
number  of  sheep,  in  1S37,  was  about 
16,000.  It  lies  60  miles  S.  W.  from 
Montpelier,  and  bounded  N.  E.  by 
Middlebury.  First  settled,  1774. 

Cornwall,  Ct. 

Litchfield  co.  This  mountainous 
township  lies  on  the  east  side  of 
Housatonick  river,  38  miles  W. 
from  Hartford,  48  N.  from  New  Ha- 
ven, and  13  N.  by  W.  from  Litch- 
field. First  settled,  1740.  Popu- 
lation, 1330,  1,714.  The  scenery 
about  the  south  village  is  very  beau- 
tiful. “ The  cheerful  appearance 
of  the  church  and  the  little  cluster 
of  white  buildings  surrounding  it, 
at  the  bottom  of  a deep  valley,  is 
uncommonly  pleasing.  The  moun- 
tains and  lofty  hills  which  rise  im- 
mediately on  almost  every  side, 
shutting  out, in  a sense,  the  most  of 
the  world  from  this  apparently  re- 
tired spot,  present  a bold  and  most 
striking  feature  in  the  landscape.” 
This  village  is  the  place  where  a 
Foreign  Mission  School  was  estab- 
lished in  1313.  “This  school  had 
its  rise  from  the  attempt  to  qualify 
Obookiah,  a pious  Owyheean  youth, 
and  others,  for  missionaries  to  their 
native  lands.  Obookiah  was  brought 
to  this  country  in  1308,  and  came  to 
New  Haven.  While  here,  Samuel 
J.  Mills,  a student  in  Yale  Col- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


lege,  and  other  pious  persons,  com- 
miserating his  condition,  instructed 
him  in  the  Christian  religion. — 
Obookiah  soon  became  hopefully 
pious,  and  strongly  advocated  a mis- 
sion to  his  countrymen.  Other  na- 
tives of  his  island  were  found,  and 
a school  was  established  for  their 
benefit  at  Cornwall.  In  1S20,  the 
number  of  pupils  in  this  school  was 
29,  of  whom  19  were  American  In- 
dians, and  6 from  the  islands  of  the 
Pacific  ocean.  Obookiah  sickened 
and  died  in  Cornwall  in  1818.  The 
following  is  the  inscription  on  his 
monument  in  the  village  grave 
yard. 

“In  memory  of  Henry  Obookiah, 
a native  of  Owyhee.  His  arrival  in 
this  country  gave  rise  to  the  For- 
eign Mission  School,  of  which  he 
was  a worthy  member.  He  was 
once  an  Idolater,  and  was  designed 
for  a Pagan  Priest ; but  by  the  grace 
of  God,  and  by  the  prayers  and  in- 
structions of  pious  friends, he  became 
a Christian.  He  was  eminent  for 
piety  and  missionary  zeal.  When 
almost  prepared  to  return  to  his  na- 
tive isle  to  preach  the  -gospel,  Gocl 
took  him  to  himself.  In  his  last 
sickness  he  wept  and  prayed  for 
Owyhee,  but  was  submissive.  He 
died  without  fear,  with  a heavenly 
smile  on  hi3  countenance  and  glory 
in  his  soul,  Feb.  17th,  1818,  aged 
26.” 

Coventry,  N.  II., 

Grafton  co.,  is  70  miles  N.  N. 
W.  from  Concord,  and  12  E.  S.  E. 
from  Haverhill.  This  town  is  wa- 
tered by  branches  of  Oliverian  brook 
and  Wild  Amonoosuck  rivers.  In 
the  S.  E.  part  of  Coventry  is  Moose- 
hillock  mountain.  Owl-head  moun- 
tain lies  in  the  W.  part  of  this  town. 
Coventry  presents  a rough  and 
mountainous  aspect,  and  the  soil  in 
several  parts  is  not  capable  of  cul- 
tivation. This  town  was  granted 
Jan.  31,  1764,  to  Theophilus  Fitch 
and  others,  and  was  settled  after  the 


commencement  of  the  revolutionary 
war.  Population,  1830,  441. 

Coventry,  Vt. 

Orleans  co.  This  is  a good  town- 
ship of  land,  and  is  watered  by  Bar- 
ton’s and  Black  rivers,  two  good 
mill  streams,  running  north  into 
Memphremagog  lake.  First  set- 
tled, 1800.  Population,  1830,  728. 
The  south  part  of  the  lake  lies  in 
Coventry,  and  gives  it  some  trade 
to  Canada.  Here  are  about  2,500 
sheep.  Coventry  lies  47  miles  N. 
by  E.  from  Montpelier,  and  has  Iras- 
burgh  on  the  south. 

Coventry,  R.  I. 

Kent  co.  This  is  a very  large 
township,  extending  to  the  north 
line  of  Connecticut,  and  admirably 
watered  by  numerous  ponds  and  by 
Flat  river,  an  important  branch  of 
the  Pawtucket.  Coventry  has  long 
been  noted  for  the  number  and  va- 
riety of  its  manufactures,  particu- 
larly of  cotton  and  wool.  The  soil 
of  the  town  is  well  adapted  to  agri- 
cultural pursuits  : it  is  well  improv- 
ed, and  a large  amount  of  the  pro- 
ducts of  the  dairy,  &c.,  is  annually 
produced.  There  are  a n-umber  of 
pleasant  villages  in  Coventry,  all 
of  which  are  flourishing,  both  in 
manufacturing  and  trade.  This 
town  was  distinguished  for  its  pat- 
riotism during  the  revolutionary 
contest.  Coventry  was  incorpora- 
ted in  1742.  It  lies  10  miles  S.  W. 
Trom  Providence,  and  8 N.  W.  from 
East  Greenwich.  Population,  1830, 
3,851. 

Coventry,  Ct. 

Tolland  co.  The  Wangombog,  a 
beautiful  pond,  and  the  Skungamug, 
Hop  and  Willimantic  rivers,  give 
Coventry  a good  water  power.  In 
the  south  part  of  the  town  are  two 
cotton  and  two  woolen  manufacto- 
ries, a machine  shop  and  other  im- 
portant mechanical  operations  by 
water.  This  town  was  the  gift  of 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Mohegan  Sachem,  and  was  first  set- 
tled in  1700.  The  surface  is  un- 
even, and  the  soil  a gravelly  loam. 

Coventry  lies  18  miles  E.  from 
Hartford,  and  bounded  N.  by  Tol- 
land. Population,  1830,  2,119.  This 
town  is  celebrated  as  the  birth  place 
of  Capt.  Nathan  Hale,  who  vol- 
unteered his  services  to  Washington 
to  discover  the  position  of  the  ene- 
my on  Long  Island.  He  fell  a mar- 
tyr to  American  liberty,  Sept.  22, 
1776,  aged  22. 

Lorenzo  Dow,  an  itinerant 
preacher,  celebrated  for  his  eccen- 
tricity was  born  in  Coventry,  Octo- 
ber, 16,  1777.  It  is  said  that  during 
the  38  yearsof  his  ministry  he  travel- 
led in  this  and  foreign  countries  two 
hundred  thousand  miles.  He  died  at 
Georgetown,  D.  C.,  Feb.  2,  1834. 

Craftsbnry,  Vt. 

Orleans  co.  Col.  Ebenezer  Crafts 
was  the  father  of  this  little  repub- 
lic. He  died,  much  honored,  in 
1810,  aged  70.  Craftsbury  was 
settled  in  1789.  It  lies  25  miles  S. 
of  the  Canada  line,  25  miles  N.  from 
Montpelier,  and  about  15  S.  S.  W. 
from  Irasburgh.  Population,  1830, 
982.  This  town  is  finely  watered 
by  Black  river,  Wild  Branch,  and 
5 large  natural  ponds  well  stored 
with  trout.  The  village  in  the  cen- 
tre of  the  town  is  elevated,  com- 
manding a delightful  prospect. 

Cranberry  Islands. 

Hancock  co.  These  islands  were 
attached  to  the  town  of  Moynt 
Desert  until  1830,  when  they  were 
Incorporated.  They  lie  a few  miles 
E.  by  S.  from  Mount  Desert,  and 
embrace  Great  and  Little  Cranber- 
ry, Sutton’s  and  Baker’s  islands. 
These  islands  afford  good  harbors, 
and  are  well  located  for  the  shore 
fishery.  Population,  1837,  183. 

Cranston,  It.  I. 

Providence  co.  The  soil  of  this 
town  is  more  favorable  for  the  pro- 


duction of  fruits  and  vegetable* 
than  for  grain.  Some  parts  of  the 
town  are  very  fertile,  but  considera- 
ble of  the  land  is  rough  and  uneven. 
Providence  market  is  supplied  with 
a considerable  amount  of  the  pro- 
ducts of  th-e  town.  The  manufac- 
ture of  cotton  is  very  extensively 
pursued.  The  water  power  of  the 
Pawtuxet  and  Powchasset  are  con- 
stant and  abundant.  Cranston  is  a 
very  pleasant  town,  and  its  proxim- 
ity to  Providence,  (only  five  miles 
south  west)  gives  it  peculiar  privi- 
leges. Population,  1830,  2,653. 

Crawford,  Me. 

Washington  co.  Incorporated, 
1828.  This  is  a good  township  of 
land,  and  was  formerly  called  Ad- 
ams. A large  pond  in  Crawford 
and  apart  of  another  are  the  sour- 
ces of  a branch  of  East  Machias 
river.  Population,  1837,  311.  Lo- 
cated about  30  miles  N.  from  Ma- 
chias and  140  E.  N.  E.  from  Au- 
gusta. 

Crooked  River,  Me., 

Rises  in  ponds  in  Oxford  county; 
passes  through  Harrison,  Otisfield, 
and  Raymond,  and  joins  the  outlet 
of  Long  pond  into  Sebago  lake. 

Cross  Island,  Me. 

A large  island,  off  . Machias  bay, 
attached  to  the  town  of  Cutler. 

Croydon,  N.  H., 

Sullivan  co.,  is  44  miles  N.  N. 
W.  from  Concord,  and  8 N.  from 
Newport.  The  N.  branch  of  Su- 
gar river  waters  this  town.  On  this 
stream  is  a woolen  factory  and  other 
mills.  Croydon  mountain  is  of  con- 
siderable elevation,  on  which  are 
two  small  ponds.  The  soil  of  Croy- 
don is  moist  and  rocky,  and  produ- 
ces valuable  crops.  Croydon  was 
granted  by  charter  to  Samuel  Chase, 
and  others,  May  31,  1763.  It  was 
settled  in  1766.  Population,  1830, 
1,057. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Cumberland  County,  Me. 

Portland,  chief  town.  Bounded 
N.  by  Oxford  county,  E.  by  Lin- 
coln county,  S.  by  the  Atlantic 
ocean,  and~W.  by  York  county  and 
a part  of  Oxford.  Area  about  990 
square  miles.  Population,  1820, 
49,445;  1830,60,113;  1837,67,619. 
This  is  an  excellent  county  of  land, 
and  under  good  cultivation.  The 
commerce  and  manufactures  of 
Portland  and  neighboring  towns 
is  very  extensive.  Casco  bay  is 
within  the  county,  and  affords  it 
unrivalled  privileges  for  navigation 
and  the  fisheries.  It  is  watered  by 
several  large  mill  streams ; and  the 
Cumberland  and  Oxford  canal  to 
Sebago  lake,  within  the  county, 
gives  to  its  chief  town  considerable 
inland  trade.  In  1837  there  were 
37,803  bushels  of  wheat  raised  in 
the  county,  and  it  contained  71,000 
sheep. 

Cumberland,  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  Setoff  from  the 
westerly  part  of  North  Yarmouth 
in  1821.  Population,  1S37,  1,525. 
54  miles  S.  W.  from  Augusta,  and 
10  N.  from  Portland.  Cumberland 
is  pleasantly  situated  on  Casco  bay, 
and  enjoys  many  navigable  facili- 
ties. 

Cumberland,  It.  I. 

Providence  co.  The  manufac- 
ture of  cotton  and  boat  building  is 
extensively  pursued  in  this  town. 
Pawtucket,  Mill  and  Peter’s  rivers, 
and  Abbot’s  run,  afford  the  town 
a good  hydraulic  power.  There  is 
some  good  land  in  Cumberland, 
producing  a variety  of  articles  for 
Providence  market ; from  which  it 
is  distant  8 miles  N.  Population, 
1830,  3,675.  See  Smithjield. 

Cummin gt on,  Mass. 

Hampshire  co.  Located  110  miles 
W.  from  Boston,  and  20  W.  N.  W. 
from  Northampton.  Incorporated, 
1779.  Population,  1837,  1,204.  In 
this  town  are  good  mill  seats  on 
10 


Westfield  river.  It  is  a mountain- 
ous township  but  excellent  for  graz- 
ing. It  produced,  in  1837,  12,486 
pounds  of  merino  wool,  the  weight 
of  4,162  fleeces,  valued  at  $7,492. 
The  manufactures  of  Cummington 
consist  of  cotton  and  woolen  goods, 
leather,  palm-leaf  hats,  and  scythe 
snaiths.  Total  value,  in  one  year, 
$98,000.  Iron  ore  and  soapstone. 

Cushing,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  Situated  on  Saint 
George’s  river,  opposite  to  the  town 
of  St.  George  ; 45  miles  N.  E.  from 
Augusta,  and  about  12  miles  S.  from 
Warren.  This  place  was  settled  by 
emigrants  from  Ireland,  as  early  as 
1733.  Here  was  the  celebrated 
stone  fort,  erected  by  Maj.  Burton. 
Incorporated,  1789.  Population, 
1837,  732. 

Cutler,  Me. 

Washington  co.  Bounded  S.  by 
the  Atlantic  Ocean,  and  about  20 
miles  S.  W.  from  W.  Quoddy  Head. 
It  contains  Little  Machias  bay  and 
Little  river,  and  is  bounded  W.  by 
Machias  hay.  Cutler  has  a good 
harbor,  and  a population  of  667 
164  miles  E.  by  N.  from  Augusta, 
and  10  S.  E.  from  Machias. 

Dalton,  X.  II., 

Coos  co.,  lies  between  Lancas- 
ter and  Littleton,  on  Connecticut 
river,  and  is  110  miles  N.  by  W. 
from  Concord.  The  Great,  or  Fif- 
-teen  Mile  Falls,  on  Connecticut 
river,  commence  in  Dalton,  and 
rush  tumultuously  along  its  north- 
west boundary.  The  town  is  also 
watered  by  John’s  river  and  sever- 
al large  brooks.  The  western  and 
southern  parts  of  this  town  are  hilly. 
Along  the  borders  of  John’s  river 
the  majestic  white  pine  abounds. 
The  soil  on  the  highlands  is  deep, 
and  well  adapted  to  grazing — is 
generally  good,  and  in  some  parts 
easy  of  cultivation.  Blake’s  pond, 
the  only  one  in  town,  lies  at  the  S. 
E.  corner.  Moses  Blake  and  Wal- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ter  Bloss  were  the  first  settlers  of 
Dalton,  and,  with  their  families,  for 
a long  time  the  only  inhabitants. 
Dalton  was  incorporated  Nov.  4, 
1784.  Population,  1830,  532. 

Blake  was  a famous  hunter,  and 
the  moose  which  frequented  the 
pond  called  by  his  name  often  fell 
by  the  accuracy  of  his  shots.  Blake 
and  Capt.  Bucknam,  (one  of  the 
first  settlers  of  Lancaster,)  on  a 
hunting  excursion,  fired  at  a mark, 
on  a small  bet.  Bucknam  fired  first, 
and  cut,  at  the  distance  of  twenty 
rods,  near  the  centre  of  a mark 
not  larger  than  a dollar.  Blake 
then  fired,  and  on  going  to  the  tree 
on  which  the  mark  was  made,  no 
trace  of  the  ball  could  be  discover- 
ed. Bucknam  exulted:  “Cutout 
your  ball,”  said  Blake,  “and  you’ll 
find  mine  o’top  on’t.”  The  opera- 
tion being  performed,  the  two  balls 
were  found,  the  one  safely  lodged 
upon  the  other. 

Dalton,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  Dalton  lies  120 
miles  W.  from  Boston,  and  13  N. 
by  E.  from  Lenox.  Incorporated, 
1784.  Population,  1837,  830.  It 
is  watered  by  the  E.  branch  of  Hou- 
satonick  river.  Its  manufactures 
consist  of  woolen  cloth,  iron  cast- 
ings, paper,  ($37,500,)  leather, 
boots  and  shoes.  Total  amount  in 
one  year,  $47,815.  In  1837,  the 
product  of  4,238  sheep  was  11,852 
pounds  of  wrool,  valued  at  $5,725. 

Damariscotta  River,  Me. 

This  river  has  its  source  in  ponds 
in  Jefferson  and  Nobleborough  ; its 
general  course  is  southerly  between 
Newcastle,  Edgecomb  and  Booth- 
bay,  on  the  west,  and  Bristol  on  the 
east.  It  is  navigable  for  vessels  of 
any  burthen  16  miles,  to  the  bridge 
which  crosses  it  between  New- 
castle and  Nobleborough.  Large 
quantities  of  lumber  descend,  and 
many  merchant  ships  are  built  on 
this  broad  and  navigable  arm  of  the 
sea. 


Dana,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  Dana  lies  65  miles 
W.  from  Boston,  and  27  W.  N.  W. 
from  Worcester.  A branch  of  Swift 
river  passes  through  the  town. — 
Some  leather  is  tanned  in  Dana; 
and  70,000  palm-leaf  hats  were 
made  in  1836,  valued  at  $10,500. 
Incorporated,  1781.  Population, 
1837,  660. 

Danbury,  NT.  II., 

Is  in  the  S.  part  of  Grafton  county, 
and  lies  in  the  form  of  a diamond. 
It  is  16  miles  S.  by  W.  from  Ply- 
mouth, and  30  N.  W.  from  Concord. 
This  town  is  generally  hilly,  al- 
though there  are  some  intervales. 
In  the  N.  E.  part  is  a large  hill. 
The  eastern  section  is  watered  by 
Smith’s  river.  The  first  settle- 
ment was  made  in  Nov.  1771,  and 
incorporated  June  18,  1795.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  786. 

Danbury,  Ct. 

One  of  the  shire  towns  of  Fair- 
field  county.  Danbury,  the  Pah- 
quioque  of  the  Indians,  was  first 
settled  in  1684.  The  soil  of  the 
town  is  good,  and  agreeably  diver- 
sified by  hills  and  valleys.  The 
borough  or  village  is  very  pleasant- 
ly situated  in  a valley,  and  is  me- 
morable for  its  sacrifices  in  the 
revolutionary  war.  It  was  nearly 
destroyed  by  the  British,  with  a 
large  amount  of  continental  stores, 
April,  1777.  It  lies  22  miles  N. 
from  Norwalk,  36  S.  S.  W.  from 
Litchfield,  and  55  S.  W.  by  W. 
from  Hartford. 

Robert  Sandemau,  the  foun- 
der of  a religious  sect, died  at  Danbu- 
ry in  1771,  aged  53.  See  Bethel,  Ct. 

Danby,  Vt. 

Rutland  co.  Situated  near  the 
head  waters  of  Otter  creek,  17  miles 
S.  from  Rutland,  and  68  S.  S.  W. 
from  Montpelier.  First  settled, 
1768.  Population,  1830,  1,362.— 
The  surface  of  the  town  is  rough 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


and  mountainous,  but  productive 
of  extraordinary  feed  for  cattle. 
Some  of  the  best  dairies  in  the 
country  are  in  Danby.  Large  quan- 
tities of  butter  and  cheese,  of  supe- 
rior quality,  are  annually  sent  to 
market.  There  are  some  curious 
caverns  in  this  town, — one  of  great 
depth. 

Danvers,  Mass. 

Essex  co.  This  flourishing  town 
lies  2 miles  N.  W.  from  Salem,  to 
which  it  was  attached  until  1757, 
and  called  “ Salem  Village.”  It  is 
very  pleasant,  and  has  some  mill  and 
navigable  privileges.  The  manu- 
factures, for  the  year  ending  April 
1,  1837,  amounted  to  $854,300. 
The  articles  manufactured  were 
boots  and  shoes  ($435,900,)  leather, 
($264,400,)  nail9,  bricks,  pottery 
ware,  glue,  lasts,  morocco,  choco- 
late, shoe  pegs,  shoe  and  soap  boxes, 
soap  and  candles.  Population,  1830, 
4,228 ; 1837,  4,S04. 

Danville,  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  This  town,  for- 
merly called  Pejepsco,  was  set  off 
from  the  westerly  part  of  North 
Yarmouth,  in  1802.  Population, 
1837,1,282.  It  lies  32  miles  S.  W. 
from  Augusta,  and  29  N.  from  Port- 
land. Farming  is  the  principal 
business  of  the  inhabitants  ; — they 
raised,  in  1837,  1,218  bushels  of 
wheat. 

Danville,  N.  II. 

Rockingham  co.  It  was  incorpo- 
rated February  22,  1760  ; formerly 
a part,  of  Kingston,  and  until  re- 
cently known  by  the  name  of 
Hawke.  The  soil  is  uneven,  but  in 
some  parts  good.  Acchusnut  river 
passes  over  the  north  west  corner. 
Long  pond  lies  in  the  east  part,  and 
Cub  pond  on  the  west  side.  The 
first  settlements  were  made  by  Jon- 
athan Sanborn,  Jacob  Hook,  and 
others,  between  1735  and  1739. 
Danville  lies  33  miles  S.  E.  of  Con- 


cord, and  10  S.  W.  of  Exeter.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  528. 

Danville,  Vt. 

Chief  town  of  Caledonia  county. 
Danville  village  is  very  pleasantly 
situated  near  the  centre  of  the  town, 
and  is  surrounded  by  a beautiful 
farming  country  : first  settled,  1784. 
Charles  Hacket  brought  the  first 
woman  into  town,  in  1785.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  2,631.  It  lies  28  miles 
N.  E.  from  Montpelier.  Here  is  a 
medicinal  spring ; and  Jo’s  pond, 
covering  1,000  acres,  lies  mostly 
in  the  town.  Several  tributaries  of 
the  Passumpsic  give  the  town  a good 
water  power.  This  is  a piace  of 
considerable  manufactures  and  do- 
mestic trade. 

Darien,  Ct. 

Fairfield  co.  Until  1820,  Darien 
was  a parish  in  the  town  of  Stam- 
ford. The  soil  is  excellent,  and  well 
adapted  to  tillage  and  grazing.  It 
lies  5 miles  W.  from  Norwalk,  and 
42  S.  W.  from  New  Haven.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  1,201. 

During  divine  service,  on  Sun- 
day, 22d  of  July,  1781,  a party  of 
British  troops  surrounded  the  meet- 
ing house  at  this  place,  and  made 
the  whole  congregation  prisoners. 
The  males  were  tied,  two  and  two, 
and  the  Rev.  Moses  Mather,  D.  D., 
a man  distinguished  for  his  learning 
and  piety,  placed  at  their  head. 
JThey  were  marched  to  the  shore, 
taken  to  Long  Island,  and  after- 
wards to  New  York,  where  they 
suffered  a cruel  imprisonment. — 
Some  of  them  never  returned. 

Dartmouth,  Mass. 

Bristol  co.  The  Aponiganset  of 
the  Indians.  A sea-port  on  Buz- 
zard’s bay,  on  the  W.  side  of  Ac- 
cushnet  river,  56  miles  S.  from  Bos- 
ton, and  3 W.  from  New  Bedford. 
Incorporated,  1664.  Population, 
1837,  3,958.  There  are  5 vessels 
belonging  to  this  place  engaged  in 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


the  whaling  business,  and  a num- 
ber in  coasting,  and  other  fisheries. 
The  product  of  the  whale,  cod  and 
mackerel  fisheries  the  year  end- 
ing April  1,  1837,  amounted  to 
$93,103.  The  value  of  wool  grown 
was  $2,110.  The  value  of  salt 
manufactured,  of  vessels  built,  of 
leather  tanned,  and  of  boots  and 
shoes  made,  was  $27,910. 

Dead  Rivers. 

Dead  river,  in  Maine,  is  an  im- 
portant tributary  to  the  Kennebec. 
It  rises  on  the  border  of  Lower 
Canada,  in  the  county  of  Franklin. 
It  passes  in  a §.  E.  direction  40  or 
50  miles;  then  N.  about  10  ; it  then 
changes  to  the  E.,  and  after  passing 
about  15  miles  it  falls  into  the  Ken- 
nebec, about  20  miles  below  Moose 
Head  lake.  The  lands  on  Dead 
river  and  its  numerous  tributaries 
are  very  fertile  and  heavily  wooded. 

Dead  Stream,  in  Maine,  is  a con- 
siderable tributary  to  the  Penob- 
scot, from  the  west.  It  empties  at 
Orono,  opposite  to  the  Indian  vil- 
lage. 

Dead  river,  in  New  Hampshire, 
rises  in  the  N.  W.  corner  of  the 
state,  in  Coos  county,  and  after  re- 
ceiving several  tributaries  it  falls 
into  the  Margallaway. 

Deaufield,  Me. 

Located  at  the  N.  W.  corner 
of  Hancock  county,  between  Pas- 
sadumkeag  river  and  Olammon 
stream.  See  Barnard,  Me. 

Dearborn,  Me. 

Kennebec  co.  The  soil  of  this 
town  is  excellent,  particularly 
around  Great  pond,  which  covers 
a large  portion  of  the  surface,  and 
has  a number  of  islands  of  great 
beauty.  This  pond  is  connected 
with  other  large  sheets  of  water 
in  Belgrade,  Mount  Vernon,  and 
Rome,  which  render  thi3  part  of 
the  county  highly  picturesque. 
Dearborn  was  incorporated  in  1812. 


Population,  1837,  799.  15  miles 

N.  from  Augusta. 

Dedlinm,  Me. 

Hancock  co.  Incorporated,  1837. 
It  is  bounded  on  the  W.  by  Ells- 
worth. Union  river  passes  through 
its  N.  W.  corner.  In  1837  it  had 
a population  of  427,  and  produced 
1,550  bushels  of  wheat. 

Dedliam.,  Mass. 

Norfolk  co.  County  town.  This 
town  is  on  Charles  river,  with  a good 
water  power.  It  is  10  miles  S.  W. 
from  Boston,  35  E.  from  Worcester, 
35  N.  W.  from  Plymouth,  26  N.  by 
W.  from  Taunton,  and  30  N.  E. 
from  Providence.  It  has  a beauti- 
ful court  house  of  hewn  granite. 
Its  Indian  name  was  Tiot.  A rail- 
road from  the  centre  of  the  town 
meets  the  Boston  and  Providence 
rail-road,  about  two  miles  at  the 
eastward.  The  manufactures  of 
Dedham  the  year  ending  April  1, 
1837,  amounted  to  $510,755.  They 
consisted  of  cotton  and  woolen  goods, 
leather,  boots,  shoes,  paper,  mar- 
bled paper,  iron  castings,  chairs, 
cabinet  wares,  straw  bonnets,  palm- 
leaf  hats,  and  silk  goods.  The  val- 
ue of  silk  goods  manufactured  was 
$10,000.  Dedham  village  is  very 
pleasant,  and  possesses  every  in- 
ducement to  render  it  a desirable 
residence  for  the  mechanic  or  man 
of  leisure.  Population,  1837, 3,532. 

Deerfield,  N.  II., 

Rockingham  co.,  is  18  miles  E. 
S.  E.  from  Concord,  and  30  W.  by 
N.  from  Portsmouth.  This  town 
has  a number  of  very  pleasant  ponds 
which  afford  fish  of  various  kinds. 
Moultou’s  pond  is  situated  at  the 
W.  part  of  the  town.  This  pond, 
although  small,  is  noted  on  account 
of  its  having  no  visible  inlet,  and 
therefore  is  supposed  to  be  supplied 
by  a subterraneous  passage,  as  the 
water  is  always  of  nearly  an  equal 
depth.  The  outlets  of  the  pond  run 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


in  opposite  directions.  This  pond 
is  also  remarkable  on  account  of 
having  been  often  sounded  with- 
out discovering  any  bottom.  A 
branch  of  Lamprey  river  passes  S. 
and  S.  E.  through  Deerfield.  The 
surface  of  this  town  is  uneven,  the 
soil  durable  and  fertile,  although 
hard  to  cultivate.  The  Tuckaway, 
between  Deerfield  and  Notting- 
ham,the  Saddleback,between  Deer- 
field and  Northwood,  and  Fort 
mountain  on  the  W.,  are  the  prin- 
cipal elevations.  In  the  W.  part 
of  this  town,  on  the  southerly  side 
of  a ridge  of  rocks  which  extend 
3-4  of  a mile,  is  a natural  formation 
in  the  rock,  for  sixty  years  desig- 
nated as  the  “ Indian  Camp.”  Its 
sides  are  irregular,  and  the  top  is 
covered  by  a canopy  of  granite 
projecting  about  14  feet,  affording 
a shelter  from  the  sun  and  rain. 
On  the  E.  side  of  this  camp  is  a 
natural  flight  of  steps,  or  stones 
resembling  steps,  by  which  per- 
sons may  easily  ascend  to  the  top 
of  the  rock.  Deerfield  was  once 
a place  of  favorite  resort  for  deer, 
great  numbers  of  which  were  tak- 
en. While  the  petition  for  the 
town  was  pending,  a Mr.  Batchel- 
der  killed  a deer,  and  presenting  it 
to  Gov.  Wentworth,  obtained  the 
act  under  the  name  of  Deer-field. 
The  town  was  settled  in  1756  and 
1758,  by  John  Robertson,  Benja- 
min Batchelder  and  others.  Dur- 
ing the  Indian  wars  the  inhabitants 
lived  in  garrisons,  but  no  serious, 
mischiefs  were  experienced.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  2,086. 

Deerfield,  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  At  the  junction  of 
Connecticut  and  Deerfield  rivers, 
on  the  west  side  of  the  former,  and 
on  both  sides  of  the  latter.  The 
Pocumtuck  of  the  Indians.  It  is 
95  miles  W.  by  N.  from  Boston,  4 
S.  from  Greenfield,  and  17  N.  from 
Northampton.  First  settled,  1668. 
Incorporated,  1682.  Population,  in 
1837,  1,952.  A very  pleasant  town, 

io» 


and  a place  of  considerable  com- 
merce. The  manufactures  of  this 
place,  for  one  year,  amounted  to 
$147,190.  They  consisted  of  leath- 
er, boots,  shoes,  cutlery, ($100, 000) 
chairs,  cabinet  ware,  palm-leaf  hats, 
lead  pipe,  hair  cloth  and  beds,  wag- 
ons and  carriages,  pocket  books, 
wallets,  and  corn-brooms.  The  val- 
ue of  wool  grown,  the  same  year, 
(1836)  was  $2,708.  From  the 
mountains  in  this  vicinity,  delight- 
ful views  are  obtained.  Deerfield 
Mountain  is  700  feet  above  the 
plain.  Sugar  Loaf  Mountain  rears 
its  conical  peak  of  red  sandstone  500 
feet  above  the  river,  and  overlooks 
the  ground  of  many  sanguinary 
battles  between  the  whites  and  In- 
dians. This  is  a place  of  great  in- 
terest. While  the  traveller  lingers 
here,  enjoying  the  beautiful  scene- 
ry, and  hospitality  of  the  people  of 
this  quiet  town,  he  cannot  fail  of 
contrasting  the  present  scenes  with 
those  of  former  years ; particularly 
with  that  at  Bloody  Brook , in  1675, 
when  a company  of  90  young  men 
from  the  county  of  Essex  were  slain 
by  ruthless  savages.  A monument, 
commemorating  this  event,  was 
erected  in  1838. 

Deerfield  River. 

This  beautiful  and  important  In- 
dian stream  joins  the  Connecti- 
cut between  Greenfield  and  Deer- 
field. It  rises  in  the  high  grounds 
of  Windham  county,  near  Strata 
Jon,  Dover  and  Somerset,  Ver- 
mont; and  proceeding  in  a S.  E. 
course,  it  passes  through  Monroe, 
Florida,  Rowe,  Charlemont,  Haw- 
ley, Buckland,  Shelburne  and  Con- 
way. The  most  important  tributa- 
ries to  this  stream  are  Cold  river; 
a river  from  Heath  and  Coleraine  ; 
one  from  Leyden,  via  Greenfield, 
and  a river  from  Conway.  Its  whole 
length  is  about  50  miles.  In  some 
places  Deerfield  river  is  rapid,  and 
its  banks  very  precipitous.  Its  pas- 
sage through  the  mountains  is  very 
curious  and  romantic. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Deering,  N.  II., 

Hillsborough  co.,  23  miles  S.  W. 
from  Concord,  and  22  N.  W.  from 
Amherst.  It  is  diversified  with 
hills  and  valleys ; is  well  watered, 
and  its  soil  is  favorable  to  the  seve- 
ral purposes  of  agriculture.  There 
are  three  ponds,  Dudley,  Pecker’s, 
and  Fulton’s.  The  two  former  are 
sources  of  the  N.  branch  of  Piscat- 
aquog  river.  There  are  some  man- 
ufactures in  this  town,  and  bricks 
are  made  in  a considerable  quanti- 
ty. Deering  was  incorporated  Jan. 
17,  1774.  The  name  was  given  by 
Gov.  John  Wentworth,  in  honor  of 
his  wife,  whose  maiden  name  was 
Dering.  The  first  permanent  set- 
tlement was  made  in  1765,byAlex- 
ander  Robinson.  Population,  1830, 
1,227. 

Deer  Isle,  Me. 

Hancock  co.  This  town  is  con- 
stituted of  three  principal  Islands — 
Deer  Island,  Little  Deer  Island, 
and  the  Isle  of  Haut.  They  com- 
prise about  17,000  acres,  and  were 
inhabited  before  the  revolutionary 
war.  Incorporated,  1789.  Popu- 
lation, 1837,  2,473.  The  principal 
island  lies  about  2 miles  S.  W.  from 
Sedgewick  harbor,  and  95  miles  E. 
by  S.  from  Augusta.  These  islands 
have  good  harbors,  and  are  well  lo- 
cated for  the  shore  fishery.  Al- 
though they  are  situated  near  the 
sea  they  produce  good  crops  and 
wheat. 

Deer  Islands,  N.  11. 

In  Connecticut  river,  between 
Lyman  and  Barnet,  Vt.,  are  five 
in  number.  The  largest  contains 
38  acres. 

Denmark,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  Incorporated,  1807. 
Population,  1837,  1,082.  It  lies  85 
miles  S.  W.  by  W.  from  Augusta, 
about  28  S.  W.  from  Paris,  and  47 
N.  W.  from  Portland.  Denmark  is 
finely  watered  by  Saco  river  and 


several  beautiful  ponds.  The  prin- 
cipal business  of  the  inhabitants  is 
agricultural,  for  which  they  have 
a fertile  soil,  and  which  produced, 
in  1837,  2,560  bushels  of  wheat. 

Dennis,  Mass. 

Barnstable  co.  This  town  crosses 
the  cape,  and  was  taken  from  Yar- 
mouth in  1793.  Population,  1837, 
2,750.  It  lies  8 miles  E.  by  N. 
from  Barnstable,  and  7 W.  from 
Harwich.  The  first  salt  produced 
by  solar  evaporation  in  this  country 
was  made  in  this  town,  by  John 
Sears  and  others,  in  1776.  About 
7,000  tons  of  shipping  belong  to  this 
town,  principally  engaged  in  fish- 
ing and  coasting,  and  all  manned  by 
natives  of  the  town.  Bass  river, 
rising  from  a pond,  affords  a small 
water  power.  150  ship-masters  be- 
long to  this  town,  sailing  from  va- 
rious ports  in  the  Union.  The  pro- 
ducts of  the  cod  and  mackerel  fish- 
ing, in  one  year,  amounted  to  $50,- 
899.  The  manufacture  of  com- 
mon salt,  Epsom  salts,  vessels,  and 
lampblack,  amounted  to  $25,975. 

Dennysville,  Me. 

Washington  co.  This  town  is 
bounded  on  the  S.  by  Cobscook 
bay,  and  watered  by  a river  of  the 
same  name.  It  lies  172  miles  E. 
N.  E.  from  Augusta,  and  22  N.  E. 
from  Machias.  Population,  1837, 
349. 

Derby,  Vt. 

Orleans  co.  First  settled,  1795. 
It  is  bounded  on  the  N.  by  Lower 
Canada,  and  on  the  W.  by  Mem- 
phremagog  lake.  Clyde  river,  the 
outlet  of  Salem  pond,  affords  it  a 
good  water  power.  This  town  is 
very  pleasant,  level  and  fertile  ; — 
it  has  some  manufactures  3 — the 
farmers  are  industrious  and  rear  a 
large  number  of  sheep.  Derby  is 
50  miles  N.  N.  E.  from  Montpe- 
lier, and  15  N.  N.E.  from  Irasbui  gh. 
Population,  1830,  1,469. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Derby,  Ct. 

New  Haven  co.  The  Indian 
name  of  this  town  was  Paugasset. 
It  was  purchased  of  the  Indians, 
and  incorporated  in  1675.  The  sur- 
face of  the  town  is  uneven,  with 
some  fertile  meadow  on  the  banks  of 
the  rivers.  Derby  is  watered  by  the 
Housatonick  and  Naugatuck  rivers. 
Derby  Landing,  Smithville  and 
Humphreysville,  are  the  principal 
places  of  business. 

The  Landing  is  on-  the  east  side 
of  the  Housatonick,  just  below  the 
junction  of  that  river  with  the 
Naugatuck,  and  is  8 miles  N.  W. 
from  New  Haven,  and  14  from  the 
mouth  of  the. river  at  Stratford,  on 
Long  Island  Sound.  Vessels  of  10 
feet  draught  of  water  can  pass  to 
the  Landing,  from  which  wood  and 
other  commodities  are  transported 
by  water. 

Smithville  is  located  in  view  of 
the  Landing,  and  commands  a beau- 
tiful prospect.  It  has  extensive 
manufactures  of  copper,  in  sheets 
and  wire,  augurs,  carriage  springs 
and'axletrees,  nails  and  tacks,  flan- 
nels, satinets,  and  other  operations 
by  the  waters  of  the  Naugatuck, 
passing  through  a canal  of  about 
a mile  in  length.  This  village  was 
commenced  in  1834,  and  is  very 
.flourishing. 

Humphreysville  is  located  in  a 
small  valley,  on  the  Naugatuck 
river,  about  4 miles  from  the  Land- 
ing. The  Humphreysville  Manu- 
facturing Company  was  incorpora- 
ted in  1810.  The  building  is  4 sto- 
ries high  and  100  feet  long.  In  this 
village  and  around  it  is  some  of  the 
most  beautiful  and  romantic  scene- 
ry in  New  England.  This  village 
derived  its  name  from  the  Hon. 
David  Humphreys,  a native  of 
Derby,  a poet,  an  aid  to  Washing- 
ton, and  a minister  to  Spain.  He 
died  at  New  Haven,  February  21, 
1818,  aged  66. 

Derry,  N.  II. 

Rockingham  co.  A fine  grazing 


township,  taken  from  Londonderry 
in  1828.  The  principal  manufac- 
tures are  linen  thread  and  cloth, 
palm-leaf  hats  and  shoes.  The 
village  is  very  handsome,  and  a 
great  thoroughfare  for  travellers. 
The  soil  is  very  productive,  and  the 
inhabitants  are  remarkable  for  their 
industry,  general  wealth  and  lon- 
gevity. Derry  lies  18  miles  W. 
S.  W.  from  Exeter,  and  25  S.  E. 
from  Concord.  Population,  1830, 
2,176. 

Dexter,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  This  town  was 
first  settled  ini  SOI.  Incorporated, 
1815.  It  lies  67  miles  N.  E.  from 
Augusta,  and  35  N.  W.  from  Ban- 
gor. Population,  1837,  1,401.  Dex- 
ter is  a valuable  township  of  land. 
The  farmers  reap  a rich  reward  for 
their  labors.  In  1837,  7000  bushels 
of  wheat  was  raised.  In  this  town 
is  a pond  covering  500  acres,  at 
the  outlet  of  which  are  mills  and  a 
beautiful  village. 

Diamond  Diver,  N.  H. 

Diamond  river  has  its  principal 
source  in  Diamond  pond,  in  Stew- 
artstown.  From  thence  it  passes 
through  Dixville,  and  after  receiv- 
ing several  tributaries,  falls  into  the 
Dead  river  near  its  junction  with 
the  Margallaway. 

Dighton,  Mass. 

Bristol  co.  A port  of  entry,  on 
the  west  side  of  Taunton  river,  oppo- 
site to  Berkley.  Population,  1837, 
1,453.  40  miles  S.  from  Boston,  8 

S.  from  Taunton,  and  20  N.  W.  by 
W.  from  New  Bedford.  There  are 
in  this  place  three  cotton  factories, 
a woolen  mill,  a furnace,  and  other 
iron  works.  Tonnage  of  the  dis- 
trict, 9,032  tons.  The  noted  “ Digh- 
ton  Rock,”  so  called,  on  which  are 
inscriptions  difficult  to  decypher, 
in  fact  lies  on  the  Berkley  side  of 
the  river.  The  value  of  cotton  and 
woolen  goods,  boots  and  shoes, 
pig  iron  and  wooden  ware  manu- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


factured,  and  vessels  built  in  Digh- 
ton,  in  one  year,  was  $30,000. 

Dixfield,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  This  is  a good  farming 
town  on  the  north  bank  of  the  An- 
droscoggin river,  42  miles  N.  W. 
by  W.  from  Augusta,  and  25  N.  by 
E.  from  Paris.  Incorporated,  1803. 
Population,  1837,  1,148.  In  1837, 
5,522  bushels  of  wheat  was  raised 
in  Dixfield. 

Dixmosit,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  This  town  deriv- 
ed its  name  from  Dr.  Elijah  Dix, 
late  of  Boston,  one  of  the  original 
proprietors,  and  from  a hill  or  moun- 
tain in  the  town,  beautifully  wood- 
ed to  its  summit.  It  is  on  the  height 
of  land  between  the  Kennebec  and 
Penobscot.  The  surface  of  the 
town  is  undulating ; the  soil  excel- 
lent and  of  easy  cultivation.  It  an- 
nually produces  large  quantities  of 
hay,  some  corn,  rye  and  wool. — 
In  1837,  a bounty  of  $649  40  was 
obtained  for  raising  932  1-2  bushels 
of  wheat.  There  is  a pond  in  the 
town  and  some  mill  privileges. 
Dixmont  lies  44  miles  N.  E.  from 
Augusta,  and  24  S.  W.  from  Ban- 
gor. Incorporated,  1807.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  1,323. 

Dixville,  N.  H., 

Coos  co.,  was  granted  in  1805, 
to  the  late  Col.  Timothy  Dix, 
jr.,  of  Boscawen.  It  comprises 
31,023  acres  of  uneven  land.  Nu- 
merous streams  meander  through 
this  town  from  the  surrounding 
heights.  Dixville  lies  about  40 
miles  N.  N.  E.  from  Lancaster. 
In  1810  it  had  a population  of  12  ; 
and  in  1830,  of  only  2. 

Dorcliester,  K.  IT., 

Grafton  co.,  is  situated  on  the 
highlands  between  Connecticut 
and  Merrimack  rivers,  12  miles 
from  the  former,  and  8 from  the 
latter.  It  is  23  miles  S.  by  E. 
from  Haverhill,  50  N.  W.  from 


Concord,  and  90  N.  W.  by  W.  from 
Portsmouth.  The  principal  streams 
are  the  S.  branch  of  Baker’s  river, 
a branch  of  Mascomy,  and  Rocky 
branch.  There  are  two  considera- 
ble ponds,  both  in  the  W.  part  of 
the  town.  The  soil  in  same  parts 
is  very  fertile  ; particularly  the  in- 
tervales on  the  branch  of  Baker’s 
river.  The  highlands  are  very  un- 
even, and  the  greater  part  rocky. 
First  settled  about  the  year  1772. 
Population,  1830,  702. 

Dorcliester,  Mass. 

Norfolk  co.  This  ancient  and 
respectable  town  lies  on  Dorches- 
ter bay,  in  Boston  harbor,  5 miles  S. 
from  Boston,  and  7 N.  E.  from  Ded- 
ham. Population,  1837,  4,564.  It 
was  first  settled  by  a party  of  Puri- 
tans from  England.  These  pilgrims 
landed  from  the  ship  Mary  and 
John,  at  Nantasket,  on  the  1 1th  of 
June,  1630,  and  on  the  17th  day  of 
that  month  they  located  themselves 
at  the  Indian  Mattapan,  and  called 
it  Dorchester,  in  honor  of  their  pi- 
ous and  learned  friend,  the  Rev. 
John  White,  of  Dorchester,  120 
miles  W.  from  London.  The  town 
was  incorporated  on  the  7th  of 
September  following,  and  included 
most  of  the  territory  of  the  towns 
of  Milton,  Canton,  Stoughton,  Sha- 
ron, and  that  part  of  Boston  on  which 
stand  “ Dorchester  Heights,”  me- 
morable for  their  sudden  conversion 
into  a fortress,  for  the  protection  of 
Boston  harbor,  by  order  of  Wash- 
ington, on  the  night  of  March  4, 
1776.  These  lands  were  obtained 
from  the  Indians  by  purchase,  not 
by  combat.  The  present  limits  of 
the  town  are  about  6 by  3 1-2 
miles.  Dorchester  furnished  pio- 
neers for  the  settlement  of  many 
parts  of  the  country.  A parly  from 
this  town  crossed  the  trackless  wil- 
derness in  14  days, and  settled  Hart- 
ford, on  Connecticut  river,  in  1635. 
In  1695,  another  party  emigrated 
from  this  place,  and  settled  Dor- 
chester, in  South  Carolina,  and  af- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


terwards  Medway,  in  Georgia.  The 
soil  of  Dorchester  is  rocky,  but  ve- 
ry fertile  and  under  a high  state  of 
cultivation.  It  is  exceedingly  pro- 
ductive, particularly  of  vegetables, 
fruits  and  flowers.  Its  surface  is 
greatly  variegated,  presenting  a 
continual  succession  of  picturesque 
and  delightful  views  of  the  .coun- 
try, city,  and  sea.  Its  hill-tops  and 
valleys  are  decked  with  farm  hou- 
ses and  tasteful  villas,  and  no  where 
can  be  found  the  union  of  town  and 
country  enjoyments  more  complete. 
The  beautiful  Neponset  washes  the 
whole  of  the  southern  border  of 
the  town,  and  besides  its  navigable 
privileges,  affords  it  a large  and  val- 
uable water  power.  The  first  wa- 
ter mill  in  America  was  erected  in 
this  town,  in  1633  ; and  here,  about 
the  same  time,  the  cod  fishery,  the 
boast  of  New  England,  was  first 
commenced.  There  are  now  4 ves- 
sels employed  in  the  whale,  and  16 
in  the  cod  and  other  fisheries.  To- 
tal tonnage,  2,210  tons.  Capital 
invested,  $190,000.  Product,  in 
one  year,  $138,349.  The  manu- 
factures of  Dorchester  consist  of 
cotton  goods,  boots,  shoes,  hats,  pa- 
per, cabinet  ware,  block  tin,  tin 
ware,  leather,  wearing  apparel, 
soap,  candles,  chocolate,  and  play- 
ing cards;  the  aggregate  amount  of 
which,  in  one  year,  was  $457,400. 

The  first  settlers  of  Dorchester 
came  a regularly  organized  church, 
with  its  pastor  and  officers.  They 
soon  erected  a house  of  public  wor- 
ship ; but  it  is  a singular  fact  that 
“ none  can  tell  the  precise  spot 
where  the  first  meeting-house  was 
located,  nor  does  a single  stone  re- 
main to  designate  the  site  of  the 
original  burying  ground.”  There 
are,  however,  some  mementos  of 
olden  times.  The  earliest  date  in 
the  present  ancient  cemetery  that 
can  be  distinctly  traced,is  1644.  W e 
copy  the  following  from  among  ma- 
ny singular  effusions,  found  on  the 
grave-stones  in  that  cemetery,  in 
commemoration  of  the  dead. 


“ Here  lies  our  Captain  and  Major  of 
Suffolk  was  withal, 

A Godly  Magistrate  was  he  and  Ma- 
jor General, 

Two  troops  of  horse  with  him  here 
came, such  worth  his  love  did  crave, 
Ten  companies  of  foot  also,  mourning 
marched  to  his  grave. 

Let  all  that  read  be  sure  to  keep  the 
faith  as  he  has  done ; 

With  Christ  he  lives  now  crowned,  his 
name  was  Humphrey  Atherton.” 

On  the  grave  of  three  brothers,  by 
the  name  of  Clarke. 

“Here  lies  three  Clarks, their  accounts 
ar.e  even, 

Entered  on  earth,  carried  up  to  heav- 
en/'' 

Johnson,  in  his  “ Wonder  Work- 
ing Providence,”  thus  speaks  of 
Dorchester  in  1654. 

“ The  forme  of  this  Towne  is  al- 
most like  a Serpent  turning  her 
head  to  the  Northward  ; over 
against  Tompson’s  Island,  and  the 
Castle,  her  body  and  wings  being 
chiefly  built  on,  are  filled  some- 
what thick  of  Houses,  onely  that 
one  of  her  Wings  is  clift,  herTayle 
being  of  such  large  extent  that 
Shee  can  hardly  draw  it  after  her. 
Her  houses  for  dwelling  are  about 
one  hundred  and  forty ; Orchards 
and  Gardens,  full  of  Fruit-trees, 
plenty  of  Corne  Land,  although 
much  of  it  hath  been  long  in  tillage, 
yet  hath  it  ordinarily  good  crops  ; 
the  number  of  trees  are  near  upon 
1500.  Cowes  and  other  Cattell  of 
that  kinde  about  450.  Thus  hath 
the  Lord  been  pleased  to  increase 
his  poore  dispersed  people,  whose 
number  in  this  Flock  are  near  about 
150.  Their  first  Pastor  called  to 
feede  them  was  the  Reverend  and 
godly  Mr.  Maveruck.” 

Among  the  first  settlers  of  Dor- 
chester was  George  Minot,  a rul- 
ing elder  of  the  church  for  thirty 
years.  He  erected  a dwelling-house 
in  that  part  of  Dorchester  where 
the  pleasant  village  of  Neponset 
now  stands.  That  house  is  now 
standing,  and  is  doubtless  one  of 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


the  oldest  houses  in  the  country. 
It  is  in  good  repair,  and  has  ever 
remained  in  possession  of  Mr.  Mi- 
not’s lineal  descendants.  Mr.  Mi- 
not died  December  24,  1671,  aged 
78.  This  house  is  more  celebrated 
for  the  female  heroism  displayed 
within  its  walls,  than  for  its  anti- 
quity. A party  of  Narraganset  In- 
dians, hunting  on  the  borders  of  Ne- 
ponset  river,  stopped  at  elder  Mi- 
not’s house  and  demanded  food  and 
drink.  On  being  refused  they 
threatened  vengeance,  and  the  Sa- 
chem, or  chief  of  the  party,  left  an 
Indian  in  ambush  to  watch  an  op- 
portunity to  effect  it.  Soon  after, 
in  the  absence  of  all  the  family, 
except  a young  woman  and  two 
small  children,  the  Indian  attacked 
the  house  and  fired  at  the  young 
woman,  but  missed  his  mark.  The 
girl  placed  the  children  under  two 
brass  kettles  and  bade  them  be  si- 
lent. She  then  loaded  Mr.  Minot’s 
gun  and  shot  the  Indian  in  the 
shoulder.  He  again  attacked  the 
house,  and  in  attempting  to  enter 
the  window,  the  girl  threw'  a shovel 
full  of  live  coals  into  his  face  and 
lodged  them  in  his  blanket.  On 
this  the  Indian  fled.  The  next  day 
he  was  found  dead  in  the  woods. 
The  Indian’s  name  was  Chicka- 
taubut,  but  not  the  Narraganset  sa- 
chem of  that  name.  The  govern- 
ment of  Massachusetts  bay  present- 
ed this  brave  young  woman  with  a 
silver  wristband,  on  which  her  name 
was  engraved,  with  this  motto, — 
“ She  slew  the  JVarrhaganset  hun- 
ter” 

Dorset,  Vt. 

Bennington  co.  This  town  was 
first  settled  in  1768,  and  organized 
the  following  year.  Paulet  and 
Battenkill  rivers  rise  in  this  town, 
and,  with  the  waters  of  Otter  creek, 
which  pass  the  northern  part,  afford 
some  mill  privileges, which  are  used 
for  manufacturing  purposes.  There 
are  two  mountains  partly  in  this 
town,  the  Dorset  and  Equinox. 


There  is  a cavern  in  the  south  part 
of  the  town  of  some  note.  It  is 
entered  by  an  aperture  nearly  10 
feet  square,  “ which  opens  into  a 
spacious  room  nine  rods  in  length 
and  four  wide.  At  the  further  end 
of  this  apartment  are  two  openings 
which  are  about  30  feet  apart.  The 
one  on  the  right  is  three  feet  from 
the  floor,  and  is  about  20  inches^by 
six  feet  in  length.  It  leads  to  an 
apartment  20  feet  long,  12  wide  and 
12  high.  From  this  room  there  is 
an  opening  sufficient  to  admit  a man 
to  pass  through  sideways  about  20 
feet,  when  it  opens  into  a large  hall 
80  feet  long  and  30  wide.  The 
other  aperture  from  the  first  room 
is  about  as  large  as  a common  door, 
and  leads  to  an  apartment  12  feet 
square,  out  of  which  is  a passage  to 
another  considerable  room,  in  which 
is  a spring  of  water.  This  cavern 
is  said  to  have  been  explored  40  or 
50  rods  without  arriving  at  the  end.” 
Dorset  lies  26  miles  N.  from  Bur- 
lington and  91  S.  S.  W.  from  Mont- 
pelier. Population,  1830,  1,507. 

Douglas,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  town  lies 
47  miles  W.  S.  W.  from  Boston,  17 
S.  E.  from  Worcester,  and  21  N. 
W.  from  Providence.  Population, 
1830,  1,742.  Here  is  good  mead- 
ow land,  iron  ore,  and  valuable 
wrater  privileges  on  Mumford  river. 
In  this  town  wras  manufactured,  in 
1836,  $55,000  value  of  cotton  goods ; 
boots  and  shoes,  $5,250 ; leather, 
$1,500  ; and  $116,400  of  axes  and 
hatchets ; besides  large  quantities 
of  hatchet  handles  and  shoe  lasts. 
Incorporated,  1731. 

Dover,  Me. 

Piscataquis  co.  Bounded  N.  by 
Piscataquis  river,  S.  by  Garland, 
W.  by  Sangerville  and  E.  by  Atkin- 
son. It  lies  77  miles  N.  by  E.  from 
Augusta,  and  about  35  miles  N.  W. 
from  Bangor.  Incorporated,  1822. 
Population,  1837,  1,042.  Dover  is 
the  shire  town  of  this  new  county, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


and  remarkable  for  its  beauty.  It 
produced,  in  1837,  10,290  bushels 
of  wheat. 

Dover,  N.  H. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  interest- 
ing and  important  towns  in  New 
Hampshire.  It  is  one  of  the  county 
'towns  of  Strafford  county,  and  lies 
40  miles  E.  from  Concord,  12  N. 
W.  by  N.  from  Portsmouth,  and  45 
S.  W.  from  Portland.  Population, 
1830,  5,549.  The  principal  streams 
of  Dover,  are  the  Cocheco,  and 
Bellamy  Bank,  or  Back  river.  They 
take  a S.  E.  course  through  the 
town,  and  unite  with  other  waters 
to  form  the  Piscataqua. 

Cocheco , or  Quochecho  river, 
has  its  rise  from  several  small 
streams  in  New  Durham,  which 
unite  in  Farmington,  whence  the 
river  meanders  through  Rochester, 
there  receiving  the  Isinglass,  a trib- 
utary, and  thence  passes  through 
Dover  into  the  Newichwannock,  or 
Salmon  Fall  river,  the  principal 
branch  of  the  Piscataqua.  The 
Cocheco  is  a beautiful  river,  and 
very  important  to  the  inhabitants  of 
Rochester  and  Dover.  Passing  over 
this  town  in  any  direction,  the  trav- 
eller finds  no  rugged  mountains,  nor 
extensive  barren  plains,  but  occa- 
sionally ascends  gentle  swells  of 
land,  from  the  height  of  which  the 
eye  meets  some  delightful  object ; 
a winding  stream,  a well  cultivated 
farm,  or  a distant  village.  In  the 
S.  part  of  the  town  is  a neck  of 
land  about  2 miles  long  and  half  a 
mile  broad,  having  Piscataqua  on 
one  side,  and  Back  river  on  the 
other.  From  the  road  on  either 
hand,  the  land  gradually  descends 
to  the  rivei-3.  It  commands  a very 
delightful,  variegated,  and  exten- 
sive prospect  of  bays,  adjacent 
shores,  and  distant  mountains.  On 
this  neck  the  first  settlement  of 
the  town  was  made,  in  1623,  by  a 
company  in  England,  whose  design 
it  was  to  plant  a colony,  and  estab- 


lish a fishery  around  the  Piscata- 
qua ; for  which  purpose  they  sent 
over,  with  several  others,  Edward 
and  William  Hilton,  fishmongers, 
of  London.  These  men  commenced 
their  operations  on  the  Neck  at  a 
place  by  the  Indians  called  Wini- 
chahanat,  which  they  called  North- 
a?n,  and  afterwards  Dover.  For 
several  years,  this  spot  embraced 
the  principal  part  of  the  population 
of  the  town ; here  was  erected  the 
first  meeting-house,  afterwrards  sur- 
rounded with  an  entrenchment,  and 
flankarts,  the  remains  of  which  are 
still  visible  ; here  the  people  as- 
sembled to  worship,  and  to  transact 
their  public  business.  In  process 
of  time,  the  business  and  popula- 
tion of  the  town  began  to  centre 
around  Cocheco  falls,  about  4 miles 
N.  W.  from  the  neck.  These  falls 
are  in  the  river  whose  name  they 
bear,  and  give  to  the  water  that  pas- 
ses over  them  a sudden  descent  of 
32  1-2  feet.  Situate  at  the  head  of 
navigation,  about  12  miles  from  the 
ocean,  having  a fertile  country  on 
the  north,  west,  and  south,  they  are 
considered  among  the  most  valu- 
able in  New  England.  Around 
these  falls  the  beautiful  village  of 
Dover  is  situated,  containing  many 
handsome  buildings. 

The  Dover  “Cotton  F actory  Com- 
pany,” at  Cocheco  falls,  was  incor- 
porated in  1820.  They  have  one 
brick  mill  of  420  feet  by  45,  7 stories 
high,  and  two  other  mills  of  the 
same  material,  154  by  43  feet,  one 
5 and  the  other  6 stories  high. — 
These  mills  contain  25,040  spindles 
and  768  looms,  and  manufacture  an- 
nually 5,000,000  yards  of  cotton 
cloth  ; the  principal  part  of  which 
is  bleached,  and  printed  into  calico 
by  the  company.  '’This  company 
employ  a capital  of  more  than  a 
million  of  dollars,  and  about  1,000 
persons.  There  are  other  manu- 
facturing establishments  at  Dover, 
but  this  is  the  principal. 

A society  of  Friends  was  estab- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


lished  here  at  an  early  period,  and 
formerly  comprised  about  one  third 
of  the  population. 

A congregational  church  was  or- 
ganized in  1638.  A Mr.  Leverich, 
a worthy  puritan,  was  their  first 
minister,  and  probably  the  first  or- 
dained minister  that  preached  the 
gospel  in  New  Hampshire.  Mr. 
Leverich  soon  removed,  and  until 
the  settlement  of  the  pious  Daniel 
Maud,  in  1642,  the  church  was 
much  oppressed  by  the  bad  charac- 
ter of  their  ministers. 

The  Rev.  Jeremy  Belknap, 
D.  D.  the  celebrated  historian  of 
New  Hampshire,  was  ordained  in 
this  town  in  1767.  He  removed  to 
Boston,  and  was  settled  there  April 
4,  1787.  He  died  in  Boston,  June 
20,  1798,  aged  54. 

This  town  in  its  early  years  was 
greatly  frequented  by  the  Indians  ; 
and  experienced  many  sufferings 
in  their  repeated  attacks  upon  the 
inhabitants.  In  1675,  Maj.  Wal- 
dron by  a stratagem  secured  about 
200  Indians  at  Dover,  who  had  at 
times  exhibited  signs  of  hostility. 
Seven  or  eight  of  them,  who  had 
been  guilty  of  some  atrocities,  were 
immediately  hanged,  and  the  rest 
sold  into  slavery.  The  Indians 
abroad  regarded  this  act  of  Waldron 
as  a breach  of  faith,  and  swore 
against  him  implacable  revenge. 
In  1689,  after  a lapse  of  13  years, 
they  determined  to  execute  their 
project.  Previous  to  the  fatal  night 
(27th  of  June)  some  hints  had  been 
thrown  out  by  the  squaws,  but  they 
were  either  misunderstood  or  dis- 
regarded ; and  the  people  suffered 
them  to  sleep  in  their  garrisons  as 
usual.  In  the  stillness  of  night  the 
doors  of  the  garrisons  were  opened, 
and  the  Indians,  at  a concerted  sig- 
nal, rose  from  their  lurking  places, 
and  rushed  upon  the  defenceless  in- 
habitants. W aldron,though  80  years 
of  age,  made  a gallant  defence,  but 
was  overwhelmed  by  the  superior 
numbers  of  his  adversaries,  who 
literally  cut  him  to  pieces.  In  this 


affair,  23  persons  were  killed,  and 
29  made  prisoners.  The  Indians 
were  soon  overtaken  and  nearly  the 
whole  party  destroyed. 

Dover,  Vt. 

Windham  co.  This  town  was  a 
part  of  Wardsborough,  until  1810. 
It  lies  12  miles  N.  W.  from  Brattle- 
borough,  17  N.  E.  from  Benning- 
ton, and  120  S.  by  W.  from  Mont- 
pelier. The  land  in  Dover  is  high 
and  uneven ; — more  fit  for  pastur- 
age than  tillage.  It  is  the  source 
of  several  branches  of  West,  and  a 
branch  of  Deerfield  river.  Ser- 
pentine and  chlorite  slate  are  found 
here.  Population,  1830,  831. 

Dover,  Mass. 

Norfolk  co.  Dover  lies  5 miles 
W.  from  Dedham,  and  14  S.  S.  W. 
from  Boston.  It  was  taken  from 
Dedham  in  1784.  This  town  is 
bounded  northerly  by  Charles  river, 
and  in  it  are  manufactures  of  nails, 
iron  hoops  and  rods,  ploughs,  brush- 
es, boots  and  shoes.  Total  amount 
of  manufactures  in  1836,  $99,558. 
The  surface  of  Dover  is  uneven, 
and  a large  part  of  it  covered  with 
wood.  Population,  1837,  518. 

Down  East,  Me. 

We  crave  the  favor  of  a letter 
from  our  friends  “ Down  East.” 
See  Barnard,  Me. 

Dracut,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  Dracut  is  united 
to  Lowell  by  a bridge  over  Merri- 
mack river.  The  town  is  pleasant- 
ly situated  on  the  N.  side,  on  the 
line  of  N.  H.,  with  a tolerable  soil 
and  some  water  power,  by  Beaver 
river.  It  lies  27  miles  N.  from  Bos- 
ton, and  16  N.  by  E.  from  Concord. 
Incorporated,  1701.  Population, 
1837,  1,898.  The  manufactures  of 
Dracut  consist  of  woolen  goods, 
leather,  cutlery,  boots  and  shoes. 
Annual  amount,  exclusive  of  wool- 
en goods,  about  $25,000. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Dresden,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  On  the  E.  hank  of 
Kennebec  river,  near  the  head  of 
Swan  Island,  9 miles  N.  W.  from 
Wiscasset,  14  S.  from  Augusta,  and 
59  N.  E.  from  Portland.  This  is  a 
large  agricultural  township,  with 
some  trade  on  the  river.  Previous 
to  the  division  of  the  county,  in 
1789,  Dresden  was  the  shire  town 
or  place  where  all  the  courts  in 
Maine  were  holden,  E.  of  Kenne- 
bec river.  Dresden  was  incorpo- 
rated as  a town  in  1794.  Popula- 
tion, 1837,  1,570. 

Drevvsville,  N.  II. 

See  Walpole. 

Dublin,  N.  H. 

Cheshire  co.  It  is  10  miles  E. 
by  S.  from  Keene,  and  50  S.  W. 
from  Concord.  Dublin  is  situated 
on  the  height  of  land  between  Con- 
necticut and  Merrimack  rivers.  Its 
streams  are  small ; those  on  the  W. 
side  run  into  the  Ashuelot,  those  on 
the  E.  into  Contoocook  river.  The 
rain  which  falls  on  the  roof  of  the 
church  is  shared  by  the  rivers. — 
There  is  a pond  near  the  middle  of 
the  town  called  Centre  pond,  one 
mile  in  length  and  about  the  same 
in  breadth.  A large  portion  of  the 
Grand  Monadnock  lies  in  the  N.  W. 
part  of  Dublin,  and  near  the  cen- 
tre of  the  town  is  Breed’s  moun- 
tain. Monadnock  was  formerly  co- 
vered with  a growth  of  small  tim- 
ber and  shrubbery,  but  fires  hav- 
ing run  over  it  at  different  times, 
it  presents  little  more  than  ragged 
rocks.  Between  the  rocks,  how- 
ever, there  are  low  whortleberry 
bushes,  which  produce  great  quan- 
tities of  fruit  of  a very  rich  flavor. 
The  season  for  ripening  is  the  lat- 
ter part  of  August,  and  to  those 
who  ascend  the  summit  at  this  sea- 
son they  dre  peculiarly  grateful. 
This  mountain  is  not  difficult  of  ac- 
cess. The  view  from  its  summit 
is  sublime.  Its  height  is  3,718  feet 
above  the  level  of  the  sea.  The 
11 


land  in  general  is  much  better  for 
grazing  than  tillage.  The  late  Rev. 
Edward  Sprague  bequeathed  near- 
ly. 8,000  dollars  for  the  support  of 
public  schools,  the  annual  interest 
of  which  is  to  be  applied  to  this  ob- 
ject. He  also  left  the  town  $5,000, 
the  interest  of  which,  paid  quarter- 
ly, is  to  he  applied  to  the  support 
of  an  ordained  congregational  min- 
ister, who  shall  statedly  preach  in 
Dublin.  The  first  settlements  were 
in  1762,  by  John  Alexander,  and 
others.  Population,  1830,  1,218. 

Dudley,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  good  farm- 
ing town  was  called  by  the  Indians 
Chabanakongkomum.  It  is  finely 
watered  by  the  Quinnebaug  and 
other  streams,  an'd  possesses  excel- 
lent mill  privileges.  During  the 
year  ending  April  1,  1837,  the  val- 
ue of  the  manufactures  of  Dudley 
amounted  to  $346,826.  The  arti- 
cles manufactured  were  woolen 
goods,leathcr,  shoes,  scythe  snaiths, 
chairs,  and  cabinet  ware.  The  val- 
ue of  wool  grown  was$l,5S5. 

Dudley  lies  55  miles  S.  W.  from 
Boston,  IS  S.  from  Worcester,  and 
34  N.  W.  from  Providence.  Incorpo- 
rated, 1731.  Population,  1837, 1,415. 

Dulse’s  County,  Mass. 

Edgarton  is  the  county  town. 
This  county  is  formed  of  the  islands 
of  Martha’s  Vineyard,  Chappequid- 
dic,  Elizabeth  Islands,  and  No 
Man’s  Land — the  latter  of  which 
is  the  southern  extremity  of  Mas- 
sachusetts. These  islands  lie  off 
and  S.  of  Barnstable  county  and 
Buzzard’s  bay,  and  contain  about 
120  square  miles.  The  principal 
island,  Martha’s  Vineyard,  the  In- 
dian Nope,  or  Capaioock,  was  first 
settled  by  the  whites,  at  Edgarton, 
in  1641,  and  is  21  miles  in  length 
and  6 in  breadth.  Although  a large 
portion  of  this  county  is  woodland, 
and  many  of  the  people  engaged 
in  the  fisheries  and  coasting  trade, 
yet  considerable  exports  are  annu- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ally  made  of  wool,  woolen  cloth, 
salt  and  grain.  This  county  suffer- 
ed much  during  the  revolutionary 
war.  In  1778,  the  people  were 
compelled  to  surrender  their  lire 
arms  and  2,300  head  of  cattle  to  the 
British.  Incorporated,  1695.  Pop- 
ulation, 1820,  3,232;  1830,  3,518; 
1837,  3,785 : 32  inhabitants  to  a 
square  mile.  There  were  on  these 
islands,  in  1837,  11,281  sheep. 

Dumraer,  N.  15., 

Coos  co.,  is  hounded  N by  Mills- 
field  and  Errol,  and  comprises  23,- 
040  acres.  It  was  granted  March. 
8,  1773,  and  is  watered  by  the  Am- 
monoosuck  and  Androscoggin. — 
Population,  1830,  65. 

Diunmerston,  Vt. 

Windham  co.  West  river  passes 
through  this  town  and  gives  it  a 
good  water  power.  The  surface  is 
rough  and  hilly,  hut  adapted  to  graz- 
ing. Black  mountain,  near  the  cen- 
tre, is  a vast  body  of  granite.  Good 
slate  for  buildings,  and  primitive 
limestone  are  found.  There  are  in 
Dummerston  some  manufacturing 
concerns.and  a considerable  number 
of  sheep.  Population,  1830,  1,592: 
90  miles  S.  from  Montpelier,  and  8 
S.  E.  from  Newfane. 

Dunbarton,  HT.  II. 

Merrimack  co.  This  town  lies 
9 miles  S.  W.  from  Concord,  and  7 
S.  E.  from  Hopkinton.  Population, 
1830,  1,067.  The  situation  of  the 
town  is  somewhat  elevated,  though 
there  are  but  few  hills,  nor  any 
mountains.  The  air  is  clear,  the 
water  is  good,  and  the  health  of  its 
inhabitants  is  seldom  interrupted  by 
sickness.  The  soil  is  good,  pecu- 
liarly suited  for  corn,  wheat  and  or- 
charding. Almost  every  lot  in  town 
is  capable  of  making  a good  farm. 
The  farmers  here  have  good  build- 
ings and  are  excellent  husbandmen. 
The  advantages  in  point  of  water 
privileges  are  not  great.  The  in- 
habitants are  principally  descend- 


ants of  Scotch  Irish,  so  called,  from 
the  North  of  Ireland.  Their  pos- 
terity still  retain  many  traits  of 
character  peculiar  to  that  people. 
Dunbarton  was  granted  in  1751,  to 
Archibald  Stark  and  others.  Its 
present  name  is  derived  horn  Dum- 
barton,\n  Scotland,  from  whence 
Stark  emigrated.  The  first  settle- 
ment was  made  about  1749.  Wil- 
liam Stinson,  born  in  Ireland,  came 
to  Londonderry  with  his  father.  He 
was  much  respected  and  was  a use- 
ful man.  James  Rogers  was  from 
Ireland,  and  father  to  Major  Robert 
Rogers.  He  was  shot  in  the  woods, 
being  mistaken  for  a bear. 

Dunmore  Lake,  Yt. 

See  Salisbury. 

Dunstable,  Muss. 

Middlesex  co.  Nashua  river  wa- 
ters the  N.  W.  part  of  the  town, 
and  passes  into  Nashua,  N.  H.  The 
surface  of  the  town  is  level ; — some 
part  of  it  is  good  land,  but  general- 
ly it  is  light  and  sandy.  It  has  no 
manufactures,  and  only  315  sheep. 
Population,  1837,  570.  Incorpora- 
ted, 1683.  Dunstable  lies  27  miles 
N.  W.  from  Boston,  18  N.  by  W. 
from  Concord,  and  6 S.  from  Nashua. 

Dnrham,  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  Located  on  the 
S.  side  of  Androscoggin  river,  and 
united-  with  Lisbon  by  a bridge. 
This  is  a township  of  good  land,  and 
farming  is  the  principal  occupation 
of  the  inhabitants.  Durham  lies 
25  miles  N.  from  Portland  and  31 
S.  W.  from  Augusta.  Population, 
1837,  1,832.  Incorporated,  1789. 

DiuTiam,  N.  15., 

Strafford  co.,  is  32  miles  E.  by 
S.  from  Concord,  11  W.  N.  W.  from 
Portsmouth,  and  7 S.  from  Dover. 
Population,  1830, 1,60 6.  The  situ- 
ation of  this  town,  upon  the  Piscat- 
aqua  and  its  branches,  is  very  favor- 
able both  as  to  water  power  and 
transportation.  Oyster  river,  one  of 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


the  branches  of  the  Piscataqua,  is- 
sues from  Wheelwright’s  pond,  in 
Lee,  and  after  running  nearly  its 
whole  course  in  Durham,  furnishing 
in  its  progress  several  convenient 
mill  seats,  falls  into  the  main  river 
near  Piscataqua  bridge.  This  bridge 
is  2,600  feet  in  length  and  40  in 
width.  It  cost  $65,400.  The  tide 
flows  in  this  branch  of  the  river  up 
to  the  falls  near  the  meeting-house 
in  the  village,  where  business  to  a 
large  amount  is  annually  transacted. 
This  village  is  a very  central  depot 
for  the  lumber  and  produce  of  the 
adjacent  country.  Lamprey  river, 
another  branch  of  the  Piscataqua, 
runs  through  the  westerly  part  of 
this  town,  over  several  falls  remark- 
ably well  adapted  for  mill  seats,  into 
the  town  of  New  Market,  where  it 
falls  into  the  Great  Bay.  Upon  both 
sides  of  Oyster  river,  a deep  argil- 
laceous loam  prevails,  which  is  pe- 
culiarly favorable  to  the  production 
of  the  grasses,  of  which  very  heavy 
crops  are  cut,  and  hay  is  an  article 
of  considerable  export.  Extensive 
ledges  of  excellent  granite,  with 
which  this  town  abounds, have  been 
the  source  of  much  profitable  em- 
ployment to  the  inhabitants.  A 
large  block  of  detached  granite  in 
the  southeast  part  of  this  town  was 
formerly  placed  in  a very  singular 
situation.  Its  weight  was  60  or  70 
tons,  and  it  was  poised  so  exactly 
upon  two  other  stones  as  to  be  visi- 
bly moved  by  the  wind.  It  was 
some  years  since  dislodged  from 
this  extraordinary  position  by  the 
barbarous  curiosity  of  some  visit- 
ors. Durham  wras  originally  a part 
of  Dover ; but  soon  after  its  settle- 
ment was  formed  into  a distinct  par- 
ish by  the  name  of  Oyster  river, 
from  the  stream  which  passes 
through  it.  From  the  abundance 
of  excellent  oysters  found  in  its 
waters,  this  river  probably  derived 
its  name,  and  it  was  a famous  ren- 
dezvous of  the  Indians.  For  many 
years  this  place  suffered  exceeding- 
ly by  Indian  depredations  and  mur-  J 


ders.  In  1694,  when  a large  part 
of  the  inhabitants  had  marched  to 
the  westward,  the  Indians,  who 
were  dispersed  in  the  woods  about 
Oyster  river,  having  diligently  ob- 
served the  number  of  men  in  one 
of  the  garrisons,  rushed  upon  eigh- 
teen of  them,  as  they  were  going 
to  their  morning  devotions,  and  hav- 
ing cut  off  their  retreat  to  the  house, 
put  them  all  to  death  except  one, 
who  fortunately  escaped.  They 
then  attacked  the  house,  in  which 
there  were  only  two  boys,  beside 
the  women  and  children.  The 
boys  kept  them  off  for  some  time 
and  wounded  several  of  them.  At 
length  the  Indians  set  fire  to  the 
house  and  even  then  the  boys  would 
not  surrender  till  the  Indians  had 
promised  to  spare  their  lives.  The 
latter,  however,  perfidiously  mur- 
dered three  or  four  children,  one 
of  whom  they  fixed  upon  a sharp 
stake  in  the  view  of  its  mother. 
The  next  spring  the  Indians  nar- 
rowly watched  the  frontiers,  to  de- 
termine the  safest  and  most  vul- 
nerable points  of  attack.  The 
settlement  at'  Oyster  river  was  se- 
lected for  destruction.  Here  were 
twelve  garrisoned  houses,  amply 
sufficient  for  the  reception  of  the 
inhabitants ; but  not  apprehending 
any  danger,  many  of  the  families 
remained  in  their  unfortified  houses, 
and  those  who  were  in  the  garrisons 
■were  indifferently  prepared  for  a 
siege,  as  they  were  destitute  of 
powder.  The  enemy  approached 
the  place  undiscovered  and  halted 
near  the  falls.  One  John  Dean, 
whose  house  stood  near  the  falls, 
happening  to  rise  very  early  for  a 
journey  before  the  dawn  of  day, 
was  shot  as  he  came  out  of  his 
door.  The  attack  now  commenced 
on  all  points  where  the  enemy  was 
ready.  The  enemy  entered  the 
house  of  a Mr.  Adams  without 
resistance,  where  they  murdered 
fourteen  persons,  whose  graves  can 
still  be  traced.  The  house  of  John 
Buss,  the  minister,  was  destroyed 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


together  with  his  valuable  library. 
He  was  absent  at  the  time,  and  his 
wife  and  family  fled  to  the  woods. 
Many  other  cruelties  were  perpe- 
trated, when  the  Indians,  fearing 
that  the  inhabitants  from  the  neigh- 
boring settlements  would  collect 
against  them,  retreated,  having 
killed  or  captured  between  90  and 
100  persons,  and  ’ destroyed  20 
houses,  5 of  which  were  garrisoned. 
Minute  accounts  of  these  disasters 
are  given  in  Belknap’s  valuable  His- 
tory of  New  Hampshire,  to  which 
the  reader  is. referred.  The  first 

preacher  who  statedly  officiated  in 
Durham  was  John  Buss;  but  he 
never  was  ordained.  He  died  1736, 
at  the  age  of  10S.  Rev.  Hugh 
Adams  settled  March  26,  1718. 

Maj.  Gen.  John  Sullivan,  of 
the  revolutionary  army,  was  a res- 
ident of  this  town,  and  died  here 
Jan.  23, 1795.  He  was  a native  of 
Berwick,  Me. ; was  a distinguished 
commander  during  the  war;  was 
president  of  the  state  three  years, 
and  afterwards  district  judge  of 
New  Hampshire.  On  all  occasions 
he  proved  himself  the  firm  support- 
er of  the  rights  of  the  country. 

Durham,  Ct. 

Middlesex  co.  This  town  was 
first  settled  in  1698.  Its  Indian 
name  was  Coginchaug.  It  lies  7 
miles  S.  by  W.  from  Middletown, 
and  20  S.  from  Hartford.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  1,116.  Agriculture  is 
the  principal  employment  of  the 
people  of  Durham,  for  which  they 
have  rather  an  uneven  but  fertile 
soil.  “ This  town  has  been  distin- 
guished many  years  for  a very  fine 
breed  of  cattle.  Two  oxen,  pre- 
sented by  some  of  the  inhabitants  to 
General  Washington,  furnished  a 
dinner  for  all  the  officers  of  the 
American  army  at  Valley  Forge, 
and  all  their  servants.  These  oxen 
were  driven  almost  five  hundred 
miles,  through  a country  nearly  ex- 
hausted of  its  forage  ; yet  one  of 
them,  a steer,  five  years  old,  weigh- 


ed two  thousand  two  hundred  and 
seventy  pounds.” 

Capt.  Israel  Camp,  a noted  psalm- 
odist  died  in  Durham,  in  1778. 

Duston’s  Island,  X.  H. 

This  small  island  in  the  Merrimack 
at  the  mouth  of  Contoocook  river, 
between  Concord  and  Boscawen, 
has  become  celebrated  on  account 
of  an  exploit  of  a lady  whose  name 
it  bears.  On  the  15th  March,  1698, 
the  Indians  made  a descent  on  Ha- 
verhill, Mass,  where  they  took  Mrs. 
Hannah  Duston,  who  was  confined 
to  her  bed  with  an  infant  only  six 
days  old,  and  attended  by  her  nurse, 
Mary  Niff.  The  Indians  took  Mrs. 
Duston  from  her  bed  and  carried 
her  away  wTith  the  nurse  and  infant. 
They  soon  despatched  the  latter  by 
dashing  its  head  against  a tree. 
When  they  had  proceeded  as  far  as 
this  island,  which  has  been  justly 
called  Duston’s  island,  on  their  way 
to  an  Indian  town  situate  a consid- 
erable distance  above,  the  Indians 
informed  the  women  that  they  must 
be  stripped  and  run  the  gauntlet 
through  the  village  on  their  arrival. 
Mrs.  Duston  and  her  nurse  had 
been  assigned  to  a family  consist- 
ing of  two  stout  men,  three  women, 
and  seven  children,  or  young  In- 
dians, besides  an  English  boy  who 
had  been  taken  from  Worcester. 
Mrs.  Duston,  aware  of  the  cruel- 
ties that  awaited  her,  formed  the 
design  of  exterminating  the  whole 
family,  and  prevailed  upon  the 
nurse  and  the  boy  to  assist  her  in 
their  destruction.  A little  before 
day,  finding  the  whole  company  in 
a sound  sleep,  she  awoke  her  con- 
federates, and  with  the  Indian 
hatchets  despatched  ten  of  the 
twelve.  One  of  the  women  whom 
they  thought  they  had  killed  made 
her  escape,  and  a favorite  boy  they 
designedly  left.  Mrs.  Duston  and 
her  companions  arrived  safe  home 
with  the  scalps,  though  their  dan- 
ger from  the  enemy  and  from  fam- 
ine in  travelling  so  far,  must  have 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


been  great.  The  general  court  of 
Massachusetts  made  her  a grant  of 
£50,  and  she  received  many  other 
valuable  presents. 

Duxbiiry,  Vt. 

Washington  co.  This  town  lies 
on  the  S.  side  of  Onion  river,  and  is 
watered  by  several  of  its  branches. 
The  land  along  Onion  river  is  good, 
but  the  greater  part  of  the  township 
is  mountainous  and  unfit  for  culti- 
vation. Duxbury  lies  12  miles  W. 
from  Montpelier.  First  settled, 
1786.  Population,  1830,  651. 

Duxbury,  Mass. 

Plymouth  co.  This  town  lies  on 
Massachusetts  bay  in  Plymouth  har- 
bor. It  is  29  miles  S.  E.  from  Bos- 
ton and  6 N.  from  Plymouth.  Dux- 
bury affords  some  good  land,  a good 
water  power  and  a great  variety  of 
scenery.  Its  Indian  name  was  Mat- 
akeeset.  Ship  building,  the  coasting 
trade  and  fisheries  is  the  chief  busi- 
ness of  the  place.  In  1837,  it  had 
46  vessels  employed  in  the  cod  and 
mackerel  fishery,  the  product  of 
which  amounted  to  $69,548.  Val- 
ue of  vessels  built,  $169,048.  The 
value  of  woolen  cloth,  leather, boots, 
shoes,  salt,  iron,  brass  castings  and 
tinware  manufactured,  amounted  to 
$105,787.  Some  attention  is  paid 
here  to  rearing  sheep,  and  the  man- 
ufacture of  cordage. 

There  is  in  Duxbury  an  apple  tree 
noted  for  its  age,  size  and  fruitful- 
ness. It  is  upwards  of  a hundred 
years  old.  It  is  forty  feet  in  height, 
and  its  circumference,  eight  inches 
from  the  ground,  is  16  feet.  Its 
fruit,  in  one  year,  has  made  10  bar- 
rels of  cider,  besides  30  bushels  for 
the  cellar.  Population,  1837, 2,789. 

Dyer’s  Bay,  Me. 

See  Steuben. 

Eagle  Lake,  Me. 

This  large  lake  is  in  the  county 
of  Penobscot,  between  the  Aroos- 
took and  St.  John’s  rivers.  It  is 
11* 


connected  with  some  lakes  of  smal- 
ler size.  The  general  outlet  is  north 
by  Chipquedopskook  river,  about  14 
miles  in  length,  into  the  river  St. 
John.  Great  quantities  of  logs  are 
taken  to  this  outlet,  sawed  and  sent 
to  New  Brunswick. 

East  Bridgewater,  Mass. 

Plymouth  co.  This  town  lies  on 
a branch  of  Taunton  river,  and  was, 
until  1S23,  a part  of  the  ancient 
Bridgewater.  It  is  24  miles  S.  by 
E.  from  Boston  and  17  S.  W.  from 
Plymouth.  Population,  1830,  1,653 
— 1837,  1,927.  East  Bridgewater 
has  a good  water  power,  and  man- 
ufactured the  year  ending  April  1, 
1S37,  $414,044  value  of  goods.  The 
articles  consisted  of  cotton  goods, 
boots,  shoes,  leather,  bar  iron,  nails, 
tacks,  lead  pipe,  chaises,  window 
blinds,  sashes  and  shoe  boxes. 

Eastbrook,  Me. 

Hancock  co.  Incorporated,  1837. 
See  “ Down  East.” 

East  Greenwich,  R.  I. 

Shire  town  of  Kent  co.  This 
town  was  incorporated  in  1677,  and 
is  pleasantly  located  on  Narragan- 
set  bay,  13  miles  S.  from  Provi- 
dence, and  comprises  an  excellent 
harbor  for  ships  of  500  tons  burthen. 
A number  of  vessels  are  owned 
here,  and  the  coasting  trade  and 
fisheries  give  employment  to  many 
of  the  inhabitants.  The  town  is 
watered  by  Maskachug  and  Hunt’s 
rivers,  on  which  are  cotton  mills 
and  other  manufactories.  The  soil 
of  the  town  is  rather  rough  and 
stony,  but  it  yields  good  crops  of 
corn,  barley  and  potatoes.  East 
Greenwich  is  noted  for  excellent 
fruit  and  cider. 

The  “ Kentish  Guards”  was  es- 
tablished here  in  1774,  and  proved 
a nursery  of  distinguished  officers, 
of  which  the  celebrated  General 
Nathaniel  Greene  was  one.  Across 
the  bay,  to  Bristol,  is  about  8 miles. 
Population,  1830,  1,591. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


East  Iladdam,  Ct. 

Middlesex  co.  A town  of  con- 
siderable trade  and  manufacturing 
enterprise,  on  the  east  side  of  the 
Connecticut,  and  at  the  outlet  of 
Salmon  river.  It  lies  18  miles  above 
the  mouth  of  Connecticut  river,  14 
below  Middletown,  and  30  S.  S.  E. 
from  Hartford.  The  soil  is  hilly  and 
rocky,  and  more  fit  for  grazing  than 
tillage.  Considerable  business  is 
done  here  in  the  shad  fishery.  It  is 
supposed  that  more  leather  is  made 
in  this  than  in  any  other  towrn  in  the 
state.  This  place  has  fine  water 
privileges,  both  for  navigation  and 
manufactures.  A Short  distance  from 
the  centre  of  the  town  is  a pond 
covering  1,000  acres.  On  the  river 
formed  by  the  outlet  of  this  pond, 
the  water  is  precipitated  over  rocks 
nearly  70  feet  perpendicular.  The 
scenery  around  these  falls  is  beau- 
tiful, and  worthy  of  particular  no- 
tice. 

There  are  6 cotton  mills  in  East 
Haddam,  two  of  which  manufac- 
ture twine. 

Leesville,  on  Salmon  river,  and 
Mechanicsville,  on  Moodus  river, 
a branch  of  Salmon  river,  are  very 
flourishing  settlements. 

This  place,  the  Indian  Macki- 
moodus,  is  remarkable  for  frequent 
slight  shocks  of  earthquakes,  pro- 
ducing singular  noises,  which  the 
Indians  attributed  to  the  anger  of 
their  gods  towards  the  white  men. 
It  is  said  that  some  valuable  geolo- 
gical discoveries  have  recently  been 
made  in  this  quarter.  The  town 
was  first  settled  in  1685,  but  not  in- 
corporated until  1724.  Population, 
in  1835,  about  3,000.  This  is  the 
birth  place  of  many  distinguished 
men.  The  venerable  Nathaniel 
Emmons,  D.  B.,  of  Franklin,  Mass, 
was  born  here. 

Eftstham,  Mass., 

Barnstable  co.,  on  a narrow  part 
of  the  cape,  23  miles  E.  by  N.  from 
Barnstable.  Population  in  1837, 


1,059.  First  settled,  1644.  Incor- 
porated, 1646.  The  product  of  the 
cod  and  mackerel  fishery  in  1836, 
was  $30,900.  The  value  of  salt, 
boots,  shoes  and  palm-leaf  hats  man- 
ufactured, was  $10,561. 

Eastliampton,  Mass. 

Hampshire  co.  This  is  a pleas- 
ant town  on  the  W.  side  of  Connec- 
ticut river.  The  Hampshire  and 
Hampden  canal  passes  through  it. 
In  the  year  ending  April  1,  1837, 
$40,000  worth  of  lasting  buttons 
were  manufactured ; also  cotton 
goods,  leather,  boots  and  shoes,  to 
the  amount  of  $15,300  : 5 miles  S. 
from  Northampton.  Pop.  1837,  793. 

East  Hartford,  Ct. 

Hartford  co.  This  towm  is  situa- 
ted opposite  to  Hartford,  and  con- 
nected with  it  by  a bridge  across 
Connecticut  river.  The  soil  of  the 
town  is  generally  fertile,  but  the 
alluvial  meadows  on  the  border  of 
the  river,  of  which  there  is  a large 
tract,  is  of  a superior  quality.  The 
agricultural  products  of  this  town 
are  very  considerable.  Hackanum 
river  furnishes  the  town  with  a 
good  water  power, on  which  are  val- 
uable manufacturing  establishments 
particularly  of  paper.  East  Hart- 
ford is  noted  for  its  manufactures  in 
former  years.  The  first  powder 
mill  in  this  country,  it  is  said,  was 
erected,  here  in  1775.  Anchors, 
mill  screws,  nail  rods,  gunpowder, 
paper,  snuff  and  glass  were  manu- 
factured here  in  1784.  The  early 
settlers  found  the  ferocious  and  war- 
like tribe  of  Podunk  Indians  in  this 
neighborhood.  One  sachem  com- 
manded two  hundred  bowmen.  This 
is  a very  pleasant  town.  The  main 
street,  which  is  very  long  and  wide, 
is  delightfully  shaded  by  stately 
elms.  East  Hartford  was  taken 
from  Hartford  in  1784.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  3,537. 

East  Haven,  Vt. 

Essex  co.  Moose  river  rises  in 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


the  easterly  part  of  this  town  and 
the  Passumpsic  passes  through  the 
westerly  part.  The  land  is  moun- 
tainous and  most  of  it  unfit  for  cul- 
tivation. It  lies  45  miles  N.  from 
Montpelier  First  settled,  1790. 
Population,  1830,  33. 

East  Haven,  Ct. 

New  Haven  co.  This  town  was 
taken  from  N e w Haven,  in  1785, and 
is  connected  with  New  Haven  by 
a bridge.  Population,  1830,  1,229. 
It  has  good  navigable  privileges, 
and  is  watered  by  Quinnipiac  river. 
It  has  some  trade,  but  the  principal 
employment  of  the  inhabitants  is 
agriculture  and  fishing. 

This  was  a great  resort  for  the 
Indians  in  former  years.  On  Grave 
Hill  was  an  Indian  fort  and  ceme- 
tery. Bones  of  Indians  of  a large 
size,  and  domestic  and  warlike  im- 
plements for  savage  use,  have  been 
found  here.  The  Indian  Well,  in  a 
granite  rock,  on  an  island  in  Stony 
river,  is  a curiosity.  It  is  about  30 
inches  in  diameter,  very  smooth  at 
the  bottom.  It  is  now  about  5 feet 
in  depth,  but  formerly  it  was  deep- 
er. It  was  evidently  formed  by 
the  attrition  of  sand  and  pebbles 
which  passed  over  this  rock,  it  being 
at  some  former  period,  the  bed  of 
the  river.  East  Haven  is  pleasant- 
ly located,  and  commands  a fine 
prospect  of  Long  Island  Sound. 

East  Kingston,  N.  H. 

Rockingham  co.  Its  soil  is  of  an 
excellent  quality,  and  well  adapted 
to  the  cultivation  of  grain  and  grass. 
Powow  river  crosses  the  S.  W.  part 
of  this  town,  having  its  sources  in 
the  ponds  of  Kingston.  The  town 
was  incorporated  Nov.  17,  1738. 
Rev.  Peter  Collin  was  settled  here 
in  1739.  Population,  1830,  442.  It 
lies  40  miles  S.  E.  by  E.  from  Con- 
cord, and  20  S.  S.  W.  from  Ports- 
mouth. 

East  Macliias,  Me. 

Washington  co.  This  is  a flour- 


ishing town  on  D"  Me  waters. 
It  was  incorporated  in  1826,  and  is 
the  eastern  part  of  Old  Machias. 
It  lies  on  both  sides  of  East  Machi- 
as river,  149  miles  E.  by  N.  from 
Augusta.  Population,  1837,  1,282. 
East  Machias  has  a great  water 
power,  a large  number  of  mills,  and 
a very  pleasant  village.  It  is  ex- 
tensively engaged  in  the  lumber 
trade. 

Easton,  Mass. 

Bristol  co.  Two  branches  of  Taun- 
ton river  water  this  town,  on  which 
are  a woolen  and  4 cotton  mills, 
and  various  iron  works.  The  man- 
ufactures consist  of  cotton  and  wool- 
en goods,  pig  iron,  iron  castings, 
wire,  boots,  shoes,  shovels,,  spades, 
forks,  hoes,  cutlery,  palm-leaf  hats, 
straw  bonnets,  surveyors’  instru- 
ments and  shoe  pegs  : — the  value 
of  which  in  one  year  (exclusive  of 
woolen  cloth,  boots  and  shoes,) 
amounted  to  207,100.  The  manu- 
facture of  shovels,  spades,  forks  and 
hoes,  amounted  to  $108,000.  Eas- 
ton lies  22  miles  S.  from  Boston  and 
10  N.  by  W.  from  Taunton.  In- 
corporated, 1725.  Population,  1837, 
1,976. 

Eastport,  Me. 

Washington  co.  The  township 
of  Eastport  embraces  and  is  consti- 
tuted of  Moose,  Dudley’s,  Frede- 
rick and  Patmos  islands,  the  chief 
of  which,  whereon  the  village  of 
Eastport  stands,  is  Moose  island,  in 
Sight  of,  and  but  a short  distance 
from,  Indian  and  Campo  Bello  isl- 
ands, belonging  to  the  British.  East- 
port  is  a beautiful  harbor  in  Passa- 
maquoddy  bay,  on  the  eastern  boun- 
dary of  the  United  States,  and  no- 
ted for  smuggling  adventures  by 
strangers  visiting  the  place  dur- 
ing the  embargo  and  war.  It  is 
about  7 miles  N.  by  W.  from  West 
Quoddy  Head,  176  E.  by  N.  from 
Augusta,  and  about  30  E.N.  E.  from 
Machias.  The  tide  is  very  rapid, 
and  rises  25  feet.  There  are  two 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


long  bridges  connecting  Moose  isl- 
and with  Dennysville  and  Perry ; 
each  cost  $10,000.  Eastport  and 
Lubec  are  the  chief  towns  in  Pas- 
saraaquoddy  bay,  and  are  extensive- 
ly engaged  in  the  fisheries,  and  the 
trade  of  the  extensive  waters  of  the 
river  St.  Croix  and  Bay  of  Fundy. 
Tonnage  of  Passamaquoddy  bay, 
10,712.  Cobscook  Bay  and  its  trib- 
utary waters,  on  the  west,  give  to 
Eastport  a large  trade  in  lumber. 
Moose  Island  contains  2,150  acres 
of  rough  land.  It  was  first  settled 
in  1780.  In  1790  it  contained  only 
244  inhabitants.  There  are  now  on 
the  Island  a handsome  village,  con- 
taining 60  wharves,  80  stores,  5 
meeting-houses,  a United  States 
garrison,  and  5,000  inhabitants. 

East  Windsor,  Ct. 

Hartford  co.  First  settled  16S0. 
Taken  from  Windsor,  1768.  This 
is  an  excellent  township  of  land. 
Its  extensive  meadows  on  the  east 
side  of  Connecticut  river  are  of 
uncommon  fertility  and  beauty. 
Among  the  various  agricultural  pro- 
ducts with  which  this  town  abounds, 
tobacco  has  been  cultivated  with 
success,  and  manufactured.  It  is 
said  that  70,000  bushels  of  rye  has 
been  raised  in  a season.  Scantic 
river,  a considerable  mill  stream, 
passes  through  the  north  part  of 
the  town,  and  gives  it  the  name  of 
Scantic.  The  village  of  Wapping 
is  in  the  S.  E.  section  of  the  town. 
The  principal  street,  about  a mile 
back  of  the  river,  is  the  village, 
running  the  whole  length  of  the 
town,  wide,  neatly  built  and  beauti- 
fully shaded.  East  Windsor  lies  8 
miles  N.  from  Hartford.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  2,129. 

Eaton,  N.  II., 

Strafford  co.,  lies  60  miles  N. 
E.  from  Concord  and  55  N.  N.  E. 
from  Dover,  and  is  bounded  E.  by 
Maine.  Population,  1830,  1,432. 
The  soil  of  the  uplands,  which  are 
quite  uneven,  is  moderately  good, 


and  the  plains  furnish  excellent 
pine  timber.  There  are  several 
small  ponds  in  this  town.  Eaton 
was  granted  Nov.  7, 1776,  to  Clem- 
ent March  and  65  others. 

Eddington,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  This  town  lies  on 
the  east  side  of  Penobscot  river,  6 
miles  above,  and  N.  N.  E.  from 
Bangor,  and  70  N.  E.  by  E.  from 
Augusta.  The  village  is  pleasantly 
situated  at  the  “ Bend  ” of  the  river. 
The  soil  of  the  town  is  good  and  well 
wooded.  It  produced,  in  1837, 2,414 
bushels  of  wheat.  Population,  1837, 
558. 

Eden,  Me., 

Hancock  co.,  situated  on  the  north 
part  of  the  island  of  Mount  Desert, 
and  taken  from  the  town  of  Mount 
Desert  (which  formerly  comprised 
the  whole  island)  1795.  First  set- 
tled, 1763.  Eden  lies  92  miles  E. 
from  Augusta,  and  about  18  S.  by  E. 
from  Ellsworth.  Population,  1837, 
1,024.  The  town  has  a good  soil, 
good  harbors,  and  possesses  great 
advantages  for  the  shore  fishery. 
It  is  said  that  500  bushels  of  cran- 
berries have  been  picked  in  Eden 
in  a season.  Cranberry  isles  lie 
on  the  coast,  about  3 miles  south. 

Eden,  Vt. 

Lamoille  co.  This  township  was 
granted  to  tc  Col.  Seth  Warner  and 
his  associates,  our  worthy  friends, 
the  officers  and  soldiers  of  his  regi- 
ment in  the  line  of  the  continental 
army,”  August  28,  1781.  “ Our 

friends,”  for  their  patriotic  services, 
certainly  deserved  a better  town- 
ship than  this,  for  it  is  mountainous, 
rocky  and  cold  ; it  is  however  good 
for  grazing,  and  produces  some  fine 
beef  cattle  and  sheep.  It  is  water- 
ed by  Green  river  and  Wild  Branch. 
Several  ponds  in  the  town  afford 
good  fishing.  Eden  lies  30  miles 
N.  from  Montpelier,  and  is  bound- 
ed S.  by  Hydepark.  Population, 
1830,  461. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Edgartown,  Mass. 

Dukes  co.  County  town  and 
port  of  entry  on  the  island  of  Mar- 
tha’s Vineyard — 91  miles  S.  from 
Boston,  20  N.  W.  by  'V.  from  Nan- 
tucket, 28  S.  E.  by  E.  from  New 
Bedford,  20  S.  from  Falmouth,  and 
495  from  Washington.  First  set- 
tled, 1641.  Incorporated,  1671. 
Population,  1837, 1,625.  Edgartown 
(Old  Town)  harbor  is  on  the  east 
side  of  the  town,  in  lat.  41°  25'  N.; 
Ion.  70°  25'  W.  This  township  in- 
cludes the  fertile  island  of  Chappe- 
quiddick,  on  the  southeast,  on  which 
are  some  Indians.  This  island  is  5 
miles  in  length  and  2 1-2  in  breadth. 
It  is  very  pleasant  and  forms  Old 
Town  harbor.  Eight  whale  ships 
belong  to  this  place,  and  a number 
of  coasting  vessels.  This  is  said  to 
be  the  only  place  in  the  state  where 
grouse  are  native.  The  value  of 
sperm  oil  imported,  in  the  year  end- 
ing April  1,  1837,  was  $65,598. 
The  value  of  salt,  oil  casks,  boats 
and  hats  manufactured  the  same 
year,  was  $7,260.  The  value  of 
wool,  the  product  of  2,150  sheep, 
was  $1,590. 

Edgecomb,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  This  town  is  bound- 
ed by  Damariscotta  river  on  the  E. 
and  Sheepseot  river  on  the  W.,  and 
lies  nearly  opposite  to  Wiscasset 
across  the  latter  river.  26  miles  S. 
S.  E.  from  Augusta.  Population, 
1837,  1,282.  This  town  enjoys 
great  facilities  for  navigation,  the 
fisheries,  ship  building  and  the  lum- 
ber business.  It  is  a place  of  con- 
siderable trade.  First  settled,  1744. 

Edinburgh,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  Incorporated, 1835. 
Population,  1837, 89.  See  “ Down 
East.” 

Edmonds,  Me., 

W ashington  co.,  situated  between 
Cobscook  bay  and  East  Machias. 


Population,  1837,  205.  See  “ Down 
East.” 

Edlngham,  N.  H. 

Strafford  co.  There  are  several 
mountains  of  considerable  elevation 
in  this  town.  The  Ossipee  river 
passes  through  the  town,  over  which 
is  atoll-bridge.  Province  pond  lies 
between  Effingham  and  Wakefield. 
Effingham  was  settled  a few  years 
prior  to  the  revolution.  It  was 
then  known  by  the  name  of  Lea- 
| vitt’s  Town.  Incorporated,  Aug. 
18,  1778.  Effingham  borders  W. 
on  Ossipee  lake  and  E.  on  Maine. 
It  lies  58  miles  N.  E.  from  Concord 
and  25  N.  E.  by  E.  from  Gilford. 
Population,  1830,  1,911. 

Egremont,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  A mountainous 
township,  watered  by  branches  of 
Housatonick  river.  Incorporated, 
1760.  140  miles  W.  from  Boston 

and  15  S.  S.  W.  from  Lenox.  Pop- 
ulation, 1S37,  968.  The  manufac- 
tures of  Egremont  consist  of  wheat 
flour,  leather,  boots,  shoes,  harness- 
es, stone,  (sawed,)  chairs  and  cab- 
inet ware.  Total  amount  in  one 
year,  $29,100.  Value  of  1,790 
fleeces  of  wool,  $2,770. 

Elizabeth,  Cape,  Me. 

This  celebrated  cape  lies  in  the 
town  of  Cape  Elizabeth,  and  forms 
the  western  limits  of  Casco  bay. 
Near  the  point  of  the  cape  is  a 
light-house,  50  feet  in  height,  in 
N.  lat.  43°  33',  W.  Ion.  70°  11'. 
For  the  town  of  Cape  Eliza- 
beth, see  Register. 

Elizabeth  Islands,  Mass. 

These  islands  are  attached  to 
Dukes  county,  and  lie  between 
Buzzard’s  bay  and  Vineyard  sound. 
They  are  16  in  number.  The  larg- 
est, Nashawn  and  Nashawenna,  are 
inhabited.  Gosnold,  the  discoverer 
of  Cape  Cod,  spent  the  winter  of 
1602-3,  on  one  of  these  islands. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Ellington,  Ct. 

Tolland  co.  Ellington  was  taken 
from  East  Windsor  in  1786,  and  was 
that  part  of  East  Windsor  called  the 
Great  Marsh.  The  soil  is  light 
and  dry,  but  considerably  fertile. 
It  is  generally  level,  but  the  east- 
ern part  is  hilly  and  mountainous. 
Formerly  the  lands  in  this  town 
were  held  in  low  estimation,  but  by 
the  industry  of  the  people  in  their 
cultivation  they  have  risen  in  char- 
acter and  value.  The  scenery  in 
this  town  embraces  considerable  va- 
riety and  is  uncommonly  interesting 
and  beautiful.”  The  “ Ellington 
School”  for  boys,  situated  in  a very 
neat  village,  is  in  high  repute.  Pop- 
\ilation,  1830, 1,455.  Ellington  lies 
12  miles  N.  E.  from  Hartford,  and 
is  bounded  S.  E.  by  Tolland. 

Elliot,  Me. 

York  co.  This  town  lies  on  the 
N.  W.  of  Kittery  of  wrhich  it  con- 
stituted a part  until  1810.  It  ad- 
joins Salmon  Fall  river  on  the  S. 
W.  by  which  it  is  separated  from 
New  Hampshire — and  is  bounded 
N.  by  South  Berwick,  and  E.  by 
York.  It  is  a good  farming  town 
and  probably  contains  as  great  a 
proportion  of  valuable  tillage  land 
as  any  in  the  county  according  to 
its  size.  Population,  1837,  1,859. 
Elliot  is  108  miles  S.  W.  from  Au- 
gusta. 

Elliotsvillc,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  This  place  is  81 
miles  from  Augusta.  See  “ Down 
East.” 

Ellis’  Rivers. 

Ellis’  river,  in  Maine,  is  a tribu- 
tary to  the  Androscoggin.  It  rises 
N.  of  Rumford,  in  the  county  of 
Oxford,  and  passes  through  that 
town.  Ellis’  river,  in  New  Hamp- 
shire, rises  on  the  E.  side  of  the 
White  mountains,  in  several  small 
streams,  near  the  sources  of  Pea- 
body river,  and  separating  into  two 


streams  which  again  unite,  it  falls 
into  the  Saco  at  Bartlett. 

Elligo  Pond,  Vt. 

This  beautiful  sheet  of  water, 
two  miles  in  length  and  half  a mile 
in  breadth,  lies  partly  in  Craftsbury 
and  partly  in  Greensborough,  Or- 
leans county.  Its  northern  outlet 
passes  to  Black  river ; its  southern 
to  the  Lamoille.  There  are  two 
small  islands  in  the  lake.  This  was 
a favorite  resort  for  the  Indians,  and 
now  attracts  numerous  lovers  of  fine 
trout  and  delightful  scenery  to  its 
borders. 

Ellsworth,  Me. 

Chief  towp  of  Hancock  co.  This 
is  a pleasant  and  flourishing  town 
on  both  sides  of  Union  river,  at  the 
head  of  navigation.  The  village  is 
principally  on  the  E.  side,  where 
there  is  a good  bridge  across  the 
river,  3 miles  above  the  entrance 
of  the  river  into  the  waters  con- 
nected with  Blue  Hill  bay.  The 
tide  rises  at  the  bridge  10  or  12  feet, 
and  Ellsworth  possesses  an  enviable 
position  for  maritime  and  inland 
trade.  The  location  of  the  courts 
for  this  county  was  changed  from 
Castine  to  this  place  in  1838.  The 
court  house  is  eligibly  situated  on 
the  W.  side  of  the  river.  Ellsworth 
is  quite  an  agricultural  township. 
It  has  a good  soil,  and  considerable 
attention  is  given  to  the  growth  of 
wheat  and  wool.  It  lies  81  miles 
E.  by  N.  from  Augusta,  and  30  N. 
E.  by  E.  from  Bangor.  Population, 
1830,  1,385—1837,  2,195. 

Ellsworth,  N.  H., 

Grafton  co.,  is  52  miles  N.  N.W. 
from  Concord  and  20  S.  E.  from 
Haverhill.  Population,  1830,  234. 
It  is  a mountainous  tract  of  territo- 
ry. The  most  prominent  elevation 
is  Carr’s  mountain.  A small  stream 
issues  from  West  Branch  pond  and 
runs  into  the  Pemigewasset  at 
Campton.  The  soil , though  in  some 
parts  sterile,  produces  wheat,  rye 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


and  corn.  Maple  sugar  is  made 
here,  and  clover  seed  is  raised  in 
considerable  quantities.  This  town, 
formerly  called  Trecothick,  was 
granted  May  1,  1769,  to  Barlow 
Trecothick. 

Elmore,  Vt. 

Lamoille  co.  First  settled,  1790. 
Elmore  lies  16  miles  N.  from  Mont- 
pelier and  10  S.  from  Hydepark. 
Population,  1830,  442.  There  are 
five  ponds  in  this  town,  the  waters 
of  which,  the  town  being  very  high, 
descend  partly  to  Lamoille  and  part- 
ly to  Onion  rivers.  Some  cattle  and 
some  wool  are  sent  to  market. 

Embden,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  A fine  township 
of  land  with  two  pleasant  villages, 
on  the  W.  side  of  Kennebec  river. 
Seven  Mile  brook  passes  through 
the  S.  W.  corner  of  the  town. — 
Embden  produced,  in  1837,  6,400 
bushels  of  wheat  and  considerable 
wool.  Incorporated,  1804.  Popu- 
lation, 1837,  1,048.  It  is  46  miles 
N.  N.  W.  from  Augusta  and  about 
18  miles  N.  by  W.  from  Norridge- 
wock. 

Enfield,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  Incorporated, 
1835.  See  “ Down  East.” 

Enfield,  W.  II. 

Grafton  co.  Enfield  comprises 
24,060  acres,  of  which  about  2,500 
acres  are  water.  It  is  10  miles  S. 
E.  from  Dartmouth  College  and  40 
N.  W.  from  Concord.  Its  surface' 
is  diversified  with  hills  and  valleys, 
and  watered  by  a variety  of  ponds 
and  streams,  stored  with  fish  of  ev- 
ery species  common  to  the  country. 
Mascomy  pond,  which  has  acquir- 
ed from  travellers  the  appellation 
of  Pleasant  pond,  is  a beautiful  col- 
lection of  water,  4 miles  in  length 
and  of  various  breadth,  interspersed 
with  islands  and  checkered  with 
inlets.  Its  eastern  banks  are  cov- 
ered with  trees;  the  hills  gradually 


rise  one  above  another  for  some  dis- 
tance. Along  the  western  bank, 
between  the  pond  and  Mont  Calm, 
within  a few  rods  of  the  water,  ex- 
tends the  turnpike  road,  the  whole 
distance  through  a beautiful  vil- 
lage, shaded  to  the  N.  on  either 
side  by  a growth  of  trees.  Masco- 
my river  empties  into  this  pond  in 
the  N.  W.  part.  This  pond  is  sup- 
posed to  have  once  been  much  high- 
er than  it  now  is,  and  the  plain  and 
villages  to  the  south  are  supposed 
to  have  been  the  bed  of  it.  This 
fact  is  sufficiently  evident  from  the 
ancient  shore  still  remaining  round 
the  pond,  about  30  feet  above  high 
w^ater,  and  from  logs  having  been 
frequently  found  12  feet  below  the 
surface  of  the  plain  once  flowed. 
On  the  W.  bank,  near  the  southern 
extremity,  is  the  Shakers’  settle- 
ment, situated  on  a fertile  plain. — 
The  structure  of  the  buildings,  tho’ 
not  lofty,  are  neat  and  convenient. 
They  occupy  about  1,000  acres  of 
land,  and  their  number  consists  of 
about  240.  They  are  agricultural- 
ists and  mechanics.  Garden  seeds 
are  grown,  and  wooden  ware, whips, 
corn  brooms,  leather,  and  various 
other  articles,  are  manufactured  by 
them  with  peculiar  neatness.  See 
Canterbury. 

Mountain  pond,  on  the  summit  of 
Mont  Calm,  is  200  rods  long,  and 
100  w'ide.  At  the  outlets  of  the 
ponds  are  mills  of  various  kinds. 
The  town  wras  formerly  called  Rel- 
han,  and  w7as  incorporated  by  char- 
ter, granted  to  Jedediah  Dana  and 
-others,  July  4th,  1761.  Population, 
1830,  1,492. 

Enfield,  Mass. 

Hampshire  co.  Swift  river  pass- 
es through  this  town,  and  adds  much 
to  its  heaufy  and  importance. — 
The  manufactures  of  this  place,  the 
year  ending  April  1,  1837,  amount- 
ed to  $182,669.  The  articles  con- 
sisted of  cotton  and  woolen  goods, 
leather,  boots,  shoes,  hats,  hoes, 
shingle  machines,  palm-leaf  hats, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


wool  cards,  cotton  batting  and  wick- 
ing.  The  value  of  wool  grown 
was  $1,090.  Enfield  lies  71  miles 
W.  from  Boston,  and  15  E.  from 
Northampton.  Population,  1837, 
1,05S. 

Enfield,  Ct. 

Hartford  co.  This  town  was  first 
settled,  1631,  by  emigrants  from  Sa- 
lem, Mass.  : it  formerly  belonged 
to  Mass,  and  was  a part  of  Spring- 
field.  The  first  bridge  across  Con- 
necticut river  was  built  in  1808, 
connecting  Enfield  with  Suffield. 
The  surface  is  generally  level  and 
the  soil  moist  and  fertile.  The 
street,  where  most  of  the  inhabit- 
ants reside,  is  very  pleasant,  wide 
and  well  shaded.  The  village  near 
the  river  was  commenced  about 
1831,  at  which  the  manufacture  of 
carpeting  is  extensively  pursued. 
About  120  looms  are  employed, 
making  about  800  yards  daily.  The 
manufacture  of  ploughs  is  also  an 
important  pursuit  in  Enfield.  It  is 
watered  by  Scantick  river.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  2,129.  It  is  18  miles 
N.  from  Hartford,  and  8 S.  from 
Springfield,  Mass. 

Eaiglisliman’s  Bay,  Me. 

This  bay  is  a few  miles  W.  of 
Machias  bay,  in  Washington  coun- 
ty. It  receives  the  waters  of  Chand- 
ler’s river,  a considerable  stream  : 
it  contains  a number  of  islands,  and 
furnishes  many  fine  harbors  Head 
harbor,  an  island  off  Jonesborough, 
is  its  western  limits. 

Enosburgh,  Vt. 

Franklin  co.  Missisque,  Trout 
and  other  streams  give  this  town 
excellent  water  privileges,  and 
manufacturing  establishments  flour- 
ish. The  surface  of  the  town  is 
pleasantly  diversified  by  hills  and 
valleys,  and  well  adapted  for  graz- 
ing. The  products  of  the  town  are 
cattle,  butter,  cheese  and  wool. — 
First  settled,  1797.  Population, 
1830,  1,560.  Enosburgh  lies  43 


miles  N.  by  E.  from  Montpelier, 
and  20  N.  E.  from  St.  Albans. 

Epping,  N.  II., 

Rockingham  co.,  lies  29  miles  S. 
E.  from  Concord,  20  W.  from  Ports- 
mouth, and  8 N.  W.  from  Exeter. 
It  was  formerly  a part  of  Exeter, 
and  was  incorporated  Feb.  12, 1741. 
The  town  contains  12,760  acres, 
being  nearly  20  square  miles.  The 
soil,  in  general,  is  very  good,  and 
well  suited  to  raise  the  various  pro- 
ductions that  grow  in  the  state. 
Lamprey  river,  at  the  west,  receives 
the  Patuckaway,  and  runs  through 
the  whole  length  of  the  town. 
Another  river  runs  through  the  N. 
part  of  the  town,  and  from  that  cir- 
cumstance is  called  North  river. 
By  observations  taken  at  6 in  the 
forenoon,  at  1 and  9 o’clock  in  the 
afternoon,  from  Fahrenheit’s  ther- 
mometer  placed  in  the  open  air,  13 
feet  from  the  ground,  and  where 
the  sun  does  not  shine  on  the  ther- 
mometer, the  annual  average  of 
heat  for  10  years  in  succession,  was 
44  1-12°.  During  that  period  the 
annual  average  of  rain  that  fell,  wa3 
2 feet  10  inches,  and  of  snow,  6 feet 
7 inches. 

William  Px,  timer,  one  of  its 
most  distinguished  and  estimable 
citizens,  resides  in  this  town.  A 
considerable  portion  of  his  life  has 
been  employed  in  the  service  of  the 
people,  in  the  several  stations  of 
representative  and  senator  in  the 
legislature,  president  of  the  senate, 
speaker  of  the  house  of  representa- 
tives, representative  .and  senator  in 
congress,  and  for  four  years  as  chief- 
magistrate  of  the  state.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  1,268. 

Epsom,  N.  H. 

Merrimack  co.  This  town  lies 
12  miles  E.  from  Concord.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  1,418.  The  surface  of 
the  town  is  generally  uneven.  The 
principal  eminences  are  called 
M’Coy’s,  Fort,  Nat’s,  and  Notting- 
ham mountains.  The  soil  is  in  gen- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


eral  good,  and  well  adapted  for  graz- 
ing or  grain.  Great  and  Little  Sun- 
cook  are  the  only  streams  deserving 
the  name  of  rivers.  Here  are  three 
ponds,  Chesnut,  Round,  and  Odi- 
orne’s.  Brown  oxide,  and  sulphu- 
ret  of  iron  are  found,  the  lattermost 
frequently  in  its  decomposed  state. 
Varieties  of  quartz,  feldspar  and 
schorl  are  also  found.  An  alluvial 
deposite  has  been  discovered,  which 
has  been  ascertained  to  be  terra  de 
senna ; it  constitutes  a very  hand- 
some and  durable  paint  for  cabinet 
■work.  Epsom  was  granted  May 
IS,  1727,  to  Theodore  Atkinson  and 
others.  Like  all  other  frontier 
towns,  Epsom  was  exposed,  in  its 
early  settlement, to  the  Indians. 

Maj.  Andrew  M’Clary,  ana- 
tive  of  this  town,  fell  at  the  battle 
of  Breed’s  Hill,  June  17,  1775. 
Like  the  illustrious  Roman,  he  left 
his  plough  on  the  news  of  the  mas- 
sacre at  Lexington,  and  in  the  ac- 
tion when  he  lost  his  life  displayed 
great  coolness  and  bravery. 

Errol,  N.  II. 

Coos  co.  This  town  is  situated 
on  the  TV.  of  Umhagog  lake.  It 
contains  about  35,000  acres, of  which 
2,500  are  water.  Several  consider- 
able streams  here  unite  with  the 
Androscoggin.  Errol  was  granted 
Feb.  28,  1774,  to  Timothy  Ruggles 
and  others.  Population,  1830,  82. 
It  lies  about  30  miles  N.  N.  E.  from 
Lancaster. 

Erving,  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  This  township  re- 
mained unincorporated  until  April 
17,  1838.  Previously  it  had  been 
known  by  the  name  of  “ Erving’s 
Grant.”  It  is  bounded  S.  by  Mil- 
ler’s and  W.  by  Connecticut  rivers. 
Erving  contains  some  excellent 
land,  and  a great  water  power.  The 
year  previous  to  its  incorporation, 
the  manufactures  of  the  town,  con- 
sisting of  satinet,  boots,  shoes,  palm- 
leaf  hats,  &c.,  amounted  to  $35,- 
185.  Population,  1837,  292.  Er- 
12 


ving  lies  95  miles  N.  N.  TV.  from 
Boston,  and  10  E.  from  Greenfield. 

Essex  County,  Vt. 

Guildhall  is  the  county  town. 
This  county  is  bounded  N.  by  Low- 
er Canada,  W.  by  the  counties  of 
Orleans  and  Caledonia,  and  S.  and 
E.  by  Connecticut  river.  Area 
6S0  square  miles.  This  is  consid- 
ered the  poorest  county  in  the  state ; 
but  although  much  of  the  land  is 
hilly  and  mountainous,  there  is  con- 
siderable good  soil,  and  a large  por- 
tion of  it  is  well  adapted  for  grazing. 
There  were,  in  1836,  about  8,000 
sheep  in  the  county,  and  a consid- 
erable number  of  beef  cattle  and 
horses  were  sent  to  market.  The 
principal  streams  are  the  Nulhegan, 
wdiich  is  exclusively  in  Essex  coun- 
ty ; — the  Passumpsic,  Moose  and 
Clyde.  Incorporated,  1792.  Pop- 
ulation, 1820,  3,334;  1830,  3,981. 
About  6 inhabitants  to  a square 
mile. 

Essex  County,  Mass. 

Salem , Ipswich,  and  JYewbury- 
port  are  the  shire  towns.  This 
county  is  bounded  N.  TV.  by  Rock- 
ingham count)".  New  Hampshire, 
S.  TV.  by  Middlesex  county,  E.  and 
N.  E.  by  the  Atlantic  ocean,  and 
S.  E.  by  Massachusetts  bay.  There 
is  much  good  land  in  this  county, 
but  its  surface  is  rocky  and  uneven. 
It  has  an  extensive  sea  coast,  in- 
dented with  numerous  bays,  inlets, 
and  capacious  harbors.  It  is  more 
densely  populated  than  any  county 
olits  size  in  the  United  States.  It 
has  great  wealth,  and  its  commerce 
and  fisheries  are  unrivalled  by  any 
section  of  country,  of  its  extent,  on 
the  globe.  Population,  1820,  73,930; 
1830,82,887,  and  in  1837,  93,689. 
This  county  comprises  an  area  of 
360  square  miles  ; — the  number  of 
inhabitants  to  a square  mile  is  260. 
Essex  county,  although  of  stubborn 
soil,  has  many  very  delightful  farms, 
and  furnishes  great  quantities  of 
hay  and  vegetables  for  market.  It 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


has  many  beautiful  ponds  and  com- 
manding elevations,  and  its  sea- 
board is  the  delight  of  every  be- 
holder. However  fruitful  the  cit- 
izens may  have  rendered  the  soil 
by  their  industry,  this  county  is  es- 
sentially a commercial  and  manu- 
facturing section  of  New  England. 
The  tonnage  of  the  five  districts,  in 
1837,  was  85,933  tons.  The  amount 
of  manufactures,  for  the  year  end- 
ing April  1, 1837,  was  $10,216,300  ; 
and  the  amount  of  the  whale,  cod 
and  mackerel  fisheries,  amounted 
to  $1,378,144.  The  principal  riv- 
ers in  Essex  county  are  the  Merri- 
mack and  Shawsheen.  Essex  coun- 
ty was  incorporated  in  1643,  and  has 
given  birth  to  some  of  the  most  dis- 
tinguished merchants  in  the  United 
States.  Among  many  others  may 
be  mentioned  William  Gray, 
Israel  Thorndike,  and  Wil- 
liam Parsons. 


Essex,  Vt. 

Chittenden  co.  This  town  is  fine- 
ly watered  by  Onion  river  on  the 
S.  and  Brown’s  river,  a branch  of 
the  Lamoille,  on  the  N.  It  is  also 
watered  by  other  smaller  streams. 
At  Hubbell’s  falls,  on  Onion  river, 
are  admirable  mill  sites,  at  which  j 
are  manufactures  of  some  extent.  ' 
The  surface  of  the  town  is  level ; , 
a considerable  portion  of  the  soil  is  j 
dry  and  somewhat  sandy,  but  pro-  j 
duces  good  crops  of  corn  and  rye.  j 
Along  Onion  river  are  some  tracts  ■ 
of  beautiful  intervale.  Essex  was 
first  settled  in  1783.  It  lies  31  miles 
N.  W.  from  Montpelier,  and  8 N. 
N.  E.  from  Burlington.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  1,664. 

Essex,  Mass. 

Essex  co.  This  town  lies  at  the 
head  of  Chebacco  river,  running  in- 
to Squam  bay,  13  miles  N.  E.  from 
Boston,  and  5 miles  S.  E.  from  Ips- 
wich, from  which  it  was  taken  in 
1819.  Many  vessels  of  50  to  120 
tons  are  built  in  this  town,  and  ma- 
ny small  vessels  are  employed  in  the 


coasting  trade  and  the  fisheries. — 
The  manufactures  of  vessels,  leath- 
er, boots,  shoes,  bar  iron,  barrels, 
coidage,  pumps  and  blocks,  in  the 
jear  ending  April  1,  1837,  amount- 
ed to  $102,271.  The  tonnage  em- 
ployed in  the  cod  and  mackerel  fish- 
ery was  878  tons.  Population,  1837, 
1,402.  Essex  is  a pleasant  and 
flourishing  town. 

Etna,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  This  is  an  excel 
lent  farming  town  with  no  import- 
ant streams.  It  lies  63  miles  N.  E. 
from  Augusta,  17  W.  from  Bangor, 
and  bounded  by  Dixmont  on  the 
S.  Incorporated,  1820.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  362—1837,  626.  Etna 
is  fine  wheat  land  : it  produced,  in 
1837,  2,421  bushels. 

Exeter,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  Exeter  is  65  miles 
N.  N.  E.  from  Augusta,  and  25  S.W. 
from  Bangor.  It  was  incorporated  in 
1811.  Population,  1830,  1,438 — 
1837,  1,920.  At  the  “Four  Cor- 
ners,” in  the  northerly  part  of  the 
town,  is  a pleasant  village  with  con- 
siderable trade  and  some  mills.  The 
people  of  Exeter  in  1837,  with  a 
soil  not  above  mediocrity,  proved 
without  effort,  by  raising  12,058 
bushels  of  wheat,  that  the  state  of 
Maine  is  abundantly  able,  by  means 
within  itself,  to  supply  the  whole 
family  of  Yankees  with  bread  stuffs, 
and  have  some  to  spare  to  their 
western  brethren. 

Exeter,  K.  II. 

Rockingham  co.  This  beautiful 
town  lies  40  miles  S.  E.  by  E.  from 
Concord  and  14  S.  W.  from  Ports- 
mouth. The  compact  part  of  the 
town  lies  about  the  falls,  which  sep- 
arate the  fresh  from  the  tide  water 
of  a branch  of  the  Piscataqua,  call- 
ed by  the  natives  Swamscot,  and 
now  known  by  the  name  of  Exeter 
river.  Above  the  falls  this  stream 
assumes  the  name  of  Great  river, 
to  distinguish  it  from  one  of  its 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


smaller  branches,  called  Little  riv- 
er. Great  river  has  its  source  in 
Chester,  whence  it  runs  through 
several  towns  before  it  meets  the 
tide  water  in  the  centre  of  Exeter. 
On  this  river  are  many  valuable 
mill  privileges. 

The  Exeter  Cotton  Manufactur- 
ing Company  commenced  opera- 
tions April  1,  1830.  Their  princi- 
pal building  is  of  brick,  175  feet  by 
45.  They  have  5,000  spindles,  em- 
ploy 212  girls  and  40  men  and  boys. 
They  manufacture  annually  about 
1,400,000  yards  of  sheeting.  They 
consume  about  1,200  bales  of  cot- 
ton, 300  cords  of  wood  and  22,500 
pounds  of  potatoe  starch  annually. 
They  have  a steam  engine,  40  horse 
power,  to  operate  when  the  water 
power  fails.  This  probably  con- 
sumes annually  about  150  chaldrons 
of  Sidney  coal.  The  capital  invest- 
ed in  lands,  buildings,  machinery, 
&c.  is  about  $210,000. 

A powder  mill  has  been  in  ope- 
ration about  two  years,  and  will 
manufacture  from  130  to  150  tons 
of  powder  annually. 

The  manufacture  of  potatoe  starch 
was  commenced  in  1S24.  The  es- 
tablishment has  been  twice  burnt, 
but  is  rebuilt  with  brick,  and  starch 
is  now  manufactured  from  wheat  as 
well  as  from  potatoes.  The  amount 
of  sales  of  starch  and  gum  is  about 
$10,000  annually. 

In  the  westerly  part  of  the  town 
is  a paper  mill,  which  manufactures 
paper  to  the  value  of  $20,000  an- 
nually. The  manufacture  of  books, 
blank  books,  &c.  in  Exeter,  is  very 
extensive.  About  $100,000  value 
of  shoes  and  boots  are  made  annu- 
ally, and  a large  amount  of  leather. 
There  are  also  establishments  for 
the  manufacture  of  morocco  leath- 
er, carriages,  of  various  kinds, 
brushes,  tin  and  pottery  wares. 
The  soil  of  Exeter  is  in  general 
good,  though  comprehending  every 
variety,  from  that  of  the  best  quali- 
ty to  the  least  productive.  Like 
most  towns  in  the  state,  it  is  essen- 


tially agricultural,  and  the  improve- 
ment in  the  style  of  husbandry 
has  been  very  great.  The  number 
of  industrious  and  enterprising  me- 
chanics, to  whom  Exeter  is  indebt- 
ed for  her  prosperity,  is  very  rapid- 
ly increasing.  See  Register. 

Phillips’  academy,  in  Exeter,  was 
founded  by  the  liberal  donations  of 
John  Phillips,  LL.  D.,in  1781,  who 
at  his  death,  in  1795,  bequeathed  to 
the  institution  a large  portion  of  hi3 
estate. 

Benjamin"  Abbott,  LL.  D. 
has  discharged  the  duties  of  princi- 
pal with  distinguished  ability  for 
more  than  fifty  years.  The  build- 
ing stands  on  a plain,  near  the  cen- 
tre of  the  town,  and  is  well  provid- 
ed with  accommodations  for  the 
different  branches  of  instruction, 
and  a large  hall  for  declamation  and 
the  annual  exhibitions. 

The  settlement  of  Exeter  com- 
menced in  1638,  by  John  Wheel- 
wright and  others, who  formed  them- 
selves into  a body  politic,chose  their 
magistrates,  and  bound  the  people  to 
obedience.  Their  laws  were  made 
in  popular  assemblies  ; and  the  com- 
bination thus  entered  into  subsisted 
about  three  years.  From  1675  to 
1712,  Exeter,  like  most  of  the  early 
settlements,  suffered  from  the  at- 
tacks of  the  Indians. 

Hon.  Samuel  Tenney,  M.  D 
was  an  original  member  of  the  N. 
H.  Medical  Society,  its  vice  pre- 
sident several  years,  and  a mem- 
ber of  congress  in  1800  and  1804. 

^Gen.  Nathaniel  Peabody 
was  an  original  member  of  the  N. 
H.  medical  society ; was  a member 
of  the  old  congress ; a senator  of 
the  N.  H.  legislature  in  1792  ; and 
speaker  of  the  house  in  1793. 

Hon.  Nicholas  Gilman  wTas 
a member  of  the  old  congress,  and 
a senator  in  congress  from  1805  to 
his  death  in  1814. 

Gen.  Nathaniel  Folsom  was 
a member  of  the  old  congress,  and 
a valuable  revolutionary  officer. 

Hon.  Jeremiah  Smith,  a na- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


live  of  Peterborough,  was  one  of 
the  first  representatives  to  congress 
under  the  Federal  government,  was 
appointed  Judge  of  S.  C.  of  N.  H. 
in  1802,  was  chief  justice,  and  con- 
tinued such  till  1809,  when  he  was 
elected  governor.  He  was  appoint- 
ed chief  justice  of  S.  J.  C.  in  1813. 

Hon.  J ohjt  Taylor  Gilman-, 
a descendant  of  one  of  the  princi- 
pal settlers  at  Exeter,  was  an  active 
supporter  of  the  revolution  ; a mem- 
ber of  the  old  congress  ; filled  at 
times  the  offices  of  representative 
and  state  treasurer;  and  for  four- 
teen years,  between  1794  and  1816, 
was  governor  of  the  state. 

Exeter  has  at  all  periods  of  its 
history  possessed  eminent  and  use- 
ful men  ; and  some  of  the  first  law- 
yers and  jurists,  antiquarians  and 
scholars,  have  received  their  early 
education  at  its  literary  institution. 
Population,  1830,  2,759. 

Exeter,  11.  I. 

Washington  co.  This  is  an  agri- 
cultural and  manufacturing  town, 
situated  24  miles  S.  W.‘  from  Provi- 
dence, and  from  its  centre  about  10 
miles  N.  W.  from  South  Kingston. 
The  town  is  very  large,  being  12  by 
5 miles.  The  surface  is  much  di- 
versified by  hills  and  valleys  ; the 
soil  is  a gravelly  loam,  and  very 
productive  of  all  the  varieties  com- 
mon to  the  climate.  The  products 
of  the  dairy  are  considerable. — 
Branches  of  Wood  river  give  this 
town  a good  water  power,  which 
is  well  improved  by  cotton  mills  and 
other  manufactories.  Exeter  was 
incorporated  in  1743.  Population, 
1830,  2,383. 

Fairfax,  Vt. 

Franklin  co.  Bounded  S.  by  La- 
moille river : 37  miles  N.  W.  from 
Montpelier,  and  12  S.  E.  from  St. 
Albans.  First  settled,  1763.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  1,729.  By  Parme- 
lee’s  and  Stone’s  brooks.  Brown’s 
river,  and  the  Lamoille,  this  town 
enjoys  a good  water  power.  The 


falls  on  Lamoille  river,  at  this  place, 
are  singular  and  worthy  of  the  tra 
veller’s  notice.  The  land  is  gene- 
rally level  and  of  a good  quality. 
A considerable  amount  of  agricul- 
tural products  is  sent  to  market,  and 
about  6,000  sheep  are  reared.  There 
are  some  manufactures  at  the  falls. 
Fairfax  is  a place  of  considerable 
business. 

Fairfield,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  This  beautiful  town- 
ship is  located  on  the  W.  side  of 
Kennebec  river,  and  S.  of  Bloom- 
field. Fairfield  is  the  most  south- 
ern township  in  the  county.  It  is 
watered  by  a small  stream  running 
into  the  Kennebec,  and  by  a branch 
of  Waterville  river.  This  town  is 
favored  with  a fine  soil,  and  naviga- 
ble privileges  to  Augusta.  It  has 
a pleasant  village,  considerable 
trade,  and,  in  1837,  produced  11,- 
531  bushels  of  wheat,  and  a large 
quantity  of  wool.  Population,  1837, 
2,203.  Distant  from  Augusta,  26 
miles  N.,  and  from  Norridgewock, 
10  S.  E.  Incorporated,  178S. 

Fairfield,  Vt. 

Franklin  co.  This  town  was  first 
settled  in  1789.  It  is  well  watered 
by  Smithfield  pond,  Fairfield  river. 
Black  creek,  and  branches  of  Mis- 
sisque  river,  and  abounds  in  mill 
sites.  Fairfield  has  a good  strong 
soil  and  generally  suitable  for  cul- 
tivation. It  is  a pleasant  place,  with 
some  trade  and  considerable  manu- 
factures. It  produces  good  beef 
cattle  and  horses,  and  pastures  about 
7,000  sheep.  Population,  1830,  2,- 
270.  Fairfield  lies  45  miles  N.  W. 
from  Montpelier,  27  N.  N.  E.  from 
Burlington,  and  is  bounded  W.  by 
St.  Albans. 

Fairfield  County,  Ct. 

Fairfield  and  Danbury  are  the 
shire  towns.  This  county  is  bound- 
ed N.  by  Litchfield  county,  N.  E. 
and  E.  by  Housatonick  river,  S.  E. 
and  S.  by  Long  Island  Sound,  and 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


W.  by  the  state  of  New  York.  This 
is  a tine  farming  section  of  coun- 
try, agreeably  diversified  in  regard 
to  surface,  with  a strong  fertile  soil, 
and  possesses  great  natural  agricul- 
tural resources.  Fairfield  county 
extends  nearly  40  miles  on  Long- 
Island  Sound,  and  enjoys  great  fa- 
cilities for  navigation  and  the  fish- 
eries. The  beautiful  Housatonick 
washes  its  northeastern  boundary, 
and  the  Saugatuck,  Norwalk,  Mill, 
Pequonuck  and  other  rivers  afford 
it  an  ample  water  power.  The  man- 
ufacturing interests  of  the  county 
are  valuable  and  increasing.  It 
contains  many  villages  of  superior 
beauty,  and  abounds  in  scenery  of 
an  interesting  character.  First  set- 
tled, 1639.  Area,  630  square  miles. 
Population,  1820,  42,739;  1330, 
46,950  ; 75  inhabitants  to  a square 
mile.  In  1837  there  were  in  this 
county  about  22,000  sheep. 

Fairfield,  Ct. 

Shire  town,  Fairfield  co.  This 
ancient  and  patriotic  town  compris- 
es three  parishes,  Fairfield , the 
seat  of  justice,  Green’s  Farms  and 
Greenfield.  Fairfield  lies  21  miles 
S.  TV.  from  New  Haven,  and  58  N. 
E.  from  New  York.  Population, 
1830,  4,246.  Its  Indian  name  was 
Unquowa.  The  surface  of  the 
town  is  undulating  and  very  plea- 
sant. The  soil  is  fertile,  well  cul- 
tivated and  productive  of  wheat  and 
rye,  and  a great  variety  of  fruits 
and  vegetables  for  New  York  mar- 
ket. Black  Rock  harbor  is  safe  and 
easy  of  entrance  for  vessels  draw- 
ing 19  feet  of  water  at  common  tides. 
The  tide  usually  rises  in  Long  Isl- 
and Sound  about  5 feet.  There  is 
but  little  water  power  in  Fairfield, 
except  that  produced  by  the  tide. 
The  tonnage  of  Fairfield  district, 
in  1837,  was  11,988  tons.  The  prin- 
cipal business  in  navigation  is  the 
coasting  trade. 

In  the  year  1637,  the  tract  of 
country  which  now  forms  the  town 
of  Fairfield  was  discovered  by  cap- 
12* 


tain  Mason  and  the  troops  of  Mas- 
sachusetts and  Connecticut  under 
his  command,  when  they  pursued 
the  Pequots  to  the  swamp  in  this 
town,  bearing  the  name  of  “ Pequot 
Swamp.”  This  is  the  spot  made 
memorable  by  the  great  fight  that 
took  place  there,  between  those 
troops  and  the  Pequots,  terminating 
in  the  almost  entire  destruction  of 
that  once  powerful  and  warlike  na- 
tion of  savages.  There  are  no  In- 
dian marks  left  by  which  this 
swamp  can  be  traced  as  the  place 
of  their  extermination,  except  a 
mound  of  earth  in  the  centre  of  it, 
considered  as  a place  of  safety,  evi- 
dently the  effect  of  art,  with  a rais- 
ed foot  path  leading  from  it  to  the 
surrounding  high  grounds.  In  that 
expedition  this  region  attracted  the 
notice  of  adventurers.  In  the  year 
1639  a few  families  removed  hither 
from  Windsor,  commenced  a settle- 
ment, and,  in  a short  period  after- 
wards, were  joined  by  several  per- 
sons from  Watertown  and  Concord, 
Mass.  After  Connecticut  obtained 
her  charter,  the  general  assembly 
granted  these  people  a patent,  then 
including  the  towns  now  Reading 
and  WTeston. 

Fairfield  is  distinguished  for  its 
ardent  attachment  to  American  lib- 
erty, and  for  its  sacrifices  during  the 
contest  for  independence.  In  1779, 
when  Tryon,  a British  governor,  de- 
manded a surrender  of  the  town, 
under  a threat  of  its  destruction, 
the  answer  of  the  inhabitants  was, 
“«We  will  never  voluntarily  lay 
down  our  arms  till  we  have  obtained 
the  object  for  which  they  have  been 
taken  up.  The  village  is  in  your 
power;  plunder  and  burn  it  if  you 
will,  and  take  along  with  your  plun- 
der the  infamy  of  which  it  cannot 
be  divested.” 

“ On  the  7th  July,  1779,  gover- 
ernor  Tryon,  with  a large  and 
vengeful  army,  sailed  from  New 
Haven  to  Fairfield;  and  the  next 
morning  disembarked  upon  the 
beach.  A few  militia  assembled  to 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


oppose  them ; and,  in  a desultory, 
scattered  manner,  fought  with  great 
intrepidity  through  most  of  the  day. 
They  killed  some  ; took  several  pri- 
soners; and  wounded  more.  But 
the  expedition  was  so  sudden  and 
unexpected,  that  the  efforts,  made 
in  this  manner,  were  necessarily 
fruitless.  The  town  was  plunder- 
ed ; a great  part  of  the  houses,  to- 
gether with  the  two  churches,  the 
court  house,  jail,  and  school  houses, 
were  burnt.  The  barns  had  been 
just  filled  with  wheat,  and  other 
produce.  The  inhabitants,  there- 
fore, were  turned  out  into  the  world, 
almost  literally  destitute. 

“ While  the  town  was  in  flames, 
a thunder  storm  overspread  the  hea- 
vens, just  as  night  came  on.  The 
conflagration  of  near  two  hundred 
houses  illumined  the  earth,  the 
skirts  of  the  clouds,  and  the  waves 
of  the  Sound,  with  an  union  of 
gloom  and  grandeur,  at  once  inex- 
pressibly awful  and  magnificent. 
The  sky  speedily  was  hung  with 
the  deepest  darkness,  wherever  the 
clouds  were  not  tinged  by  the  mel- 
ancholy lustre  of  the  flames.  At 
intervals  the  lightnings  blazed  with 
a livid  and  terrible- splendor.  The 
thunder  rolled  above.  Beneath, 
the  roaring  of  the  fires  filled  up  the 
intervals  with  a deep  and  hollow 
sound,  which  seemed  to  be  the  pro- 
tracted murmur  of  the  thunder,  re- 
verberated from  one  end  of  heaven 
to  the  other.  Add  to  this  convul- 
sion of  the  elements,  and  these 
dreadful  effects  of  vindictive  and 
wanton  devastation,  the  trembling 
of  the  earth ; the  sharp  sound  of 
muskets,  occasionally  discharged ; 
the  groans,  here  and  there,  of  the 
wounded  and  dying ; and  the  shouts 
of  triumph : then  place  before  your 
eyes  crowds  of  the  miserable  suf- 
ferers, mingled  with  bodies  of  the 
militia,  and  from  the  neighboring 
hills  taking  a farewell  prospect  of 
their  property  and  their  dwellings, 
their  happiness  and  their  hopes ; 
and  you  will  form  a just  but  imper- 


fect picture  of  the  burning  of  Fair- 
field.  It  needed  no  great  effort  of 
imagination  to  believe  that  the  final 
day  had  arrived ; and  that  amid 
this  funeral  darkness,  the  morning 
would  speedily  dawn,  to  which  no 
night  would  ever  succeed ; the 
graves  yield  up  their  inhabitants ; 
and  the  trial  commence,  at  which 
was  to  be  finally  settled  the  destiny 
of  man. 

“ The  next  morning  the  troops 
re-embarked;  and,  proceeding  to 
Green’s  Farms,  set  fire  to  the 
church,  and  consumed  it ; together 
with  fifteen  dwelling  houses,  elev- 
en barns,  and  several  stores.” 

Faixliaven,  Vt. 

Rutland  co.  First  settled,  1779. 
Population,  1830,  675.  The  soil  is 
generally  productive,  particularly 
along  the  banks  of  the  streams.  It 
is  watered  by  Castleton  and  Poult- 
ney  rivers,  the  former  of  which  re- 
ceives the  waters  of  lake  Bomba- 
zine, a large  pond  between  Fair- 
haven  and  Castleton.  On  these 
streams  are  considerable  falls,  and 
mill  sites.  Fairhaven  lies  16  miles 
W.  from  Rutland,  and  9 N.  E.  from 
Whitehall,  N.  Y. 

Fairhaven,  Mass. 

Bristol  co.  This  pleasant  town 
was  taken  from  New  Bedford,  in 
1812.  It  lies  across  Acushnett 
river,  about  a mile  east  of  New 
Bedford.  It  is  united  to  New  Bed- 
ford by  abridge  3,960  feet  in  length, 
and  is  associated  with  it  in  many  of 
its  enterprises.  First  settled,  1764. 
Population,  1830,  3,034;  1837, 

3,649.  There  are  37  vessels  be- 
longing to  this  place  engaged  in 
the  whale  fishery,  the  tonnage  of 
which  is  11,564  tons.  The  value 
of  whale  oil  and  bone  imported  in- 
to this  place  the  year  ending  April 
1,  1837,  was  $322,272.  The  num- 
ber of  hands  employed  in  the  fish- 
ery was  945.  Capital  invested, 
$957,000.  The  Acushnett  produ- 
ces some  water  power, on  which  are 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


two  cotton  mills,  a paper  mill,  and 
other  operations  by  water.  The 
value  of  cotton  goods,  leather,  boots, 
shoes,  tin  ware,  vessels,  salt,  wood- 
en ware,  chairs  and  cabinet  ware 
manufactured, amounted  to  $40,363. 

Fairlee,  Vt. 

Orange  co.  A rough  and  moun- 
tainous township,  with  very  little 
productive  land,  on  the  west  side  of 
Connecticut  river,  and  connected 
with  Orford,  N.  H.  by  a bridge 
across  that  river.  First  settled, 
1768.  Population,  1S30,  656.  This 
town  lies  about  17  miles  E.  S.  E. 
from  Chelsea,  and  31  S.  E.  from 
Montpelier. 

Fairlee  pond  is  two  miles  in  length 
and  about  three  fourths  of  a mile 
wide.  It  formerly  had  no  fish. 
Some  years  ago  a gentleman  placed 
some  pickerel  in  it,  and  the  legisla- 
ture passed  a law  protecting  the 
fish  from  molestation  for  two  years. 
Since  that  time  the  pond  has  had 
an  abundance  of  pickerel  of  good 
size  and  quality. 

Fall  River,  Mass. 

Bristol  co.  This  town  took  the 
name  of  Troy,  in  1803.  It  was  for- 
merly a part  of  Freetown.  In  1834, 
the  name  was  changed  to  that  of 
the  river  within  its  borders,  at  the 
union  of  which  and  Taunton  river 
the  town  is  very  pleasantly  situa- 
ted. This  town  is  without  a paral- 
lel on  the  continent  of  America,  in 
regard  to  the  union  of  hydraulic 
powers  and  navigable  facilities. 
Fall  river  rises  in  Wattuppa  ponds ; 
one  of  which  is  11  miles  in  length 
and  1 in  breadth.  These  ponds  are 
produced  by  perpetual  springs,  and 
lie  about  two  miles  east  of  the  town. 
The  descent  of  this  rieer  is  136 
feet.  The  volume  of  water  is  con- 
stant, not  liable  to  excess,  and  of 
sufficient  power  for  the  largest  man- 
ufactories. 

The  harbor  on  Taunton  river  is 
safe  and  easy  of  access,  and  of  suf- 
ficient depth  of  water  for  the  larg- 


est ships.  Six  ships  from  this  port 
are  engaged  in  the  whale  fishery. 
It  has  also  some  merchant  and  coast- 
ing vessels.  A marine  rail-way  was 
constructed  here  in  1834. 

This  town  has  an  abundance  of 
fine  granite,  equal  to  the  Quincy. 
A rail-road  is  in  progress  to  meet  the 
Boston  and  Providence,  at  Seekonk, 
13  miles. 

The  Pocasset  Hotel,  belonging 
to  a company  of  gentlemen,  is  a 
splendid  building,  constructed  in 
1833.  No  house  in  the  country  af- 
fords better  accommodations.  A 
regular  steamboat  line  is  establish- 
ed between  this  place  and  Provi- 
dence : — distance,  by  water,  28 
miles. 

The  value  of  the  manufactures 
of  Fall  River  for  the  year  ending 
April  1,  1837,  amounted  to  $2,863,- 
378,  exclusive  of  large  manufac- 
tures of  machinery,  iron  hoops  and 
rods,  stoves,  brass,  copper,  and  tin 
wares.  The  ten  cotton  mills  pro- 
duced 7,767,614  yards  of  cloth,  val- 
ued at  $668,028.  The  woolen  mill 
produced  150,000  yards  of  cloth, 
valued  at  $180,000.  The  other  ar- 
ticles manufactured  consisted  of 
leather,  boots,  shoes,  iron  castings, 
hats,  nails,  chairs,  cabinet  ware 
and  vessels.  The  two  print  works 
printed  twelve  million  yards  of  cal- 
ico. The  number  of  hands  em- 
ployed in  all  the  factories  was  1,819. 
The  product  of  the  whale  fishery, 
the  same  year,  was  $68,700.  Hands 
employed  in  the  fishery,  120. 

Fall  River  lies  49  miles  S.  from 
"Boston,  17  S.  from  Taunton,  14  W. 
from  New  Bedford,  18  S.  E.  from 
Providence,  R.  I.  and  190  E.  from 
New  York.  Population,  in  1820, 
1,594;  1830,  4,159  ; 1S37,  6,352.— 
The  surface  of  Fall  River  is  eleva- 
ted, rough  and  uneven,  and  consid- 
ered a healthy  location  for  a manu- 
facturing town. 

Falmoutli,  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  This  is  a pleas- 
ant town  at  the  head  of  Casco  bay. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


6 miles  N.  from  Portland,  and  47  S. 
W.  from  Augusta.  It  is  watered 
by  Presumscut  river, and  has  a num- 
ber of  vessels  employed  in  coasting 
and  fishing.  The  soil  on  the  whole 
coast  of  Maine  is  not  so  fertile  as  in 
the  interior  parts  of  the  state,  yet 
Falmouth  comprises  a considerable 
quantity  of  good  land.  The  town 
was  incorporated  as  early  as  1718, 
and  included  the  territory  of  the 
city  of  Portland  until  1786.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  2,068. 

Falmouth,  Mass. 

Barnstable  co.  A pleasant  town  on 
Vineyard  Sound.  There  are  belong- 
ing to  this  town  9 whale-ships,  and 
about  40  sail  in  the  coasting  trade  and 
fishery.  Two  streams  afford  a wa- 
ter power,  on  which  are  two  wool- 
en mills  and  other  manufactories. 
There  are  about  40  ponds  in  this 
town,  some  salt  and  some  fresh  : — 
these,  with  the  views  of  the  islands 
in  the  Sound,  form  a variety  of 
agreeable  scenery.  “Wood’s  Hole” 
harbor,  at  the  S.  W.  extremity  of 
the  town,  is  a good  harbor  and 
much  frequented  by  vessels,  and  by 
invalids  in  search  of  health.  The 
value  of  oil  imported  into  Falmouth, 
the  year  ending  April  1,  1837, 
amounted  to  $146,600.  The  value 
of  vessels,  salt,  woolen  goods,  boots, 
shoes  and  leather,  manufactured  the 
same  year,  was  $58,657.  Falmouth 
lies  71  miles  S.  E.  by  E.  from  Bos- 
ton, and  22  S.  W.  from  Barnstable. 
“ Woods’  Hole  ” is  4 miles  W.  from 
the  centre  of  the  town ; and 
“ Holmes’  Hole”  harbor,  on  Mar- 
tha’s Vineyard,  is  6 miles  S.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837, 2,580.  Incorporated, 
1636. 

Farmington,  Me. 

County  town  of  Franklin  co.  This 
very  beautiful  town  lies  29  miles 
N.  W.  from  Augusta,  and  is  water- 
ed by  Sandy  and  Little  Norridge- 
wock  rivers.  At  the  union  of  these 
rivers  are  excellent  mill  privileges, 
and  a delightful  village,  the  seat 


of  justice.  Farther  up  the  Sandy, 
about  5 miles,  is  another  beautiful 
village,  the  seat  of  a flourishing 
academy.  The  soil  of  Farmington 
being  of  a superior  quality,  the 
inhabitants  are  induced  to  devote 
much  attention  to  agricultural  pur- 
suits ; yet  it  is  a place  of  some  man- 
ufactures, and  considerable  trade  in 
lumber  and  other  merchandize. 
The  agricultural  products  of  Farm- 
ington are  various  and  valuable. 
In  1837  it  produced  12,406  bushels 
of  as  good  wheat  as  ever  grew  on 
the  banks  of  the  Ohio.  Incorporat- 
ed, 1794.  Population,  1837,  2,507. 

Farmington,  N.  II., 

Strafford  co.,  was  formerly  a part 
of  Rochester,  but  was  incorporated 
as  a distinct  town,  Dec.  1,  1798. 
It  lies  36  miles  E.  N.  E.  from  Con- 
cord, and  17  N.  W.  by  N.  from 
Dover.  The  Cocheco  meanders 
through  the  N.  E.  part  of  the  town. 
The  Blue  hills  or  Frost  mountains 
extend  nearly  through  the  town 
under  different  names.  From  the 
summit  of  the  ridge  in  the  S.  E. 
part,  ships  may  be  seen  by  the  na- 
ked eye  off  Portsmouth  harbor  ; 
while  to  the  N.  and  W.  the  White 
Hills  and  the  Monadnock,  with  hun- 
dreds of  smaller  mountains,  meet 
the  eye  of  the  beholder.  There  is, 
not  far  from  the  village  in  Farm- 
ington, a rock  supposed  to  weigh 
from  60  to  80  tons,  so  exactly  pois- 
ed on  other  rocks,  that  it  may  be 
caused  to  vibrate  several  inches  by 
the  hand.  At  the  bank  of  the  Co- 
checo, a little  more  than  a mile  S. 
E.  from  the  principal  village,  is  a 
place  called  the  Dock,  so  named 
from  the  circumstance  that  the  first 
settlers  usually  deposited  their  lum- 
ber here  to  be  floated  down  the  riv- 
er. This  name  is  some  times  igno- 
rantly applied  to  the  village. 

Hon.  Aaron  W ingate,  for  ma- 
ny years  a member  of  the  legisla- 
ture, a counsellor  from  1797  to  1803, 
and  for  sometime  chief-justice  of 
the  common  pleas  in  Strafford,  died 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


here  in  1822,  aged  78  years.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  1,465. 

Farmington,  Ct. 

Hartford  co.  The  first  settlers 
of  this  town  were  from  Hartford, 
being  emigrants  from  the  neighbor- 
hood of  Boston,  Mass.  They  loca- 
ted themselves,  in  1640,  on  the  lux- 
uriant meadows  of  the  Tunxis,  or 
Farmington  river,  10  miles  W.  from 
Hartford.  The  township  was  pur- 
chased of  the  Tunxis  Indians,  a nu- 
merous and  warlike  tribe.  At  its 
incorporation,  in  1645,  the  township 
comprised  fifteen  miles  square  ; 
since  which  the  pleasant  towns  of 
Southington,  Berlin,  Bristol,  Bur- 
lington and  Avon  have  been  taken 
from  the  original  territory  of  Farm- 
ington. 

Farmington  river  rises  in  the  high 
lands  in  the  N.  part  of  Litchfield 
county,  and  after  meandering  de- 
lightfully through  the  towns  of 
New  Hartford  and  Burlington,  in  a 
S.  E.  direction,  it  changes  its  course 
at  Farmington  to  the  N.,  and  pass- 
ing Avon  and  Simsbury  to  the  bor- 
der of  Granby,  it  again  turns  ab- 
ruptly to  the  E.  and  meets  the  Con- 
necticut at  Windsor.  This  is  a 
beautiful  and  fertilizing  stream,  and 
gives  to  the  towns  through  which 
it  passes,  but  particularly  to  Farm- 
ington, large  tracts  of  rich  alluvial 
meadows. 

Farmington  village  is  a delight- 
ful place,  on  an  elevated  plain,  sur- 
rounded by  high  hills.  The  street 
is  about  two  miles  in  length,  beau- 
tifully shaded,  and  contains,  be- 
sides two  churches  and  an  acade- 
my, about  100  neat  dwelling  houses, 
some  of  which  are  tasteful  and  ele- 
gant. The  Farmington  canal  pass- 
es through  the  village. 

Round  Hill , in  the  meadows, 
near  the  village,  is  a natural  curi- 
osity. It  rises  abruptly,  to  the 
height  of  60  feet,  is  nearly  circular 
in  its  form  and  covers  12  acres.  It 
is  thought  that  this  hill  was  former- 
ly an  island  in  the  centre  of  a lake. 


which  covered  the  whole  of  the 
present  meadows.  The  population 
of  Farmington  has  varied  but  little 
from  2,000  within  the  last  30  years. 

Fayette,  Me. 

Kennebec  co.  This  town  con- 
tains some  beautiful  ponds  and  is 
the  source  of  a branch  of  Sandy 
river.  It  lies  17  miles  W.  N.  W. 
from  Augusta,  and  is  bounded  E.  by 
Readfield.  Incorporated,  1795. — 
Population,  1837,  1,006.  This  is  a 
good  township  of  land  ; it  produced, 
in  1837,  4,438  bushels  of  wheat  and 
some  wool. 

Fayston,  Vt. 

Washington  co.  Fayston  is  gen- 
erally too  mountainous  to  be  much 
cultivated.  Along  the  borders  of 
some  of  the  branches  of  Mad  river, 
which  rise  here,  is  some  arable 
land.  It  lies  16  miles  W.  S.  W. 
from  Montpelier,  and  25  S.  E.  from 
Burlington.  First  settled,  1798. 
Population,  1830,  458. 

Ferdinand,  Vt. 

Essex  co.  This  town  was  char- 
tered in  1761,  and  contains  23 
square  miles;  it  is  bounded  S. 
E.  by  Maidstone.  Paul’s  stream 
affords  it  a good  water  power,  but 
the  land  is  so  mountainous,  rocky, 
cold  and  swampy  that  people  do  not 
choose  to  cultivate  it. 

Ferrisfcnrgli,  Vt. 

Addison  co.  This  township  pos- 
sesses a good  soil,  an  excellent  wa- 
ter power  by  Otter,  Little  Otter 
and  Lewis  creeks ; and  navigable 
privileges  on  the  waters  of  the  out- 
lets of  those  creeks  and  lake  Cham- 
plain. Basin  Harbor  in  this  town 
is  deep  and  well  protected  from 
winds,  and  is  a place  of  consider- 
able navigation  and  commercial  im- 
portance. Across  the  lake  to  Essex, 
N.  Y.  is  about  two  miles.  Large 
crops  of  grain  are  produced  here, 
and  Ferrisburgh  is  noted  for  its  fine 
butter,  cheese,  pork,  and  fat  cattle. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


There  are  some  woolen  and  other 
manufactures  on  its  streams,  and 
about  10,000  sheep  graze  in  its  pas- 
tures. Large  quantities  of  fish  are 
annually  taken  in  the  season  of 
spring.  First  settled,  1784.  Pop- 
D la  ion,  1830,  1,822.  Ferrisburgh 
lies  10  miles  S.  from  Burlington, 
16  N.  W.  from  Middlebury,  and  34 
Vv'.  from  Montpelier. 

Fitcliburgh,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  township 
was  first  granted  by  “ the  Great 
and  General  Court  of  His  Majesty’s 
Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay, 
Nov.  4,  1719.”  The  township  thus 
granted  included  the  territory  of 
some  of  the  neighboring  towns. 
The  town  was  incorporated  in  1764. 
A large  branch  of  the  Nashua  and 
two  smaller  streams  pass  through 
the  town,  and  afford  it  an  extensive 
and  constant  water  power.  Over 
the  Nashua,  in  the  distance  of  two 
miles,  are  eleven  dams  for  the  ac- 
commodation of  manufactories.  This 
is  a very  flourishing  town,  and  ex- 
hibits in  a striking  manner  the  ef- 
fect of  water  power  on  the  increase, 
wealth  and  respectability  of  many 
of  our  interior  towns.  There  are 
many  valuable  mill  sites  at  this 
place  still  unimproved.  In  the 
immediate  vicinity  of  the  principal 
village  is  an  immense  quarry  of  ex- 
cellent granite.  This  town  lies  47 
miles  W.  N.  W.  from  Boston,  24  N. 
from  Worcester,  30  W.  by  S.  from 
Lowell,  and  60  N.  E.  from  Spring- 
field.  There  are  in  Fitchburgh  4 
cotton,  3 woolen,  and  2 paper  mills. 
The  manufactures  for  the  year  end- 
ing April  1,  1837,  amounted  to 
$429,640.  The  manufactures  con- 
sisted of  cotton  and  woolen  goods, 
paper,  leather,  boots,  shoes,  hats, 
scythes,  bellows,  palm-leaf  hats, 
straw  bonnets,  chairs,  tin  and  cab- 
inet wares.  The  surface  of  the 
town  is  hilly,  but  the  soil  is  strong 
and  productive.  Population,  1830, 
2,169;  1837,2,662. 


Fitz  william,  N.  II. 

Cheshire  co.  Fitzwilliam  lies  13 
miles  S.  E.  from  Keene,  60  S.  W. 
from  Concord,  and  65  N.  W.  from 
Boston.  Camp  and  Priest  brooks, 
running  in  a S.  direction,  are  the 
principal  streams.  South  pond,  230 
rods  long  and  of  various  width , 
Sip’s  pond,  200  rods  long  and  100 
wide ; Rockwood’s  pond  and  Col- 
lin’s pond,  are  the  only  natural  col- 
lections of  watej*.  The  surface  of 
this  town  is  hilly  : the  soil  is  rocky. 
There  is  a considerable  quantity  of 
very  productive  and  highly  valua- 
ble meadow  land.  The  soil  is  suit- 
able for  grazing  and  tillage.  Beef, 
pork,  butter  and  cheese  are  the  sta- 
ples. The  farmers  have  of  late  turn- 
ed their  attention  to  the  raising  of 
sheep.  Near  the  centre  of  the  town 
is  a large  hill,  remarkable  for  the 
beautifully  romantic  prospect  it  af- 
fords. Gap  mountain,  which  at  a 
distance,  appears  to  be  a part  of  the 
Monadnock,  and  on  which  are  found 
various  kinds  of  stones  suitable  for 
whetstones,  lies  partly  in  Troy  and 
partly  in  the  N.  E.  part  of  Fitz- 
william. Population,  1830,  1,229. 

Fletclier,  Vt. 

Franklin  co.  There  are  some 
small  streams  in  this  town  and  some 
manufacturing  operations.  The  soil 
is  broken,  hard,  and  not  very  pro- 
ductive. It  lies  22  miles  N.  N.  E 
from  Montpelier, and  about  18  S.  E 
from  St.  Albans.  Population,  1830, 
793. 

Florida,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  A mountainous 
township,  125  miles  W.  by  N.  from 
Boston,  27  N.  N.  E.  from  Lenox, 
and  7 E.  from  Adams.  Florida  is 
watered  by  Deerfield  river,  and  ex- 
hibits some  fine  Alpine  scenery. 
Population,  1837,  457.  Inc.  1805. 

Foster,  R.  I. 

Providence  co.  This  is  a large  ag- 
ricultural and  manufacturing  town* 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


finely  watered  by  Hemlock  brook, 
Ponongansett  and  Moosup  rivers. 
The  surface  of  the  town,  in  many 
parts,  is  rough  and  uneven,  but  the 
soil  is  well  calculated  for  the  pro- 
ductions of  the  dairy.  In  the  west- 
ern part  are  extensive  forests  of  val- 
uable timber.  There  are  a number 
of  pleasant  villages  on  the  borders 
of  the  numerous  streams,  most  of 
which  are  largely  engaged  in  manu- 
facturing operations,  particularly  of 
cotton.  Foster  was  first  settled  in 
1717;  incorporated  in  1781,  and 
named  in  compliment  to  the  Hon. 
Theodore  Foster,  formerly  a 
senator  of  the  United  States.  It  lies 
15  miles  W.  by  S.  from  Providence, 
and  50  E.  from  Hartford,  Ct.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  2,672. 

Foxborough,  Mass. 

Norfolk  co.  This  town  was  tak- 
en from  Dorchester  in  1778.  It  is 
watered  by  Rumford  and  Cocasset 
rivers,  branches  of  the  Taunton,  on 
which  are  mills  of  various  kinds. 
The  manufactures  of  Foxborough 
the  year  ending  April  1,  1837, 
amounted  to  $231,136: — they  con- 
sisted of  cotton  and  woolen  goods, 
boots,  shoes,  leather,  iron  castings, 
straw  bonnets,  shovels,  spades,  hoes 
and  forks.  Foxborough  lies  24 
miles  S.  S.W.  from  Boston, 15  S.  from 
Dedham,  and  18  E.  N.  E.  from 
Providence,  R.  I.  Population,  1830, 
1,099;  1837,1,416. 

Foxcroft,  Me. 

Piscataquis  co.  This  town  is  sit- 
uated on  the  north  side  of  Piscata- 
quis river,  opposite  to  Dover.  The 
soil  of  the  town  is  capable  of  pro- 
ducing all  the  varieties  common  to 
the  climate.  A parf.of  Sebec  pond 
lies  in  the  north  patt  of  the  town. 
In  1837,  5,574  bushels  of  wheat  was 
raised.  This  is  a fine  section  of 
country  for  the  growth  of  beef  and 
wool.  Foxcroft  was  first  settled  in 
1805,  and  was  named  in  compliment 
to  the  Hon.  Joseph  E.  Foxcroft. 
The  village,  with  an  academy,  is 


very  pleasantly  located  on  the  bank 
of  the  river,  and  has  the  appearance 
of  prosperity.  Foxcroft  lies  77 
miles  N.  N.  E.  from  Augusta. — 
Population,  1830,  677;  1837,907. 
Incorporated,  1812. 

Fox  Islands,  Me. 

See  Vinalhaven. 

Framingham,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  A large  and  flour- 
ishing manufacturing  town,  with  a 
fine  soil,  and  pleasant  ponds : — 20 
miles  W.  S.  W.  from  Boston,  and  13 
S.  S.  W.  from  Concord.  The  ponds 
and  Sudbury  river  give  this  town  a 
good  water  power.  The  value  of 
the  manufactures,  the  year  ending 
April  1,  1837,  amounted  to  $421,- 
111.  The  articles  manufactured 
were  268,640  yards  of  woolen  cloth, 
valued  at  $311,800;  boots,  shoes, 
leather,  hats,  paper, ($46, 000)  straw 
bonnets,  chairs,  tin  and  cabinet 
wares.  Framingham  is  a delight- 
ful town,  and  approached  by  the 
rail-road  with  great  ease.  It  has 
become  an  agreeable  resort  for  fish- 
ing, fowling  and  other  rural  sports. 
Incorporated,  1700.  Population,  in 
1830,  2,313  ; 1837,  2,881. 

Francestoxvn,  N.  II. 

Hillsborough  co.  It  is  12  miles 
N.  W.  from  Amherst,  and  27  S.  W. 
from  Concord.  The  two  S.  branches 
of  the  Piscataquog  rise  in  this  town  ; 
the  largest  branch  from  Pleasant 
■pond,  the  other  from  Haunted  pond. 
The  former  branch  passes  near  the 
village  in  Francestown.  Pleasant 
and  Haunted  ponds  are  considerable 
collections  of  water.  The  land  is 
uneven,  and  in  many  parts  stony, 
but  the  qualities  of  the  soil  are 
warm  and  moist.  There  are  some 
small  intervales,  which  are  very 
productive.  About  7,000  sheep 
are  kept  here.  The  streams  of  wa- 
ter are  not  large,  and  almost  every 
mill  is  situated  on  rivers  that  take 
their  rise  from  hills  and  ponds  with- 
in the  limits  of  the  tpwn.  The 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


highest  land  is  Crotched  mountain, 
the  summit  of  which  is  more  than 
600  feet  above  the  level  of  the 
common  in  the  centre  of  the  town. 
One  of  the  summits  of  this  moun- 
tain is  covered  with  wood  ; the  other 
is  almost  a solid  ledge  of  rocks,  af- 
fording a very  extensive  prospect  to 
the  S.  W.  There  is  in  the  easter- 
ly part  of  this  town  a very  exten- 
sive and  valuable  quarry  of  free- 
stone. It  is  of  a dark  greyish  col- 
or, and  when  polished  strongly  re- 
sembles the  variegated  marble  of 
Vermont.  In  the  N.  part  of  this 
town  black  lead  has  been  found  of 
a good  quality — and  in  the  S.  part 
some  beautiful  specimens  of  rock 
crystal.  The  common  garnet  is 
met  with  in  various  places.  On 
the  N.  side  of  Haunted  pond,  there 
is  a bar  of  20  rods  in  length,  6 feet 
high,  and  3 or  4 feet  through  ; but 
for  what  purpose  or  by  what  means 
this  barrier  was  raised,  is  a matter 
of  conjecture  only.  The-  local  sit- 
uation of  this  town  is  very  eligible 
for  business,  being  near  the  centre 
of  the  county,  and  on  the  great 
thoroughfare  from  Windsor  to  Bos- 
ton, and  on  a leading  road  from  the 
S.  W.  part  of  the  state  to  Concord. 
The  village  is  very  pleasant,  neatly 
built  and  flourishing.  Francestown 
derived  its  name  from  Frances , the 
wife  of  the  last  Gov.  Wentworth. 
The  first  settlement  was  made  about 
1760,  by  John  Carson,  a Scotch- 
man. 

Mr.  James  Woodbury,  who 
died  Mai-ch  3,  1823,  at  the  age  of 
85,  closed  his  life  in  this  town.  He 
was  an  active  soldier  in  the  old 
French  war,  and  engaged  by  the 
side  of  Gen.  Wolfe,  when  he  was 
killed  at  the  memorable  siege  of 
Quebec.  He  was  one  of  the  truly 
invincible  rangers  under  the  im- 
mortal Stark,  and  discharged  every 
duty  in  a prompt  and  courageous 
manner.  Population,  183-0,  1541. 

Franconia,  N.  II. 

Grafton  co.  It  is  28  miles  N.  E. 


from  Haverhill,  and  74  N.  from 
Concord.  A large  proportion  of 
this  town  is  mountainous.  Its 
streams  are  branches  of  the  Lower 
Amonoosuck  river,  and  rise  on  the 
mountainous  tracts  to  the  east. 
Here  are  several  ponds:  one  of 
which,  called  Ferrin’s  pond,  is  the 
source  of  the  middle  branch  of  Pem- 
igewasset  river.  The  mountains 
adjoining  the  Notch,  through  which 
the  road  passes,  are  most  conspicu- 
ous. These  are  called  Mounts  La 
Fayette  and  Jackson.  On  the  lat- 
ter is  the  celebrated  “ Profile,”  or 
“ Old  Man  of  the  Mountain.”  It  is 
situated  on  a peak  of  solid  rock, 
1,000  feet  in  height  and  almost  per- 
pendicular. On  this  peak,  nature, 
in  her  wildest  mood,  exhibits  the 
profile  of  the  human  face,  of  which 
every  feature  is  delineated  with 
wonderful  exactness.  The  Fran- 
conia mountain  pass  presents  to  the 
traveller  some  of  the  wildest  scene- 
ry in  our  country,  and  must  ever  re- 
main a great  thoroughfare  between 
the  upper  waters  of  the  Connecti- 
cut river  and  the  ocean. 

There  are  two  iron  establish- 
ments in  this  town.  The  lower 
works  are  situated  on  the  S.  branch 
of  Amonoosuck  river,  and  are  own- 
ed by  the  New  Hampshire  Iron 
Factory  Company;  incorporated, 
Dec.  18, 1805,  which  was  composed 
principally  of  gentlemen  in  Salem 
and  Boston.  Their  establishment 
is  very  extensive,  consisting  of  a 
blast  furnace,  erected  in  1808,  an 
air  furnace,  a forge  and  trip-ham- 
mer shop.  There  are  also  near,  or 
connected  with  the  establishment, 
grain  and  saw-mills,  a large  store, 
several  shops,  and  other  buildings, 
which  make  a small  village.  The 
ore  is  obtained  from  a mountain  in 
the  east  part  of  Lisbon,  N.  H.,  three 
miles  from  the  furnace,  and  is  con- 
sidered the  richest  in  the  United 
States,  yielding  from  56  to  63  per 
cent ; and  the  mine  is  said  to  be  in- 
exhaustible. First  settled,  1774. 
Population, 1830,  447. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Frankfort,  Me. 

Waldo  co.  This  excellent  town- 
ship of  land  is  situated  on  the  W. 
side  of  Penobscot  river,  57  miles 
N.  E.  by  E.  from  Augusta,  12  S. 
from  Bangor,  and  18  N.  from  Bel- 
fast. It  is  well  watered  by  Marsh 
river,  on  which  are  two  beautiful 
villages.  The  largest  village  is 
near  the  Penobscot,  on  Marsh  bay. 
The  other  village  is  at  the  head  of 
the  tide,  on  Marsh  river,  about  4 
miles  S.  W.  from  the  Penobscot,  and 
is  accommodated  with  excellent 
mill  privileges.  The  location  of 
Frankfort  is  exceeding  favorable  to 
the  navigation  and  trade  of  Penob- 
scot river,  particularly  so  in  the 
winter  season,  as  it  is  the  highest 
point  on  the  river  to  which  vessels 
can  ascend  during  the  icy  season  of 
the  year.  The  prospects  of  Frank- 
fort in  its  commercial  and  agricul- 
tural pursuits  are  very  promising  : 
indeed  it  bids  fair  to  become  an  im- 
portant depot  on  one  of  our  largest 
rivers.  Among  the  agricultural 
products  of  this  town,  in  1837,  was 
9.330  bushels  of  wheat.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  2,487 ; 1837,3,223.  In- 
corporated, 17S9. 

Franklin  County,  Me. 

Farmington  is  the  county  town. 
This  county  was  incorporated  March 
20,  1S3S. 

The  following  is  the  legislative 
description  of  its  territory  : 

“ The  towns  of  New  Sharon, 
Chesterville,  Wilton,  Temple  and 
Farmington  in  the  county  of  Ken- 
nebec; and  Jay,  Carthage,  Weld, 
Berlin,  Madrid,  townships  number- 
ed six,  letter  E.  and  D.  in  the  coun- 
ty of  Oxford,  thence  extending 
northerly  from  the  north-west  cor- 
ner of  fetter  D.  on  the  line  be- 
twixt townships  numbered  three 
and  four,  through  the  several  rang- 
es of  townships  to  Canada  line,  so 
as  to  include  three  tiers  of  town- 
ships west  of  the  west  line  of  the 
Bingham  Purchase  in  said  county 

13 


of  Oxford ; and  Industry,  New  Vine- 
yard, Strong,  Avon,  Phillips,  Free- 
man, Salem,  Kingfield,  townships 
numbered  four  in  the  first  range 
west  of  Kingfield,  three  and  four 
in  the  second  range,  and  the  south 
half  of  township  numbered  four  in 
the  third  range  of  the  Bingham 
Purchase,  in  the  county  of  Somer- 
set, be  and  hereby  are,  &c.” 

This  county  is  therefore  bounded 
N.  by  Lower  Canada,  E.  by  the 
county  of  Somerset,  S.  by  Kenne- 
bec and  Oxford  counties,  and  W.  by 
Oxford  county.  This  county  has 
no  navigable  waters,  but  is  inter- 
spersed with  numerous  ponds  and 
mill  streams.  Its  surface  is  gen- 
erally undulating,with  some  moun- 
tainous tracts.  Its  soil,  for  the  most 
part,  is  excellent,  and  cannot  fail 
in  remunerating  the  industrious  far- 
mer by  its  products  of  wheat,  beef, 
and  wool. 

Franklin  County,  Vt. 

St.  Albans,  county  town.  This 
county  is  bounded  N.  by  Lower 
Canada,  E.  by  Orleans  county,  S. 
E.  and  S.  by  Lamoille  county,  S. 
by  Chittenden  county,  and  W. 
by  lake  Champlain.  Incorporated, 
1792.  Population,  1830,  22,034. 
The  Missisque  river  passes  through 
the  northern  part  of  the  county, 
and  the  Lamoille  its  most  southern 
section.  The  principal  part  of  the 
trade  of  this  county  goes  to  Canada, 
by  lake  Champlain,  which  affords 
it  many  facilities  in  transportation. 
Although  the  surface  is  somewhat 
broken  and  in  some  parts  mountain- 
ous, yet  the  soil  is  productive  of 
wheat  and  grass.  Many  cattle  are 
annually  taken  from  this  county  to 
market,  and  in  1837  it  had  63,000 
sheep.  In  this  county,  marble  and 
iron  ore  of  excellent  qualities  are 
found. 

Franklin  County,  Mass. 

Greenfield,  county  town.  Bound- 
ed N.  by  Windham  county,  Vt.,and 
a part  of  Cheshire  county,  N.  H. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


E.  by  Worcester  county,  S.  by 
Hampshire  county,  and  W.  by  Berk- 
shire county.  Area,  650  square 
miles.  The  Connecticut  river  pass- 
es nearly  through  the  centre  of  this 
county.  It  produces,  in  great  abund- 
ance, all  sorts  of  grain,  fruits  and 
vegetables  common  to  its  climate  ; 
and  exports  considerable  quantities 
of  beef,  pork,  and  products  of  the 
dairy.  Manufactures  are  increas- 
ing in  value  and  importance ; and 
this  county  yields  to  no  other  in  the 
state  in  the  extent  of  its  hydraulic 
powers,  or  in  the  richness  and  vari- 
ety of  its  scenery.  There  are  44 
inhabitants  to  a square  mile.  Chief 
rivers,  Connecticut,  Deerfield,  and 
Miller’s.  Taken  from  Hampshire 
county  in  1811.  Population,  1820, 
29,268;  1830,  29,344;  1837,28,655. 
The  value  of  the  manufactures  of 
this  county,  for  the  year  ending 
April  1,  1837,  was  $787,900.  The 
value  of  wool  grown,  the  product 
of  55,713  fleeces,  was  $70,513. 

Franklin,  Me. 

Hancock  co.  Franklin  lies  at  the 
head  of  Taunton  bay,  the  most 
northerly  waters  of  Erenchman’s 
bay.  It  is  bounded  S.  by  Sullivan, 
and  contains  several  large  ponds 
and  good  mill  sites.  Franklin  is 
about  15  miles  E.  from  Ellsworth. 
Population,  1837,  474.  Incorporat- 
ed, 1825. 

Franklin,  N.  II. 

Merrimack  co.  This  town  was 
incorporated  in  1828,  from  parts  of 
the  towns  of  Salisbury,  Andover, 
Sanbornton,  and  Northfield  : is  18 
miles  from  Concord,  63  from  Ports- 
mouth, and  7S  from  Boston.  Frank- 
lin is  a place  of  considerable  and 
increasing  business;  has  a cotton 
factory,  two  paper  mills,  an  iron 
foundry,  and  other  manufacturing 
establishments.  The  junction  of 
the  Winnepisiogee  and  Pemigewas- 
set  rivers,  in  this  town,  form  the 
noble  Merrimack,  creating  on  both 


streams  an  extensive  and  valuable 
water  power.  It  is  probable  that 
within  a few  years  the  river  will 
be  rendered  navigable,  by  means 
of  locks  and  canals,  as  far  up  as 
Franklin,  in  which  event  it  would 
become  one  of  the  most  flourishing 
interior  towns  in  New  Hampshire. 
Population,  in  1830,  1,370. 

Franklin,  Vt. 

Franklin  co.  This  town  was  for- 
merly called  Huntsburgh,  and  was 
first  settled  in  1789.  It  lies  50 
miles  N.  W.  from  Montpelier,  17 
N.  N.  E.  from  St.  Albans,  and 
bounded  N.  by  Canada.  The  sur- 
face of  the  town  is  rough,  but  the 
soil  is  tolerably  well  adapted  for 
sheep,  of  which  about  3,500  are 
kept.  Population,  1830,  1,129. 

Franklin,  Mass. 

Norfolk  co.  Charles  river  and 
its  branches  afford  Franklin  a good 
water  power.  It  was  taken  from 
Wrenthamin  1778.  There  are  five 
cotton  mills  in  the  town,  and  man- 
ufactures of  straw  bonnets,  shoes, 
boots,  boxes  and  boats  ; total  amount 
of  manufactures  in  one  year,  $210,- 
472,  of  which  $160,186  were  for 
straw  bonnets,  for  which  this  town 
is  celebrated.  Franklin  lies  27  miles 
S.  W.  by  S.  from  Boston,  and  17  S. 
S.  W.  from  Dedham.  Population, 
1837,  1,696. 

Franklin,  Ct. 

New  London  co.  Shetucket  riv- 
er separates  this  town  from  Lisbon. 
The  surface  of  Franklin  is  uneven; 
the  soil  a gravelly  loam,  more  fit 
for  grazing  than  tillage.  There  is 
a woolen  factory  on  Beaver  brook, 
a branch  of  the  Shetucket,  but  the 
chief  business  of  the  people  is  rear- 
ing sheep,  and  other  agricultural 
pursuits.  Population,  1S30,  1,194. 
It  lies  34  miles  E.  S.  E.  from  Hart- 
ford, and  7 N.  by  W.  from  Norwich. 
Franklin  was  taken  from  Norwich 
in  1786. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Freedom,  Me. 

Waldo  co.  Previous  to  its  incor- 
poration, in  1813,  the  territory  of 
Freedom  was  called  “ Beaver  Hill.” 
It  was  first  settled  in  1794.  It  is  a 
good  township  of  land,  and  hound- 
ed W.  by  Albion,  and  E.  by  Knox. 
It  is  about  20  miles  E.  S.  E.  from 
Belfast,  and  25  N.  E.  from  Augus- 
ta. Freedom,  in  1837,  with  a pop- 
ulation of  1,058,  produced  6,084 
bushels  of  wheat. 

Freedom,  N.  II. 

Strafford  co.  This  town,  former- 
ly North  Effingham,  was  incorpo- 
rated by  its  present  name,  Dec.  6, 
1832.  It  is  an  uneven  township, 
but  has  some  good  farms.  It  is 
bounded  in  part  by  the  Ossipee  lake, 
and  river,  which  discharge  east- 
wardly  into  the  Saco.  Distant  60 
miles  N.  N.  E.  from  Concord.  Pop- 
ulation, in  1833,  about  900. 

Freeman,  Me. 

Franklin  co.  This  small  town 
of  only  17,000  acres,  most  of  which 
is  woodland,  with  a population 
of  805,  produced  6,485  bushels  of 
wheat  in  1837.  Freeman  is  the 
source  of  a small  branch  of  Sandy 
river.  It  lies  62  miles  N.  W.  from 
Augusta,  and  15  N.  from  Farming- 
ton. 

Freeport,  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  This  is  a respect- 
able town  with  a pleasant  village, 
and  small  harbor  at  the  head  of  Cas- 
co bay,  on  the  road  from  Portland 
to  Brunswick,  18  miles  N.  by  E. 
from  the  former,  9 S.  W.  from  the 
latter,  and  36  S.  S.  W.  from  Augus- 
ta. Freeport  was  taken  from  North 
Yarmouth  in  1789,  and  was  former- 
ly called  the  Harraseeket  Settle- 
ment, from  the  name  of  the  river 
that  passes  through  it.  This  is  a 
place  of  some  navigation,  ship  build- 
ing, and  agricultural  enterprize. 
Population,  1S37,  2,659. 


Freetown,  Mass. 

Bristol  co.  This  town  lies  on  the 
E.  side  of  Taunton  river,  8 miles 
S.  from  Taunton,  12  N.  by  W.  from 
New  Bedford,  and  40  S.  from  Bos- 
ton. First  settled,  1659.  Incor- 
porated, 1683.  Population,  1837, 
1,779.  It  is  watered  by  a branch 
of  Taunton  river,  and  has  some  nav- 
igation. The  manufactures  of  Free- 
town consist  of  iron  castings,  cut- 
lery, axes,  shovels,  spades,  hoes, 
forks,  nails,  leather,  boots,  shoes, 
vessels,  chairs,  and  cabinet  ware. 
Total  amount,  in  one  year,  $43,820. 
The  soil  is  light,  and  keeps,  among 
other  cattle,  about  1,000  sheep. 

French.  River. 

This  river  rises  in  Leicester,  Mass. 
It  passes  through  Auburn,  Oxford, 
and  Dudley ; it  then  enters  the  state 
of  Connecticut  and  joins  the  Quin- 
ebaugh  at  Thompson.  Some  French 
protestants  settled  on  this  river  in 
1685. 

Frenchman’s  Bay,  Me. 

This  important  bay,  in  the  county 
of  Hancock,  containing  a number 
of  excellent  harbors  and  beautiful 
islands,  is  bounded  W.  by  Baker’s 
island,  one  of  the  Cranberry  islands, 
and  E.  by  a peninsula  in  Goldsbo- 
rough,  on  the  W.  side  of  which  is 
Musquito  harbor.  The  distance 
across  this  bay,  from  Baker’s  island 
to  Goldsborough  point,  is  10  miles. 
This  bay  juts  in  from  the  Atlantic 
ocean  about  20  miles,  and  is  envi- 
roned by  the  towns  of  Eden,  Tren- 
ton, Hancock,  Franklin,  Sullivan, 
and  Goldsbox-ough,  and  is  the  recip- 
ient of  many  valuable  streams.  It 
is  easy  of  access,  never  obstructed 
by  ice,  and  is  one  of  the  best  retreats 
in  a storm  on  the  American  coast. 

Friendship,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  This  is  an  Atlantic 
town,  containing  several  islands,  at 
the  head  of  Muscongus  bay.  It 
was  formerly  called  the  Meduncook 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Settlement,  as  lying  between  a riv- 
er of  that  name  and  the  Muscongus. 
Friendship  is  a place  of  consider- 
able navigation  and  trade'.  It  lies 
48  miles  S.  E.  from  Augusta,  and 
10  miles  S.  W.  from  Warren.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  662. 

Fiyeburgli,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  This  interesting  and 
pleasant  town  lies  on  both  sides  of 
Saco  river,  on  the  line  of  New 
Hampshire.  The  uplands  are  not 
remarkable  for  their  fertility,  but 
the  intervales  on  the  Saco  are  of  the 
choicest  kind.  F ry eburgh  is  only  6 
miles  square,  yet  the  Saco  here  is 
so  fantastic  in  its  course  that  it  winds 
itself  between  30  and  40  miles  with- 
in its  limits.  This  town,  the  Indian 
Pequawket,  lies  75>  miles  W.  N.  W. 
from  Augusta,  47  N.  W.  from  Port- 
land, and  28  S.  W.  from  Paris. — 
Population,  1837,  1,444.  Incorpo- 
rated, 1777.  The  principal  village 
is  situated  on  a plain,  surrounded  by 
lofty  hills,  and  watered  by  the  Sa- 
co : it  bears  evident  marks  of  anti- 
quity, and  has  an  academy  “ with 
a cabinet  of  rare  curiosities,  col- 
lected with  much  diligence.’’ — 
Love  well’s  pond  lies  a short  distance 
from  the  village.  This  beautiful 
sheet  of  water,  now  the  resort  for 
innocent  amusements,  was  once  the 
scene  of  bloody  combat,  and  of  the 
overthrow  of  a powerful  Indian 
tribe. 

The  story  of  LovewelVs  Fight 
has  been  told  thousands  of  times, 
but  as  it  is  identified  with  the  town 
of  which  we  treat,  we  quote  a brief 
notice  of  the  event  from  the  North 
American  Review. 

“ It  was  on  the  18th  of  April, 
1725,  that  Capt.  John  Lovewell,  of 
Dunstable,  Massachusetts,  with  34 
men,  fought  a famous  Indian  chief, 
named  Paugus,  at  the  head  of  about 
80  savages,  near  the  shores  of  a 
pond  in  Pequawket.  Lovewell’s 
men  were  determined  to  conquer 
or  die,  although  out-numbered  by 
the  Indians  more  than  one  half. 


They  fought  till  Lovewell  and  Pau- 
gus were  killed,  and  all  Lovewell’s 
men  but  nine  were  either  killed  or 
wounded  dangerously.  The  sava- 
ges having  lost,  as  was  supposed, 
60  of  their  number  out  of  80,  and 
being  convinced  of  the  fierce  and 
determined  resolution  of  their  foes, 
at  length  retreated  and  left  them 
masters  of  the  ground.  The  scene 
of  this  desperate  and  bloody  action, 
which  took  place  in  the  town  which 
is  now  called  Fry  eburgh,  is  often 
visited  with  interest  to  this  day, 
and  the  names  of  those  who  fell, 
and  those  who  survived,  are  yet  re- 
peated with  emotions  of  grateful 
exultation.” 

Fuudy,  Bay  of. 

This  bay  washes  a part  of  the 
eastern  shore  of  Maine ; and  as  it 
is  an  important  channel  of  com- 
merce between  the  United  States 
and  the  British  provinces  of  New 
Brunswick  and  Nova  Scotia,  it  may 
be  useful  to  notice  it.  This  large 
and  important  bay  sets  up  N.  E. 
round  cape  Sable,  the  most  south- 
ern point  of  Nova  Scotia,  in  N.  lat. 
43°  24',  W.  Ion.  65°  39',  and  cross- 
es to  the  shore  of  Maine  a little  W. 
of  Frenchman’s  bay.  From  the 
mouth  of  Frenchman’s  bay  to  Cape 
Sable  is  about  150  miles ; from 
Eastport  to  St.  John’s,  N.  B.  is  60 
miles ; from  St.  John’s  to  Annapo- 
lis, in  a bay  of  that  name,  on  the 
Nova  Scotia  side,  is  40  miles  ; from 
thence  to  Halifax,  by  land,  is  80 
miles.  From  Eastport  direct  to 
Annapolis,  across  the  bay,  is  about 
70  miles.  The  Bay  of  Fundy  is 
divided  near  its  head  by  cape  Chig- 
necto.  The  N.  W.  part  is  called 
Chignecto  bay ; the  S.  E.  part  the 
Basin  of  Mines.  From  Eastport  to 
Cumberland,  at  the  head  of  Chig- 
necto bay,  is  about  170  miles ; to 
Windsor,  at  the  head  of  the  Basin 
of  Mines,  is  about  150.  From 
Windsor  to  Halifax  in  N.  lat.  44° 
39'  20",  W.  Ion.  63°  36'  40",  is  45 
miles. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


The  commerce  on  this  bay  with 
our  friends  and  neighbors,  the  Eng- 
lish, is  very  considerable.  While 
they  receive  bread  stuffs  and  other 
productions  of  our  soil,  we  are  in- 
debted to  them  for  vast  quantities 
of  grindstones  and  gypsum  to  sharp- 
en our  tools  and  renovate  the  soil. 
The  gypsum  is  principally  from  the 
Basin  of  Mines  ; — it  lies  embedded 
in  elevated  masses  along  the  shores 
of  the  bay  ; — it  is  easily  quarried 
and  taken  on  board  of  vessels  by 
the  sides  of  the  cliffs.  This  gypsum 
is  of  a fine  quality,  and  it  is  doubtful 
whether  any  has  been  discovered 
in  our  own  country  as  good. 

The  grindstones  from  Cumber- 
land, or  Chignecto  bay,  are  every 
where  celebrated.  The  source  is 
inexhaustible,  and  the  manufacture 
immense. 

The  tides  in  the  bay  of  Fundy 
are  supposed  to  rise  , to  a greater 
height  than  in  any  other  part  of  the 
world.  Their  elevation  increases 
as  you  ascend  the  bay.  At  East- 
port  they  rise  25  feet;  at  St.  John’s 
30  ; at  Cape  Split,  55  ; at  Windsor, 
GO,  and  at  Cumberland,  at  the  head 
of  Chignecto  bay,  they  rise  to  the 
enormous  height  of  71  feet.  These 
tides  announce  themselves  some 
time  before  their  approach,  by  a 
sound  resembling  that  of  a rushing 
wind  in  a forest : they  dash  against 
the  shore  with  a reddish  hue,  the 
color  of  the  clay  bottom  over  which 
they  pass,  with  frightful  violence  ; 
at  first,  to  the  height  of  from  8 to 
10  feet,  overwhelming  all  within 
their  reach. 

There  are  but  few  islands  with- 
in this  bay.  Grand  Menan,  and  a 
cluster  of  small  islands  round  it,  off 
West  Quoddy  Head,and  Campo  Bel- 
lo, near  Eastport,  are  the  principal. 
They  belong  to  the  British.  A 
small  island  about  5 miles^  off  the 
S.  W.  part  of  cape  Chignecto,  call- 
ed Isle  de  Haut,  contains  beauti- 
ful specimens  of  asbestos. 

The  rapidity  of  the  tides  within 
this  bay,  the  fogs  which  frequently 

13* 


| prevail,  and  the  absence  of  good 
harbors  between  Eastport  and  St. 
John’s,  and  from  St.  John’s  to  cape 
Chignecto,  render  the  navigation 
difficult  and  often  dangerous. 

The  harbor  of  St.  John’s  is  easy 
of  access,  safe,  and  of  sufficient  ex- 
panse for  a large  fleet  of  any  draught 
of  water.  The  city  of  St.  John’s 
contains  about  15,000  inhabitants. 
It  is  located  at  the  outlet  of  the 
great  river  whose  name  it  bears,  in 
N.  lat.  45°  20',  W.  Ion.  66°.  This 
city  is  a very  flourishing  place.  It 
is  the  largest  resource  for  timber  and 
lumber  that  Queen  Victoria  has  in 
her  possessions. 

St.  John’s  river  rises  in  Canada 
and  the  northern  part  of  Maine.  It 
receives  the  Madawaska,  St.  Fran- 
cis, Aroostook,  and  many  other  val- 
uable tributaries,  from  Maine ; it 
waters  a large  portion  of  its  north- 
ern territory,  and  bears  many  valu- 
able productions  of  that  state  to  its 
mouth.  “ This  river  is  350  miles 
long ; the  tide  flows  up  about  80 
miles ; it  is  navigable  for  boats  200 
miles,  and  for  sloops  of  50  tons  80 
miles.  This  river  and  its  branches 
water  a large  tract  of  excellent 
country.  About  30  miles  from  its 
mouth  commences  a fine  level  coun- 
try of  rich  meadow  lands, well  cloth- 
ed with  timber.  The  river  furnish- 
es a great  quantity  of  salmon,  bass 
and  sturgeon.  About  a mile  above 
the  city  of  St.  John’s  is  the  only 
entrance  into  this  river.  It  is  about 
80  or  100  yards  wide,  400  yards 
long,  called  the  falls  of  the  river. 
It  being  narrow,  and  a ridge  of  rocks 
running  across  the  bottom  of  the 
channel,  on  which  there  are  not 
above  17  feet  of  water,  it  is  not  suf- 
ficiently spacious  to  discharge  the 
fresh  waters  of  the  river  above. 
The  common  tides  here  rising  above 
20  feet,  the  waters  of  the  river  at 
low  water  are  about  20  feet  higher 
than  the  waters  of  the  sea  ; at  high 
water  the  waters  of  the  sea  are 
about  5 feet  higher  than  those  of 
the  river : so  that  at  every  tide  there 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


are  two  falls,  one  outwards  and  one 
inwards.  The  only  time  of  pass- 
ing  with  safety  is  when  the  waters 
of  the  river  and  of  the  sea  are  lev- 
el, which  is  twice  in  a tide,  and 
continues  only  about  20  minutes 
each  time.” 

Frederickton,  the  capital  of  New 
Brunswick,  lies  on  this  river,  80 
miles  from  its  mouth,  in  N.  lat.  46° 
3',  W.  Ion.  66°  45'. 

Gardiner,  Me. 

Kennebec  co.  Gardiner  was  for- 
merly a part  of  Pittston,  and  lies 
on  the  W.  side  of  Kennebec  river, 
6 miles  S.  from  Augusta,  and  4 be- 
low Hallowell.  It  is  located  at  the 
head  of  large  navigation,  and  in  re- 
gard to  its  commerce,  manufactur- 
ing and  agricultural  interests,  it  is 
considered  one  of  the  most  flourish- 
ing towns  in  Maine.  It  was  incor- 
porated in  1803,  and  was  named  in 
honor  of  Dr.  Sylvester  Gardi- 
jver,  one  of  the  proprietors  of  the 
old  Plymouth  patent. 

The  Cobb  ess  econtee  waters  meet 
the  Kennebec  river  at  this  place, 
and  produce  a water  power  of  great 
usefulness  and  extent.  Here  are 
mills  for  sawing  lumber  of  all  di- 
mensions, and  here  are  vessels  of 
from  80  to  120  tons  burthen',  lading 
it  for  transportation  to  its  various 
markets.  Here  are  also  manufac- 
tures of  various  other  kinds.  This 
town,  Hallowell  and  Augusta,lie  in 
a most  favored  section  of  our  coun- 
try. What  we  have  said  in  regard 
to  the  location  of  Hallowell  and 
Augusta,  may  be  applied  to  Gard- 
iner. These  towns  are  on  the  same 
side  of  a noble  river,  united  by  the 
same  interests  and  feelings,  and  will 
soon  be  Connected  by  a rail-road 
passing  between  them.  The  vil- 
lage of  Gardiner  is  very  pleasant. 
The  business  part  lying  on  the  riv- 
er, is  full  of  activity  and  enterprise. 
The  buildings,  on  a gentle  rise  from 
the  river,  are  beautifully  located. 
They  command  a delightful  pros- 
pect, and  some  of  them  are  of 


superior  architecture.  Population, 
1837,  3,709.  The  present  popula- 
tion is  about  5,000. 

Gardner,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  Otter  river,  a con- 
siderable stream,  a branch  of  Mil- 
ler’s river,  rises  partly  in  this  town, 
and  affords  good  mill  seats.  On  this 
river  is  some  good  intervale  land ; 
the  high  lands  are  rough,  but  good 
for  grazing.  The  value  of  palm- 
leaf  hats,  straw  bonnets,  chairs, 
cabinet  and  wooden  wares,  leath- 
er, boots  and  shoes,  manufactured 
in  one  year,  amounted  to  $132,- 
272.  The  cabinet  ware  and  chairs 
amounted  to  $109,000.  Gardner 
was  incorporated  in  1785,  and  lies 
54  miles  N.  W.  by  W.  from  Boston, 
and  23  N.  W.  by  N.  from  Worces- 
ter. Population,  1837,  1,276. 

A church  was  formed  here  in 
1786,  and  the  Rev.  Jonathan  Osgood 
was  ordained.  He  died  in  1825,  af- 
ter sustaining  the  vocations  of  pas- 
tor, physician  and  school  master , 30 
years. 

Garland,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  Garland  is  water- 
ed by  some  of  the  head  branches 
of  Kenduskeag  stream.  It  lies  74 
miles  N.  E.  by  N.  from  Augusta, 
and  27  N.  W.  from  Bangor.  Incor- 
porated, 1811.  Population,  1830, 
621  ; 1837,  932.  This  is  an  excel- 
lent township  of  land ; it  produced, 
in  1837,  6,521  bushels  of  wheat. 

Gay  Mead,  Mass. 

See  Chilmark. 

Georgetown,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  Georgetown  is  con- 
stituted of  two  considerable  islands 
lying  at  the  mouth  of  Kennebec 
river.  These  islands  have  Kenne- 
bec river  on  the  W.,  Sheepscot  riv- 
er on  the  E.,  and  separated  from 
Woolwich  on  the  N.  by  a naviga- 
ble passage  between  those  two  riv- 
ers. It  is  a little  below  Bath,  on 
the  opposite  shore.  This  is  one 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


of  the  most  ancient  settlements  in 
Maine.  The  town  was  incorporat- 
ed in  1716.  Population,  1837,  1,355. 
It  lies  46  miles  S.  from  Augusta, 
and  12  S.  W.  from  Wiscasset.  This 
town  has  excellent  harbors,  and  pos- 
sesses peculiar  privileges  for  all  oc- 
cupations connected  with  naviga- 
tion and  the  fisheries. 

Georgetown,  Mass. 

Essex  co.  Georgetown  was  the 
W.  part  of  Rowley.  It  was  called 
New  Rowley  for  some  years,  un- 
til its  incorporation  as  a separate 
town,  in  1838.  Georgetown  is  wa- 
tered by  a branch  of  Parker’s  riv- 
er, and  is  almost  entirely  engaged 
in  manufactures  and  the  mechanic 
arts.  It  is  a pleasant  town  and  high- 
ly flourishing.  Population,  about 
1,500.  It  lies  30  miles  N.  from 
Boston,  and  10  S.  W.  from  Newbu- 
ryport.  The  people  of  Georgetown 
are  probably  more  extensively  en- 
gaged in  the  manufacture  of  boots 
and  shoes  than  at  any  other  place, 
of  its  population,  in  America.  The 
value  of  boots  and  shoes  manufac- 
tured, and  leather  tanned,  is  said  to 
exceed  $500,000  annually. 

Georgia,  Vt. 

Franklin  co.  Population,  1830, 

I, 897.  Georgia  lies  40  miles  N. 
\V.  from  Montpelier,  and  8 S.  from 
St.  Albans.  First  settled,  1784. 
The  soil  of  Georgia  is  various  but 
generally  fertile.  It  feeds  about- 

II, 000  sheep.  The  Lamoille  pass- 
es through  the  S.  E.  corner  of  the 
town,  which,  with  other  streams, 
give  it  an  ample  waterpower.  This 
is  a place  of  considerable  trade  and 
some  manufactures.  Over  Stone 
Bridge  brook  is  a stone  bridge, — 
a curious  piece  of  nature’s  mechan- 
ism. Georgia  is  washed  on  the  W. 
by  Lake  Champlain  : the  village  is 
pleasantly  located,  and  commands 
some  very  pretty  lake  and  moun- 
tain scenery. 


Gilead,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  Between  two  moun- 
tains on  both  sides  of  Androscoggin 
river.  There  is  some  good  land  on 
the  river,  but  the  chief  part  of  the 
township  is  fit  only  for  grazing. 
The  expense  of  transportation  of 
fuel  down  the  mountains,  in  a slip- 
pery time,  is  very  trifling.  Gilead 
lies  71  miles  W.  from  Augusta,  and 
25  S.  S.  W.  from  Paris.  Incorpora- 
ted, 1804.  Population,  1837,  374. 

Gilford,  N.  H., 

One  of  the  four  shire  towns  for 
Strafford  county,  is  situated  on  the 
S.  side  of  Winnepisiogee  lake. 
This  town  lies  26  miles  N.  N.  E. 
from  Concord,  and  48  N.  W.  from 
Portsmouth.  The  soil  is  generally 
productive.  There  are  two  ponds 
in  this  town,  Little  and  Chattlebo- 
rough.  Gunstock  and  Mile’s  rivers, 
rising  in  Suncook  mountains  and 
flowing  N.  into  the  lake,  are  the 
principal  streams.  The  N.  source 
of  the  Suncook  river  is  on  the  S. 
of  these  mountains,  which  extend 
in  a lofty  pile  over  the  E.  part  of 
the  town,  from  Gilmanton  line  near- 
ly to  the  lake.  There  are  seven  isl- 
ands in  the  lake,  belonging  to  Gil- 
ford, one  of  which  has  been  con- 
nected to  the  main  land  by  abridge 
30  rods  in  length.  This  town, 
which  was  formerly  a part  of  Gil- 
manton, was  incorporated  June  16, 
1812.  It  was  settled  in  1778. — 
Here  are  manufactories  of  cotton 
goods,  besides  other  useful  mills 
and  machinery.  Four  bridges 
across  the  Winnepisiogee  connect 
the  town  with  Meredith.  The  vil- 
lage at  this  place  is  thriving  and 
pleasant.  Population,  1830,  1,872. 

Gill,  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  A mountainous 
township  on  the  W.  side  of  Con- 
necticut river ; 86  miles  W.  by  N. 
from  Boston,  and  5 E.  N.  E.  from 
Greenfield.  Gill  contains  a fine 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


tract  of  rich  intervale  on  a bend 
of  the  Connecticut.  The  people 
are  generally  engaged  in  farming. 
The  town  is  divided  from  Greenfield 
by  Fall  river.  It  has  some  manu- 
factures of  combs,  wooden  ware, 
leather  and  palm-leaf  hats.  The 
fleeces  of  1,809  sheep  weighed 
5,627  pounds,  and  were  valued,  in 
1837,  at  $2,214.  Population,  1837, 
809.  Taken  from  Deerfield  in 
1793. 

Gilmanton,  N.  II. 

One  of  the  shire  towns  in  Straf- 
ford county,  17  miles  N.  N.E.from 
Concord,  and  45  W.  N.  W.  from 
Portsmouth.  It  is  bounded  N.  and 
N.  E.  by  Gilford  and  Alton.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  3,816.  Beside  the 
Winnepisiogee,  this  town  is  water- 
ed by  the  Suncook  and  Soucook 
rivers,  which  have  their  sources  in 
Gilmanton.  The  Suncook  rises  in  a 
pond  near  the  top  of  one  of  the 
Suncook  mountains,  elevated  900 
feet  above  its  base.  The  water  of 
this  pond  falls  into  another  at  the 
foot  of  the  mountain,  of  1 mile  in 
length  and  1-2  mile  wide.  Passing 
from  this,  it  falls  into  another,  cov- 
ering about  500  acres,  from  which 
it  meanders  through  the  town,  re- 
ceiving several  streams  in  its  course. 
The  Soucook  rises  from  Loon, 
Rocky  and  Sliellcamp  ponds,  in  the 
S.  part  of  the  town.  This  town  is 
very  hilly  and  rocky.  The  soil  is 
hard,  but  fruitful,  when  properly 
cultivated.  The  geology  of  this 
town  presents  many  varieties. — 
There  are  several  springs  in  Gilman- 
ton, termed  mineral ; one  of  which 
has  proved  efficacious  in  cutaneous 
and  bilious  affections.  This  town 
was  granted  May  20,  1727,  to  24 
persons  of  the  name  of-  Gilman,  and 
152  others.  In  Dec.  1761,  Benja- 
min and  John  Mudgett,  with  their 
families,  settled  here.  Dorothy 
Weed,  the  first  child,  was  born  here 
Oct.  13,  1762.  An  academy  was 
founded  here  in  1764.  Its  produc- 
tive funds  are  about  $11,000.  The 


theological  seminary  at  this  place 
is  connected  with  the  academy,  and 
is  a flourishing  institution. 

Gilsum,  N.  H. 

A small  township  in  Cheshire 
county,  situated  about  10  miles  E. 
from  the  Connecticut.  The  soil  is, 
in  many  parts,  fertile,  and  produces 
good  crops  of  grass  and  grain. 
Ashuelot  river  runs  through  this 
town  and  affords  a good  supply  of 
water  for  mills,  which  is  improv- 
ed for  cotton  and  other  manufac- 
tures. Gilsum  was  granted  July 
13,  1763,  to  Messrs.  Gilbert,  Sum- 
ner and  others.  From  the  com- 
bination of  the  first  syllables  of  the 
names  of  these  men,  it  derives  the 
name  of  Gil-sum.  The  first  settle- 
ment was  made  in  1764.  Gilsum 
lies  55  miles  S.  W.  by  W.  from 
Concord,  and  about  9 N.  from 
Keene.  Population,  J830,  642. 

Glenburn,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  This  territory 
was  called  Dutton,  from  1822  to 
1837.  It  lies  76  miles  N.  E.  from 
Augusta,  and  10  N.  N.  W.  from 
Bangor.  Population,  1837,  717. 
Glenburn  is  situated  on  both  sides 
of  the  great  bend  of  Kenduskeag 
stream.  It  has  a water  power,  but 
the  inhabitants  are  mostly  farmers. 
The  soil  is  good,  and  considerable 
wheat  is  raised. 

Glastenbury,  Vt. 

Bennington  co.  This  is  a town- 
ship of  40  square  miles  of  moun- 
tainous land,  more  fit  for  the  resi- 
dence of  wild  beasts  than  human 
beings.  It  is  9 miles  N.  E.  from 
Bennington.  Population,  1830,  59. 

Glastenbury,  Ct. 

Hartford  co.  This  town,  pre- 
vious to  its  incorporation  in  1690, 
had  been  attached  to  Wethersfield. 
It  lies  on  the  east  side  of  Connecti- 
cut river  opposite  to  Wethersfield, 
8 miles  S.  from  Hartford.  It  has 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


some  fine  land  on  Connecticut  riv- 
er. The  face  of  the  uplands  is  rough 
hut  generally  productive.  About 
a mile  and  a half  from  Connecticut 
river,  and  8 miles  from  Chatham 
freestone  quarry,  in  a romantic  spot 
between  the  hills,is  a beautiful  vil- 
lage connected  with  the  Hartford 
Manufacturing  Company.  Roar- 
ing brook,  at  this  place,  passes 
through  a very  narrow  defile, afford- 
ing a great  and  constant  waterpow- 
er. Cotton  is  manufactured  here 
to  a considerable  extent,  and  the 
village  is  very  flourishing.  From 
the  hills  around  this  village  a gx-eat 
variety  of  delightful  scenery  is  ob- 
servable. Population,  1S30,  2,980. 

“ In  the  eastern  part  of  the  town 
there  is  a pond  of  about  a mile  in 
circumference,  called  £ Diamond 
pond,’  from  the  circumstance  of 
there  being  small  pebbles  or  stones 
around  its  margin,  having  a pe- 
culiar brilliancy.  Near  the  cen- 
tre of  the  town  there  is  a mineral 
spring,  which, though  it  has  acquir- 
ed no  celebrity  abroad,  has  been 
thought  by  men  of  science  who 
have  examined  it,  to  possess  valua- 
ble medicinal  qualities ; and  for 
more  than  one  hundred  years  has 
been  known  by  the  name  of  the 
* Pool  of  Neipseic.’  ” 

Gloucester,  Mass. 

Essex  co.  This  is  a maritime 
township,  comprising  the  whole  of 
Cape  Ann,  and  celebrated  for  the 
enterprise  of  its  people  in  the  fish- 
eries and  commercial  pursuits.  It 
is  one  of  the  oldest  fishing  estab- 
lishments in  the  state.  This  cape 
extends  about  8 miles  into  the  sea, 
and  forms  the  northern  boundary  of 
Massachusetts  bay.  Its  harbor  is 
capacious,  easy  of  access  at  any 
season,  and  of  sufficient  water  for 
ships  of  great  burthen.  Gloucester 
harbor  and  the  chief  settlements 
are  on  the  south  side.  Sandy  and 
Squam  bays  lie  on  the  north  side, 
about  4 miles  from  the  south  har- 
bor, and  afford  harbors  for  small 


vessels.  The  lights  on  Thatcher’s 
island  bear  about  northeast  6 miles 
from  East  Point,  the  eastern  boun- 
dary of  Gloucester  harbor.  As 
early  as  1794  the  exports  from  this 
place,  in  one  year,  amounted  to 
$230,000.  Here  are  immense  quar- 
ries of  light  and  grayish  granite, 
which  is  split  with  great  ease,  and 
in  large  regularly  formed  blocks. 
This  stone  is  of  a fine  grain,  is  easi- 
ly dressed,  and  can  be  put  on  board 
of  vessels  with  little  expense.  The 
demand  for  this  stone  is  rapidly  in- 
creasing, and  the  quarrying,  ham- 
mering, and  transporting  it  gives 
employment  to  many  men  and  ves- 
sels. The  canal  across  the  neck 
of  the  cape  has  failed  of  that  suc- 
cess whi.ch  was  anticipated.  The 
manufacture  of  palm-leaf  hats, 
boots,  shoes,  hats,  vessels,  chairs, 
tin  and  cabinet  wares,  in  the  year 
ending  April  1,  1837,  amounted  to 
$46,726.  In  that  year  there  were 
22.1  vessels  employed  in  the  cod 
and  mackerel  fishery,  the  tonnage 
of  which  was  9,824  tons.  They 
took  55,181  quintals  of  cod  fish,  and 
43,934  barrels  of  mackerel:  113,- 
760  bushels  of  salt  was  used,  and 
1,580  hands  employed.  The  value 
of  the  cod  and  mackerel  taken  was 
$522,082.  There  are  belonging  to 
this  place  a great  number  of  vessels 
engaged  in  foreign  and  domestic 
trade.  The  total  tonnage  of  the 
district  in  1837  was  18,802  tons. 
This  town  lies  in  N.  lat.  42°  36', 
W.  Ion.  70°  40',  and  was  incorpora- 
ted in  1639.  Population,  1820, 
6,384 ; 1830,  7,513 ; 1837,  8,822. 
It  lies  29  miles  N.  E.  from  Boston, 
and  16  N.  E.  by  E.  from  Salem. 
Gloucester  is  a very  pleasant  town, 
and  a delightful  retreat  in  summer 
months. 

Gloucester,  R.  I. 

Providence  co.  This  large  and 
respectable  manufacturing  town 
lies  16  miles  W.  S.  W.  from  Provi- 
dence, and  50  E.  by  N.  from  Hart- 
ford. First  settled,  1700.  Incorpo- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


rated,  1730.  The  surface  of  the 
town  is  somewhat  broken  by  hills, 
hut  the  soil  is  well  adapted  to  agri- 
cultural purposes,  particularly  to 
grazing.  Gloucester  furnishes  large 
supplies  of  various  products  for 
market.  There  are  fine  forests  in 
several  parts  of  the  town,  and  large 
quantities  of  ship  and  other  timber 
are  conveyed  to  Providence  and 
other  places.  The  Chepachet  and 
some  smaller  streams  give  Glou- 
cester a good  water  power.  Man- 
ufacturing establishments  are  very 
numerous,  and  Gloucester  yields  to 
hut  few  towns  in  New  England  in 
the  value  of  this  branch  of  indus- 
try, particularly  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  cotton.  Population,  1830, 
2,522. 

Glover,  Vt. 

Orleans  co.  Glover  was  first  set- 
tled in  1797.  It  lies  33  miles  N. 
N.  E.  from  Montpelier,  and  12  S. 
by  E.  from  Irasburgh.  The  town 
is  hilly,  and  the  soil  is  more  fit  for 
grazing  than  tillage.  There  are 
about  3,200  sheep  in  the  town. 
There  are  in  the  town  branches  of 
Barton’s,  Passumpsic,  Lamoille,  and 
Black  rivers,  and  several  ponds. 
On  these  streams  are  some  manu- 
factures, hut  none  of  any  great 
importance.  Population,  1830,902. 

We  copy  an  account  of  the  run- 
ning off  of  Long  Pond,  from 
Thompson’s  valuable  Gazetteer  of 
Vermont. 

“ Long  pond  was  situated  partly 
in  this  township  and  partly  in 
Greensborough.  This  pond  was 
one  and  a half  miles  long,  and  about 
half  a mile  wide,  and  discharged  its 
waters  to  the  south,  forming  one  of 
the  head  branches  of  the  river  La- 
moille. On  the  6th  of  June,  1810, 
about  60  persons  went  to  this  pond 
for  the  purpose  of  opening  an  out- 
let to  the  north  into  Barton  river, 
that  the  mills,  on  that  stream,  might 
receive  an  occasional  supply  of  wa- 
ter. A small  channel  was  excava- 
ted, and  the  water  commenced  run- 


ning in  a northerly  direction.  It 
happened  that  the  northern  barrier 
of  the  pond  consisted  entirely  of 
quicksand,  except  an  encrusting  of 
clay  next  the  water.  The  sand 
was  immediately  removed  by  the 
current, and  a large  channel  formed. 
The  basin  formed  by  the  encrusting 
of  clay  was  incapable  of  sustaining 
the  incumbent  mass  of  waters,  and 
it  brake.  The  whole  pond  imme- 
diately took  a northerly  course,  and, 
in  fifteen  minutes  from  this  time,  its 
bed  was  left  entirely  bare.  It  was 
discharged  so  suddenly  that  the 
country  below  was  instantly  inun- 
dated. The  deluge  advanced  like 
a wall  of  waters,  60  or  70  feet  in 
height,  and  20  rods  in  width,  level- 
ing the  forests  and  the  hills,  and 
filling  up  the  valleys,  and  sweeping 
off  mills,  houses,  barns,  fences,  cat- 
tle, horses  and  sheep  as  it  passed, 
for  the  distance  of  more  than  ten 
miles,  and  barely  giving  the  inhab- 
itants sufficient  notice  of  its  ap- 
proach to  escape  with  their  lives  in- 
to the  mountains.  A rock,  suppos- 
ed to  weigh  more  than  100  tons, 
was  removed  half  a mile  from  its 
bed.  The  waters  removed  so  rap- 
idly as  to  reach  Memphremagog 
lake,  distance  27  miles,  in  about 
six  hours  from  the  time  they  left 
the  pond.  Nothing  now  remains 
of  the  pond  hut  its  bed,  a part  of 
which  is  cultivated  and  a part  over- 
grown with  bushes  and  wild  grass, 
with  a small  brook  running  through 
it,  which  is  now  the  head  branch 
of  Barton  river.  The  channel 
through  which  the  waters  escaped 
is  127  feet  in  depth  and  several 
rods  in  width.  A pond,  some  dis- 
tance below,  was,  at  first,  entirely 
filled  with'  sand,  which  has  since 
settled  down,  and  it  is  now  about 
one  half  its  former  dimensions. 
Marks  of  the  ravages  are  still  to  be 
seen  through  nearly  the  whole 
course  of  Barton  river.” 

Goffstown,  X.  H., 

Hillsborough  co.,  is  12  miles  N. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


by  E.  from  Amherst,  and  16  S.  from 
Concord.  Piscataquog  river,  the 
tributary  branches  of  which  unite 
near  the  W.  line  of  the  town,  runs 
through  its  centre  in  an  E.  direc- 
tion, and  falls  into  Merrimack  riv- 
er at  Piscataquog  village  in  Bed- 
ford. Large  quantities  of  lumber 
are  annually  floated  down  this  riv- 
er to  the  Merrimack,  and  most  of 
the  mill  privileges  are  derived  from 
this  valuable  stream.  There  are 
two  considerable  elevations  in  the 
S.  W.  part  of  the  town,  which  ob- 
tained from  the  Indians  the  name 
of  Un-can-nu-nuc.  On  the  rivers 
are  considerable  tracts  of  valuable 
intervale.  Back  from  the  rivers 
commence  extensive  plains,  easy  of 
cultivation,  and  producing  abun- 
dant crops  of  Indian  corn  and  rye. 
From  these  plains  the  land  rises 
on  each  side  of  Piscataquog  river 
into  large  swells.  In  this  town 
there  is  an  extensive  cotton  factory. 
The  Goffstown  Manufacturing  Com- 
pany are  erecting  a large  woolen 
factory  at  a flourishing  village,  in 
the  W.  part  of  the  town,  on  Piscat- 
aquog river.  Population,  1830, 
2,213. 

Dr.  Jonathan  Gove,  a man 
distinguished  for  his  urbanity,  his 
talents  and  professional  skill,  resid- 
ed in  this  town.  He  was  one  of 
the  oldest  practitioners  of  medicine 
in  the  county.  He  was  many  years 
an  active  member  of  the  legisla- 
ture. 

Goltlsliorougli,  Me. 

Hancock  co.  This  is  a large 
township,  on  the  Atlantic  ocean, 
containing  a number  of  excellent 
harbors,  and  nearly  surrounded  by 
water.  It  is  admirably  located  for 
all  the  various  pursuits  in  naviga- 
tion. Goldsborough  harbor,  on  the 
E.  side  of  the  town,  is  capacious  and 
easy  of  approach  by  almost  any 
wind.  Frenchman’s  bay  extends 
on  the  W.  side  of  the  town  and  af- 
fords it  many  commercial  advanta- 
ges. It  lies  99  miles  E.  from  Au- 


gusta, 27  S.  E.  from  Ellsworth,  and 
is  bounded  by  Sullivan  on  the  N. 
Incorporated,  1789.  Population, 
1830,  880;  1837,  1,047. 

Gorham,  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  This  town  is 
watered  on  the  N.  E.  side  by  Pre- 
sumpscut  river, and  the  Cumberland 
and  Oxford  canal.  It  is  9 miles  W. 
N.  W.  from  Portland,  and  63  S.  W. 
from  Augusta.  Gorham  was  first 
settled  in  1736,  by  John  Phinney 
and  others  from  Barnstable  county. 
Mass.  Maine  was  at  that  time 
almost  a wilderness.  Portland,  Sa- 
co and  Scarborough  were  very  fee- 
ble in  consequence  of  the  depreda- 
tions of  the  Indians.  These  peo- 
ple endured  great  privations,  and 
for  many  years  were  in  constant 
apprehension  of  attack  by  the  sav- 
ages. “ The  wives  and  daugh- 
ters of  the  first  settlers  of  Gorham 
shared  in  all  the  toils  and  wants  of 
their  husbands  and  fathers;  they 
used  to  labor  in  the  field,  carry  bur- 
dens, go  to  mill,  and  aid  in  defence 
of  their  property.  One  time  when 
most  of  the  men  were  away,  the 
Indians  attacked-  the  fort,  and  the 
wife  of  Hugh  McLellan  rallied  the 
women  in  the  garrison,  shut  the 
gates,  mounted  the  walls,  fired  up- 
on the  Indians,  and  by  her  courage 
and  activity  baffled  the  enemy  till 
succor  arrived.” 

^Rev.  Solomon  Lombard,  a native 
of  Truro,  Mass.,  was  the  first  set- 
tled minister.  His  annual  salary 
was  £ 53 , 6s.  8d.  He  was  ordained 
Dec.  26,  1750.  One  hundred  and 
twenty  dollars  were  raised  to  defray 
the  expenses  of  the  ordination. 
We  copy  the  following  from  the 
list  of  supplies  for  that  occasion,  to 
show  the  prices  of  some  articles  at 
that  period. 

1 barrel  of  flour,  £14  7s.  6d. 

3 bushels  of  apples,  2 8 0 

2 barrels  of  cider,  9 0 0 

2 gallons  of  brandy,  5 0 0 

1 bottle  of  vinegar,  0 5 0 

2 cheeses,  6d.  per  lb. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


54£  lbs.  of  pork.  Id.  per  lb. 


6 

candles, 

£0 

Is.  0 d. 

1 

oz.  of  nutmegs, 

0 

1 

0 

8 

fowls, 

1 

16 

0 

29 

lbs.  sugar. 

8 

14 

0 

1 

tea  pot. 

1 

10 

0 

4 

gallons  of  rum. 

5 

4 

0 

2 

bushels  cranberries,  2 

0 

0 

1 

lb.  of  tea, 

0 

10 

0 

1 lb.  of  ginger,  0 2 0 

6 gals,  molasses,  2s.  S d.  per  gal. 

4 oz.  of  pepper,  0 0 6 

Gorham  is  very  pleasantly  loca- 
ted : its  soil  is  of  a superior  quali- 
ty : it  has  a flourishing  academy,  on 
a solid  foundation  : it  is  a place  of 
considerable  trade,  and  of  exten- 
sive manufactures  of  cotton,  wool, 
leather,  starch,  and  gunpowder. 
Gorham  has  produced  many  men-of 
talents,  among  which  were  eminent 
jurists  and  statesmen.  It  is  noted 
for  its  attachment  to  the  principles 
of  the  revolution. 

From  1807  to  1834,  twenty  per- 
sons died  in  Gorham,  whose  aver- 
age age  was  94  years.  Population, 
1837,  3,022. 

Gorliam,  N.  II., 

Coos  co.,  is  a rough  and  unpro- 
ductive township  lying  on  the  north- 
erly base  of  the  White  mountains, 
and  bounded  E.  by  Shelburne,  N. 
by  Berlin,  and  W.  by  Randolph, 
and  is  96  miles  N.  from  Concord. 
Several  streams  descend  from  the 
mountains  through  this  town  into 
the  Androscoggin.  It  was  former- 
ly called  Shelburne  Addition,  but 
was  incorporated  by  its  present 
name  June  18,  1836.  Population 
in  1830,  111. 

Goshen,  K.  H., 

Sullivan  co.,  is  bounded  N.  by 
Newport  and  Wendell,  E.by  New- 
bury, S.  by  Washington,  and  W.by 
Lempster  and  Unity.  It  is  42  miles 
W.  by  N.  from  Concord.  Croydon 
turnpike  passes  through  Goshen. 
From  Sunapee  mountain,  lying  in 
the  E.  part  of  this  town,  spring  ma- 


ny small  streams,  which  unite  in 
forming  Sugar  river.  Rand’s  pond 
is  in  the  N.  E.  part  of  the  town. 
The  soil  is  particularly  calculated 
for  the  production  of  grass.  It  was 
incorporated  Dec.  27,  1791.  The 
first  settlement  was  made  about  the 
year  1769,  by  Capt.  Benjamin  Rand, 
William  Lang,  and  Daniel  Grindle, 
whose  sufferings  and  hardships  were 
very  great.  The  crops  of  the  first 
settlers  were  greatly  injured,  and 
sometimes  entirely  destroyed  by 
early  frosts.  In  such  cases  they 
procured  grain  from  Walpole  and 
other  plaees.  At  a certain  time  of 
scarcity,  Capt.  Rand  went  to  that 
place  after  grain,  and  being  detain- 
ed by  a violent  snow  storm,  his 
family  was  obliged  to  live  without 
provision  for  six  days,  during  which 
time  Mrs.  Rand  sustained  one  of 
his  children,  5 years  old,  by  the  milk 
from  her  breast,  having  a short  time 
before  buried  her  infant  child.  Pop- 
ulation in  1830,  772. 

Goslieu,  Vt. 

Addison  co.  First  settled,  1800. 
Population,  1S30,  555.  Goshen  lies 
30  miles  S.  W.  from  Montpelier, 
and  15  S.  E.  from  Middlebury.  Lei- 
cester -and  Philadelphia  rivers  sup- 
ply the  town  with  mill  privileges. 
The  lands  along  the  rivers  are  very 
good,  but  in  general  they  are  too 
mountainous  for  profitable  cultiva- 
tion. Some  minerals  are  found  in 
this  town. 

Goslieu,  Mass. 

Hampshire  co.  A mountainous 
town,  103  miles  W.  by  N.  from  Bos- 
ton, and  12  N.  W.  from  Northamp- 
ton. Some  valuable  minerals  are 
found  here,  such  as  emeralds,  lead, 
and  tin.  The  manufactures  of  Go- 
shen are  small,  chiefly  of  boots  and 
shoes.  The  value  of  3,048  fleeces 
of  wool,  produced  in  1837,  was  sold 
for  $4,500.  Population,  1837,  560. 

Goslieu,  Ct. 

Litchfield  co.  First  settled,  1738. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Incorporated,  1749.  Population, 
1830,  1,734.  Goshen  lies  6 miles 
N.  from  Litchfield,  42  N.  N.  W. 
from  New  Haven,  and  32  W.  from 
Hartford.  Great  attention  is  paid 
in  this  town  to  the  education  of 
youth.  Ivy  mountain,  in  Goshen, 
is  considered  the  most  elevated  point 
of  land  in  the  state  ; its  summit  pre- 
sents an  extensive  and  delightful 
prospect.  “ Goshen  is  the  most  ele- 
vated township  in  the  state,  but  not 
generally  mountainous ; the  surface 
being  undulating,  affording  an  in- 
teresting diversity  of  hills  and  vales. 
The  soil  is  a gravelly  loam,  deep, 
strong  and  fertile,  admirably  adapt- 
ed for  grazing.  This  is  one  of  the 
best  towns  for  the  dairy  business  in 
the  state.  Large  quantities  of  cheese 
are  annually  made,  the  fame  of 
which  is  widely  and  justly  celebrat- 
ed, and  the  inhabitants  are  general- 
ly in  prosperous  circumstances.  In 
neatness,  in  and  about  their  dwell- 
ings, and  in  the  appearance  of  gen- 
eral comfort  and  prosperity,  they 
are  not  exceeded,  if  equalled,  by 
any  town  in  the  state.” 

Gosport,  nr.  H. 

See  Isles  of  Shoals. 

Grafton  County,  N.  II. 

Haverhill  and  Plymouth  are  the 
county  towns. 

This  county  extends  from  lat.-43° 
27'  to  44°  22'  N.  It  is  58  miles  in 
length,  and  its  greatest  breadth  is 
30  miles.  It  contains  828,623  acres, 
besides  a large  tract  of  ungranted 
land.  It  is  bounded  N.  by  the  coun- 
ty of  Coos,  E.  by  Strafford,  S.  by 
Merrimack,  and  W.  by  the  state 
of  Vermont.  Grafton  county  is  wa- 
tered by  Connecticut  river,  on 
which  are  several  pleasant  and 
flourishing  towns ; by  Pemigewas- 
set,  and  Lower  Amonoosuck  rivers, 
and  by  many  smaller  streams. — 
Squam  and  Newfound  lakes  are  the 
largest  collections  of  water.  The 
former,  of  which  a considerable 
part  lies  in  Strafford  county,  has 

14 


been  much  celebrated  for  its  pic- 
turesque beautids.  Its  numerous 
angular  projections,  the  variety  of 
its  islands  covered  with  wood,  and 
the  vicinity  of  lofty  mountains,  ren- 
der it  an  object  peculiarly  interest- 
ing. There  are  numerous  eleva- 
tions which  come  under  the  name 
of  mountains.  Those  of  the  most 
importance  are  Gardner’s  in  Ly- 
man, Peaked  in  Bethlehem,  Moose- 
hillock  in  Coventry,  Cushman’s  and 
the  Blue  mount  in  Peeling,  Carr’s 
in  Warren  and  Ellsworth,  Moose  in 
Hanover,  and  Cardigan  in  Orange. 

A large  portion  of  Grafton  county 
is  mountainous  and  hilly,  but  this 
circumstance  does  not  prevent  its 
productiveness.  It  presents  fine 
tracts  for  pasturage,  a large  propor- 
tion of  arable  land,  and  on  the  riv- 
ers, extensive  and  fertile  intervales. 

This  county  is  emphatically  a 
w'ool  growing  coxinty,  and  there 
were,  in  1837,  more  than  120,000 
sheep  within  its  borders. 

The  first  settlement  in  this  county 
was  made  at  Lebanon,  and  this  was 
the  first  settlement  on  Connecticut 
river  north  of  Charlestown.  It  was 
constituted  a county,  March  19, 
1771,  and  received  its  name'  in 
honor  of  Augustus  Henry  Fitzroy, 
Duke  of  Grafton.  Population  in 
1775,  3,597;  in  1790,  12,449;  in 
1800,  20,171  ; in  1810,  28,462;  in 
1820,  32,989;  and  in  1830,  38,691. 

Grafton,  HT.  H., 

Grafton  co.,  is  bounded  N.  E.  by 
Orange,  S.  E.  by  Danbury,  S.  W. 
by  Springfield,  and  N.  W.  by  En- 
field. It  is  36  miles  N.  W.  from 
Concord,  and  13  S.  E.  from  Dart- 
mouth college.  It  is  watered  by 
branches  of  Smith’s  and  Mascomy 
rivers.  Heard’s  river,  a small  trib- 
utary to  Smith’s  river,  waters  the 
S.  E.  part.  There  are  5 ponds. 
The  largest,  containing  from  200  to 
300  acres,  is  called  Grafton  pond. 
Two  are  named  Mud  ponds.  The 
surface  of  Grafton  is  very  hilly,  in 
some  parts  very  mountainous ; and 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


the  soil  is  so  rocky  as,  in  many 
places,  to  be  unfit  for  cultivation. 
There  are,  however,  some  good 
tracts  of  land.  The  Grafton  turn- 
pike, leading  from  Andover  to  Or- 
ford  bridge,  passes  through  the  E. 
part,  and  the  4th  N.  H.  turnpike, 
from  Concord  to  Hanover,  through 
the  W.  part.  In  this  town  there  is 
a remarkable  ledge,  called  the  Pin- 
nacle, on  the  S.  side  of  which  the 
ground  rises  by  a gradual  ascent  to 
the  summit;  but  on  the  N.  side,  it 
falls  nearly  150  feet,  within  the  dis- 
tance of  6 or  8 feet.  Isinglass,  as 
it  is  commonly  called,  is  found  in  a 
state  of  great  purity  in  Glass  Hill 
mountain.  It  adheres  in  the  form 
of  lamina  to  rocks  of  white  and  yel- 
low quartz.  The  usual  size  of  these 
lamina  is  about  G inches  square,  but 
some  have  been  found  much  larger. 
It  requires  much  labor  to  obtain 
this  glass,  which,  when  prepared, 
is  transported  to  Boston,  and  from 
thence  exported  to  England.  It  is 
found  on  the  E.  side  of  the  moun- 
tain, which  is  200  feet  high.  Graf- 
ton was  granted  Aug.  14,  1761, 
to  Ephraim  Sherman  and  others. — 
The  first  permanent  settlement  was 
made  in  May,  1772,  by  Capt.  Jo- 
seph Hoyt,  from  Poplin.  Capt. 
Alexander  Pixley  and  wife  were 
the  second  family  who  settled  here. 
Incorporated  in  1773.  Population 
in  1830,  1,207. 

Grafton,  Vt. 

Windham  co.  Grafton  is  finely 
watered  by  Sexton’s  river, which  is 
formed  in  the  town  by  the  union  of 
several  streams  ; and  by  a branch 
of  Williams’  river.  On  these  streams 
are  manufactures  of  woolen  and 
other  goods.  Soap-stone  of  an  ex- 
cellent quality  is  very  abundant  in 
this  place.  It  is  manufactured  by 
water  power  for  Various  uses  to  a 
great  extent : it  i's  bored  for  aque- 
ducts and  sold  at  a very  low  price. 
This  town  contains  two  pleasant 
and  flourishing  villages,  and  a great 


variety  of  mineral  treasure.  Its 
surface  is  uneven  with  a strong  and 
productive  soil.  Grafton  was  first 
settled,  1780.  Population,  1830, 
1,439.  It  lies  90  miles  S.  from 
Montpelier,  and  18  N.  from  New- 
fane. 

Grafton,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  important 
manufacturing  town,  the  Hassana- 
misco  of  the  Indians,  Was  incorpo- 
rated in  1735.  It  lies  36  mil^s  S. 
W.  by  W.  from  Boston,  and  9 S.  E. 
from  Worcester.  Population,  1830, 
1,889;  1837,  2,910.  Blackstone  riv- 
er and  several  large  ponds  give  this 
town  a constant  and  valuable  water 
power.  There  are  5 cotton  and  1 
woolen  mills.  The  total  amount  of 
the  manufactures  of  Grafton, the  year 
ending  April  1,  1837,  was  $1,052, 
448.  The  manufactures  consisted 
of  cotton  and  woolen  goods,  boots, 
shoes,  leather,  scythes,  chairs,  tin, 
cabinet  and  wooden  wares,  shoe 
tools  and  bricks.  The  manufac- 
ture of  boots  and  shoes  amounted 
to  $614,141,  employing  1,392  males 
and  females.  Grafton  has  a fine 
soil,  is  beautifully  located,  and  ex- 
ceedingly flourishing. 

Granby,  Vt. 

Essex  co.  This  town  is  nearly 
allied  to  Ferdinand,  both  in  loca- 
tion and  the  character  of  the  soil. 
Granby  lies  the  next  town  S.  of  it, 
and  97  people,  it  is  said,  reside  with- 
in the  limits  of  Granby. 

Granby,  Mass. 

Hampshire  co.  This  town  lies 
90  miles  W.  by  S.  from  Boston,  and 
9 S.  E.  from  Northampton.  Incor- 
porated, 1768.  It  has  good  fish 
ponds  and  two  small  streams.  There 
are  two  woolen  mills  in  the  town 
and  2,067  sheep.  The  wool,  in 
1837,  sold  for  $3,670.  Population, 
1837,  922.  It  is  said  that  copper 
ore  of  a good  quality  is  found  in 
Granby. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Granby,  Ct. 

Hartford  co.  This  town  was  in- 
corporated in  1786,  and  was  that 
part  of  Simsbury  which  contains 
the  famous  Simsbury  mines ; the  old 
state  prison  of  Connecticut.  The 
cavern,  once  occupied  as  a prison, 
is  now  worked,  as  formerly,  as  a 
copper  mine.  This  odious  place, 
unfit  for  the  residence  of  the  worst 
of  criminals,  is  16  miles  N.  N. 
W.  from  Hartford.  The  pit  or  cav- 
ern is  more  than  50  feet  in  depth, 
dark,  damp  and  dismal.  The  worst 
stigma  that  can  be  cast  on  the  good 
people  of  Connecticut  is,  that  this 
infernal  region  was  suffered  to  re- 
main nearly  40  years  the  abode 
of  their  fellow  beings.  There  are 
some  hills  in  Granby  of  considera- 
ble elevation.  Barn  door  hills  rise 
between  four  and  five  hundred*  feet, 
and  have  the  appearance  of  having 
been  separated  by  some  convulsion 
of  nature.  Turkey  hills  and  Sal- 
mon brook  are  pleasant  villages,  and 
have  the  appearance  of  prosperity. 
Farmington  river  waters  the  for- 
mer, and  a branch  of  that  river,  the 
latter.  Population,  1830,  2,722. 

Grand  Isle  County,  Vt* 

JYorth  Hero  is  the  county  town. 
This  county  comprises  a group  of 
islands  in  Lake  Champlain,  and  a 
point  of  land  jutting  into  the  N. 
part  of  that  lake  on  the  S.  side  of 
the  Canada  line,  on  which  Alburgh 
is  situated.  This  county  contains 
about  80  square  miles  : most  of  the 
land  is  level  and  excellent  for  graz- 
ing and  tillage.  This  county  has 
no  considerable  streams,  but  its  nav- 
igable facilities  are  very  great.  It 
was  first  settled  about  the  close  of 
the  revolutionary  war.  Incorpora- 
ted, 1802.  It  contained,  in  1837, 
about  16,000  sheep.  Population, 
1820,  3,527;  1830,3,696.  Popula- 
tion to  a square  mile,  46. 

Grand  Isle,  Vt. 

Grand  Isle  co.  This  town  is 


bounded  on  all  sides  by  Lake  Cham- 
plain except  on  the  S.,  where  it  is 
bounded  by  South  Hero,  from  which 
it  was  taken  in  1809.  It  lies  50 
miles  N.  W.  from  Montpelier,  and 
18  N.  by  TV.  from  Burlington. — 
First  settled,  17S3.  Population, 
1830,  643.  The  soil  of  the  town  is 
very  fertile ; it  produces  fine  crops 
of  grain  and  an  abundance  of  fruit 
and  cider.  Marble,  lime-stone,  rock 
crystals,  &c.,  are  found  here,  and 
Grand  Isle  contains  the  only  water 
mill  in  the  county.  This  is  a fine 
place  for  fishing  and  fowling. 

Grand  Lake. 

This  is  a large  collection  of  wa- 
ter, lying  partly  in  the  county  of 
Washington,  Me.,  and  partly  in 
New  Brunswick.  It  contains  a large 
number  of  islands : it  receives  the 
waters  of  many  small  lakes  and 
rivers, and  is  the  chief  source  of  the 
river  St.  Croix.  It  lies  about  90 
miles  N.  E.  from  Bangor. 

Grautliam,  N.  II., 

Sullivan  co.,  is  bounded  N.  by 
Enfield,  E.  by  Springfield,  S.  by 
Croydon,  and  W.  by  Plainfield, 
which  separates  it  from  Connecticut 
river.  It  is  12  miles  S.  E.  from 
Dartmouth  college,  and  45  N.  W. 
from  Concord.  There  are  7 or  8 
ponds,  the  largest  of  which  lies  in 
the  S.  E.  part  of  the  town  and  is 
--called  Eastman’s  pond,  containing 
nearly  300  acres.  Another,  lying- 
near  the  centre  of  the  town,  con- 
tains nearly  200  acres.  Croydon 
mountain  extends  through  the  west- 
erly part  of  Grantham  in  a direc- 
tion from  S.  W.  to  N.  E.  The  soil 
is  productive,  especially  on  the  W. 
of  the  mountain.  It  seems  to  be 
more  favorable  for  wheat  than  any 
other  species  of  grain.  The  moun- 
tain affords  good  pasturage,  and  the 
lower  land  yields  grass  in  abund- 
ance. On  the  E.  side  of  the  moun- 
tain is  a spring  supposed  to  possess 
medicinal  qualities,  visited  by  hun- 
dreds of  valetudinarians  in  the  sum- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


mer  season.  On  the  summit  of 
Croydon  mountain  is  a natural  pond, 
containing  about  50  acres.  This 
town  was  first  granted  July  11, 
1761,  but  the  proprietors  not  fulfill- 
ing the  conditions  of  the  charter,  it 
was  forfeited.  In  1767,  it  was  re- 
granted  to  Col.  William  Symmesand 
63  others,  by  the  name  of  Gran- 
tham. Incorporated  in  1761.  Pop- 
ulation, in  1830,  1,079. 

Granville,  Vt. 

Addison  co.  See  Barnard , Me. 

Granville,  Mass. 

Hampden  co.  This  is  a moun- 
tainous township,  110  miles  W.  S. 
W.  from  Boston,  and  14  W.  from 
Springfield.  It  contains  good  soap- 
stone and  1,500  sheep.  The  wool 
sold  in  1837  for  $2,572.  There  are 
some  manufactures  in  Granville  of 
pocket  books,  boots,  shoes,  leather, 
and  silver  ware.  Although  the 
land  is  high,  the  soil  in  many  parts 
is  very  good  and  productive.  The 
village  is  very  pleasant.  Incorpora- 
ted, 1754.  Population,  1837,1,439. 

Gray,  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  This  is  a fine  farm- 
ing town,  watered  by  branches  of 
North  Yarmouth  and  Presumpscot 
rivers,  and  containing  a large  part  of 
Little  Sebago  pond.  It  lies  17  miles 
N.  by  W.  from  Portland  and  44  S. 
W.  from  Augusta.  Incorporated, 
1778.  Population,  1837,  1,671. 
Gray  is  a pleasant  town  and  a place 
of  considerable  trade  and  some  man- 
ufactures. 

Great  Barrington,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  A very  pleasant 
town  in  the  valley  of  Housatonick 
river,  125  miles  W.  by  S.  from  Bos- 
ton, and  14  S.  from  Lenox.  Incor- 
porated, 1761.  Population,  1837, 
2,440.  Monument  mountain,  in 
this  town,  is  quite  lofty  : it  presents 
some  wild  and  picturesque  scenery. 
Here  are  good  iron  ore,  beautifully 


variegated  marble,  and  a good  mill 
stream.  The  soil  on  the  banks  of 
the  Housatonick  is  fertile  and  the 
uplands  are  well  adapted  for  graz- 
ing. The  manufactures  consist  of 
cotton  and  woolen  goods,  boots, 
shoes,  leather,  hats,  pig  iron,  lasts, 
tin  ware,  bevils  and  guages.  To- 
tal amount  of  manufactures  in  one 
year,  $122,369.  This  town  the 
same  year  (1837)  produced  2,657 
fleeces  of  merino  wool,  valued  at 
$3,321. 

Great-Bays,  N.  H. 

The  largest  is  that  lying  E.  from 
New  Market,  formed  by  the  united 
waters  of  Swamscot,  Winnicut,  and 
Lamprey  rivers.  It  is  4 miles  wide, 
and  at  some  seasons  is  picturesque 
as  connected  with  the  surrounding 
scenery.  This  bay  has  Newington 
on  tlie  E.,  Greenland  and  Stratham 
on  the  S.,  and  New  Market  and 
Durham  W. : its  waters  pass  N.  E. 
through  Little  bay,  where  Oyster 
river  unites  with  the  current  which 
passes  into  the  Piscataqua. 

Great-Bay,  between  Sanbornton 
and  Meredith,  is  a body  of  wa- 
ter, connected  with  Winnepisiogee 
lake,  and  discharging  its  waters  in- 
to Winnepisiogee  river.  Round  and 
Long  bays  are  situated  between  the 
lake  and  Great  Bay,  and  there  are 
two  small  bays  on  the  river  below 

Great  Island,  N.  II. 

See  J\Tew  Castle. 

Great  Works  Stream,  Me. 

This  stream  has  a number  of  trib- 
utaries, and  is  an  important  branch 
of  the  Penobscot.  It  has  many  sites 
for  mills,  and  falls  into  the  Penob- 
scot, on  the  E.  side,  opposite  to  the 
Indian  settlement  at  Oldtown.  At 
its  confluence  with  the  Penobscot 
there  is  a considerable  village. 

There  is  another  stream  of  this 
name,  which  rises  in  York  county, 
and  passes  to  Salmon  Fall  river,  at 
South  Berwick. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Greene,  Me. 

Kennebec  co.  Greene  has  several 
ponds,  but  no  good  mill  privileges. 
It  lies  on  the  E.  side  of  Androscog- 
gin river,  6 miles  above  Lewiston, 
and  22  S.  W.  from  Augusta.  It  is 
an  excellent  farming  town,  and 
produced,  in  1837,  8,27S  bushels  of 
wheat.  Incorporated,  1788.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  1,366. 

Greenljush,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  This  territory  was 
called  the  Olammon  Plantation, 
until  its  incorporation  in  1834. — 
Olammon  stream,  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  tributaries  of  the  Penob- 
scot, joins  that  river,  on  the  E.  side, 
in  Greenbush,  affording  an  exten- 
sive hydraulic  power.  Greenbush 
is  a flourishing  place,  and  lies  about 
25  miles  N.  by  E.  from  Bangor. 
Population,  1830,  333}  1837,  666. 

Greenfield,  Me. 

Hancock  co.  This  town  was  in- 
corporated in  1834.  It  was  No.  38 
on  the  Bingham  Purchase.  See 
“ Down  East.” 

Greenfield,  N.  II., 

Hillsborough  co.,  is  bounded  N. 
by  Francestown  and  Society-Land, 
E.  by  Francestown  and  Lyndebo- 
rough,  S.  by  Lyndeborough  and 
Temple,  and  W.  by  Peterborough 
and  Hancock.  It  is  14  miles  W. 
N.  W.  from  Amherst,  and  38  S.  W. 
from  Concord.  Contoocook  river 
forms  part  of  the  ,W.  boundary,  and 
separates  this  town  from  Hancock. 
The  soil  is  generally  fertile.  The 
hills  afford  excellent  pasturage  ; the 
valleys  and  plains  are  favorable  for 
grain.  Hops  are  raised  in  great 
abundance.  A part  of  Crotched 
mountain  rises  from  the  N.  part, 
and  part  of  Lyndeborough  mountain 
from  the  S.  and  E.  sections  of  this 
town.  There  are  some  valuable 
meadows;  in  one  of  them  have 
been  found  many  Indian  relics,  from 
which  it  is  conjectured  that  it  was 

14* 


a favorite  spot  of  the  sons  of  the 
forest.  There  are  five  ponds ; the 
largest  about  one  mile  in  length, 
and  one  third  of  its  length  in  width. 
The  first  settlement  commenced  in 
1771,  by  Capt.  Alexander  Park- 
er, Major  A.  Whittemore,  Simeon 
Fletcher,  and  others.  It  was  incor- 
porated June  15, 1791.  Population, 
in  1830,  946. 

Greenfield,  Mass. 

County  town,  Franklin  co.  This 
town  lies  on  the  W.  side  of  Connec- 
ticut river,  and  is  washed  by  Green 
river,  an  excellent  mill  stream,  a 
branch  of  the  -Deerfield.  The  vil- 
lage is  situated  about  2 miles  from 
Connecticut  river,  and  is  very  beau- 
tiful and  flourishing.  There  is  a 
woolen  mill  in  Greenfield  with  four 
sets  of  machinery ; and  manufac- 
tures of  boots,  shoes,  leather,  hats, 
iron  castings,  chairs,  cabinet  and 
tin  wares,  saddles,  harnesses, trunks, 
stove  and  lead  aqueduct  pipe,  iron 
work,  guns,  pistols,  rifles,  coach- 
es, wagons,  books,  &c.  The  total 
amount  of  manufactures,  for  the 
year  ending  April  1,  1837,  was 
$164,844.  The  value  of  wool,  the 
product  of  2,153  fleeces,  sheared  in 
1837,  was  $3,404.  There  is  an 
academy  for  young  ladies  in  this 
town,  a farming  school  for  young 
men,  and  some  iron  and  copper  ores. 
Greenfield  lies-  95  miles  W.  by  N. 
from  Boston,  and  22  N.  from  North- 
ampton. Incorporated,  17-53.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  1,540}  1837,  1,840 

Greenland,  N.  H., 

Rockingham  co.,  is.  situated  five 
miles  W.S.W.  from  Portsmouth, and 
45  E.S.E.  from  Concord  : it  is  bound- 
ed N.  by  the  Great-Bay  and  New- 
ington, E.  by  Portsmouth  and  Rye, 
S.  by  North -Hampton,  and  W.  by 
Stratham.  The  soil  is  remarkably 
good.  The  orchards  and  gardens 
of  this  town  are  valuable,  and  yield 
annual  profits  to  the  farmers. — 
Greenland,  originally  a part  of  Ports- 
mouth, was  incorporated  as  a dis- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


tincl  town  in  1703.  Settlements 
commenced  early,  and  in  1705  there 
were  320  inhabitants. 

Rev.  Samuel  M’Cliwtock, 
D.  D.,  who  died  in  the  48th  year 
of  his  ministry,  was  born  at  Med- 
ford, Mass.,  May  1,  1732;  gradua- 
ted at  the  New  Jersey  college  in 
1751;  ordained  in  1756;  and  died 
April  27,  1804,  aged  72.  His  fa- 
ther was  a native  of  Ireland.  Dr. 
M’Clintock  was  a sound  divine,  em- 
inent as  a preacher,  and  distinguish- 
ed for  his  attachment  to  the  cause 
of  Jus  country.  He  served  as  a 
chaplain  in  the  army  of  the  revolu- 
tion. Population  in  1830,  681. 

Green.  Mountains. 

This  range  of  mountains  rises  in 
Lower  Canada.  They  pass  nearly 
through  the  centre  of  Vermont, 
from  N.  to  S.,  and  the  westerly 
parts  of  the  states  of  Massachusetts 
and  Connecticut,  and  terminate  near 
New  Haven,  on  Long  Island  Sound. 
From  their  green  appearance  they 
give  the  name  to  Vermont,  and  de- 
crease in  height  as  they  approach 
the  south.  The  north  peak, in  Mans- 
field, Vt.,  is  the  greatest  elevation, 
being  4,279  feet  above  the  surface 
of  lake  Champlain. 

Green  Rivers. 

Green,  or  Quodotchquoik  river, 
in  the  N.  E.  part  of  Penobscot  coun- 
ty, Maine,  is  an  important  branch 
of  the  St.  John’s,  and  joins  that  riv- 
er about  24  miles  W.  from  the  line 
of  New  Brunswick. 

Green  river,  in  Massachusetts , 
rises  in  the  high  lands  at  the  N.  W. 
corner  of  Berkshire  county  ; it  pas- 
ses N.  W.  through  Williamstown, 
and  the  S.  W.  corner  of  Vermont, 
and  joins  the  Hoosick  in  N.  Y. 

There  are  several  smaller  streams 
In  New  England  of  the  same  name. 

GreensTborougli,  Vt. 

Orleans  co.  William  Scott  Shep- 
ard, born  March  25,  1789,  was  the 
first  white  child  brought  forth  in 


this  town.  For  his  good  fortune  in 
this  respect,  the  proprietors  of  the 
township  gave  him  100  acres  of 
land.  “ Beautiful  lake  ” and  seve- 
ral other  lakes  and  ponds  in  this 
town,  form  a part  of  the  head  wa- 
ters of  the  river  Lamoille.  This 
town  is  well  timbered : the  sur- 
face is  not  very  elevated  ; the  soil 
in  general  is  good,  particularly  for 
grazing.  It  produces  some  fine  cat- 
tle, and  keeps  about  4,000  sheep. 
Population,  1830,  784. 

Greenville,  Me. 

Piscataquis  co.  The  “ Haskell 
Plantation,”  incorporated  in  1836. 
109  miles  from  Augusta.  Popula- 
tion, 1837, 132.  See  “ Down  East.” 

Greenwich,  Mass. 

Hampshire  co.  There  are  a num- 
ber of  ponds  in  this  town,  by  which, 
and  Swift  river  passing  through  it, 
a good  water  power  is  acquired. 
There  is  a woolen  mill  in  the  town, 
and  manufactures  of  shoes,  boots, 
palm-leaf  hats,  and  scythes.  In- 
corporated, 1754.  Population,  1837, 
842.  Greenwich  lies  75  miles  W. 
from  Boston,  and  17  N.  E.  from 
Northampton. 

Gi'eenwich,  Ct. 

Fairfield  co.  The  settlement  of 
this  town  commenced  in  1640,  and 
was  incorporated  by  Stuyvesant, 
the  Dutch  governor  at  New  York, 
in  1665.  Greenwich  comprises  three 
parishes  or  villages, — West  Green- 
wich, Greenwich  on  the  E.  and 
Stanwich  on  the  N.  West  Green- 
wich, on  Horse  JVeck,  so  called 
from  a peninsula  on  the  Sound  for- 
merly used  as  a horse  pasture,  is  the 
largest  and  most  important  part  of 
the  town.  Greenwich  is  watered 
by  By  ran  river,  the  boundary  line 
between  the  town  and  state  of  New 
York,  and  the  most  southern  part  of 
New  England.  At  the  outlet  of 
Byran  river,  on  the  New  York  side, 
is  a place  called  Sawpits,  a noted 
landing  place  on  the  Sound,  28  miles 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


N.  E from  New  York.  Miannus 
creek  and  other  smaller  streams 
water  the  town. 

A great  battle  took  place  between 
the  Dutch  and  Indians  at  Horse 
Neck,  in  1646.  The  action  was 
long  and  severe,  both  parties  fight- 
ing with  much  obstinacy.  The 
Dutch  with  much  difficulty  kept 
the  field,  and  the  Indians  with- 
drew. Great  numbers  were  slain 
on  both  sides,  and  the  graves  of  the 
dead,  fora  century  or  more,  appear- 
ed like  a number  of  small  hills. 

“ Putnam’s  Hill  is  situated  in 
West  Greenwich,  about  five  miles 
W.  from  Stamford,  on  the  main  road 
to  New  York.  This  place  is  cele- 
brated for  the  daring  exploit  of  Gen- 
eral Putnam,  who  descended  this 
precipice  when  pursued  by  the  Brit- 
ish dragoons.” 

Greenwich  is  a rough  and  uneven 
township,  with  a productive  soil. 
It  presents  some  wild  scenery  along 
the  road,  and  many  beautiful  views 
of  'Long  Island  Sound.  It  lies  48 
miles  W.  S.  W.  from  New  Haven, 
and  20  W.  S.  W.  from  Fairfield. 
Population,  1S30,  3,805. 

Greenwood,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  Incorporated,  1815. 
Population,  1837,  754.  It  lies  58 
miles  W.  by  S.  from  Augusta,  and 
7 N.  W.  from  Paris.  This  is  a 
township  of  excellent  land.  The 
inhabitants  are  generally  engaged 
in  agricultural  pursuits. 

Griswold,  Ct. 

New  London  co.  This  town 
was  taken  from  Preston  in  1815, 
and  is  separated  from  Lisbon  bjr 
Quennebaugh  river.  The  Pochaug, 
a sluggish  stream,  passes  through 
the  town.  The  principal  village, 
which  is  very  neat  and  pretty,  con- 
taining about  900  inhabitants,  is 
called  Jewett  City.  The  city  lies 
on  the  east  side  of  the  Quennebaug, 
at  this  place  a very  powerful  stream, 
and  contains  three  extensive  cotton 
factories,  a church,  bank,  and  a 


number  of  handsoms  buildings. — 
This  little  city  is  said  to  be  very 
prosperous  in  its  manufacturing  and 
commercial  concerns.  It  lies  8 
miles  N.  E.  from  Norwich,  and  46 
E.  S.  E.  from  Hartford.  There  are 
other  manufactories  of  cotton  in 
this  town,  and  some  of  wool.  The 
surface  of  Griswold  is  hilly  ; its  soil 
a gravelly  loam : some  produce  is 
sent  to  market,  and  about  3,000 
sheep  are  kept.  Population,  1830. 
2,212. 

Groton,  N.  II., 

Grafton  co.,  is  bound  N.  by  Rum- 
ney,  E.  by  Hebron,  S.  by  Orange, 
and  W.  by  Dorchester.  It  is  10 
miles  S.  W.  from  Plymouth,  45  N. 
W.  from  Concord,  and  15  S.  E.  from 
Hanover.  The  north  part  is  wa- 
tered by  a branch  of  Baker’s  river, 
and  the  southerly  part  has  sev- 
eral small  streams,  which  fall  into 
Newfound  lake.  There  is  but  one 
pond  of  any  consequence  lying  whol- 
ly in  this  town,  and  that  is  situated 
about  a mile  N.  E.  of  the  meeting- 
house. Groton  was  granted  July 
8,  1761,  to  George  Abbot  and  others 
by  the  name  of  Cockermouth.  It 
was  re-granted,  about  five  years  af- 
terwards, to  Col.  John  Hale  and  oth- 
ers, and  the  first  settlement  was 
commenced  in  1770.  Incorporated 
by  the  name  of  Groton,  Dec.  1796. 
Population,  in  1830,  689. 

— Groton,  Vt. 

Caledonia  co.  First  settled,  1787. 
Wells  river  and  its  branches  afford 
this  town  a good  water  power. — 
There  are  a number  of  ponds  in 
Groton,  well  stored  with  excellent 
fish,  some  of  which  are  large  and 
handsome.  The  soil  of  the  town  is 
generally  hard,  but  there  is  some 
choice  land  along  the  streams,  and 
good  timber. 

The  wife  of  a Mr.  Page,  of  this 
town,  in  the  year  1819,  produced 
four  lusty  “ green  mountain  boys” 
at  a birth.  When  domestic  manu- 
factures of  this  description  and 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


amount,  are  adduced  as  evidence 
of  the  prospex-ity  of  a town,  it  is 
useless  to  talk  about  water  power, 
cotton  factories,  or  wool  growing. 

Groton  lies  16  miles  E.  by  S.  from 
Montpelier,  and  15  S.  by  W.  from 
Danville.  Population,  1830,  886. 

Groton,  Mass, 

Middlesex  co.  This  is  a delight- 
ful town, with  an  extraordinary  good 
soil;  32  miles  N.  W.  from  Boston, 
and  13  W.  by  S.  from  Lowell. 

Groton  wTas  settled  soon  after 
Concord.  It  was  for  some  years  a 
frontier  settlement,  and  much  ex- 
posed to  the  Indians.  In  1676,  the 
town  was  attacked  by  400  Indians, 
and  all  the  buildings  plundered  and 
burnt,  except  four  garrison  houses. 

The  town  is  finely  watered  by 
the  Nashua  and  Squanecook  rivers 
and  a number  of  beautiful  ponds. 
The  buildings  are  in  a style  of 
great  neatness  and  taste,  and  some 
of  elegance.  This  town  has  a fe- 
male seminary  of  high  reputation, 
and  a number  of  moral  and  reli- 
gious institutions.  The  local  beau- 
ties of  Groton  and  its  facilities  for 
education  are  so  great  as  to  induce 
many  wealthy  families  to  made  it 
their  residence.  The  manufactures 
of  Groton  consist  of  paper,  axle- 
trees,  soap-stone  pumps,  mathemat- 
ical instruments,’  clothing,  palm- 
leaf  hats,  chairs,  cabinet  ware, 
leather,  boots  and  shoes.  Incor- 
porated, 1655.  Population,  1830, 
2,057. 

Groton,  Ct. 

Neiv  London  co.  Groton  lies  at 
the  mouth  of  the  river  Thames,  in 
the  harbor  of  New  London,  and  op- 
posite to  that  city,  on  the  E.  The 
lands  are  generally  hilly  and  rocky, 
with  some  fertile  tracts  on  the  mar- 
gin of  the  Thames.  There  are  sev- 
eral villages*  G-roton  Bank,  oppo- 
site New  London,  Portersville,  on 
Mystic  river,  and  Pequonnuck. 
The  Pequonnuck  and  Mystic  riv- 
ers pass  through  the  town,  and  emp- 


ty into  Long  Island  Sound.  A num- 
ber of  whale  ships  and  coasting  ves- 
sels are  owned  in  this  town.  This 
is  a place  of  some  trade,  and  consid- 
erable quantities  of  the  produce  of 
the  county  is  shipped  to  New  York 
market.  Ship  building  is  carried 
on  to  a considerable  extent,  on 
the  Mystic,  which  is  navigable  for 
large  vessels  about  two  miles  from 
the  Sound.  About  300  men  and 
boys  are  employed  in  navigation. 

Previous  to  its  incorporation,  in 
1705,  Groton  was  a part  of  New- 
London.  Population,  1830,  4,705. 

“ Groton  will  ever  be  memora- 
ble as  the  theatre  of  the  most  im- 
portant and  interesting  military 
transactions  which  have  taken  place 
in  the  state.  In  the  early  settle- 
ment of  the  country,  the  fate  of 
Connecticut  was  decided  by  the 
sword  on  Pequot  hill,  within  the 
limits  of  this  town,  and  the  Pequots, 
the  most  haughty  and  warlike  tribe 
of  savages  in  New  England,  effec- 
tually crushed  by  a single  blow, 
and  their  existence  as  a nation  an- 
nihilated. In  the  war  of  the  revo- 
lution, another  of  the  c high  places 
of  Groton  became  an  Aceldama’, 
and  the  flower  of  her  sons  were  sa- 
crificed to  the  vengeance  of  an  in- 
furiated enemy. 

“ On  the  6th  of  September,  1781, 
a body  of  Bx-itish  troops,  about  800 
in  number,  under  the  command 
of  Lieut.  Col.  Eyre,  landed  on  the 
Groton  side,  opposite  the  light- 
house, and  having  found  a lame  boy 
collecting  cattle,  compelled  him  to 
show  them  the  cart  path  to  the  fort. 
They  landed  about  9 o’clock  in  the 
morning  of  a most  delightful  da'y, 
clear  and  still.  Fort  Griswold  was 
under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Col. 
William  Ledyax*d,  brother  of  the 
celebrated  traveller  of  the  same 
name.  He  I'esidcd  on  Groton  bank, 
opposite  New  London,  and  was 
much  beloved  and  respected  by  his 
neighbors.  On  the  advance  of  the 
enemy,  Col.  Ledyard,  having  but 
about  150  men  with  him  in  the  fort, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


sent  out  an  officer  to  get  assistance, 
as  there  were  a number  of  hundreds 
of  people  collected  in  the  vicinity  : 
this  officer,  by  drinking  too  much, 
became  intoxicated,  and  no  rein- 
forcement was  obtained.  On  the 
rejection  of  a summons  to  surren- 
der, the  British  extended  their  lines, 
so  that  they  were  scattered  over  the 
fields,  and  rushed  on  to  the  attack 
with  trailed  arms,  under  the  fire  of 
the  Americans,  to  the  assault  of 
the  fort  on  three  sides.  Having 
effected  a lodgment  in  the  ditch, 
they  cut  away  the  pickets,  and  hav- 
ing scaling  ladders,  they  entered 
the  fort  and  knocked  away  the  gate 
on  the  inside.  While  the  British 
were  in  the  ditch,  they  had  cold 
shot  thrown  on  them,  and  as  they 
were  entering  the  embrazures,  the 
garrison  changed  their  weapons  and 
fought  desperately  with  spears  or 
pikes,  15  or  16  feet  in  length,  which 
did  considerable  execution.  Unfor- 
tunately they  had  lent  the  greater 
part  of  the  pikes  belonging  to  the 
fort  to  a privateer  a few  days  before. 
Major  Montgomery  was  hoisted  up 
on  the  walls  of  the  fort  by  his  sol- 
diers. As  he  was  flourishing  his 
sword  on  his  entrance,  he  was  mor- 
tally wounded  by  Jordan  Freeman, 
a colored  man,  who  pierced  him 
through  with  a spear.  Another  of- 
ficer was  killed  by  a musket  ball, 
while  in  the  fort.  As  he  fell,  he  ex- 
claimed : £ Put  every  one  to  death, 
don't  spare  one .’  Col.  Ledyard, 
finding  further  resistance  useless, 
presented  his  sword  to  an  officer, 
who  asked  him  who  commanded  the 
fort.  ‘ I did,’  said  Col.  Ledyard, 
* but  you  do  now.’  The  officer 
(Capt.  Bloomfield)  took  his  sword 
and  plunged  it  into  his  bosom.  Col. 
Ledyard  fell  on  his  face  and  instant- 
ly expired.  An  indiscriminate  mas- 
sacre now  took  place,  till  a British 
officer  exclaimed  : * My  soul  can- 
not bear  such  destruction,’  and  or- 
dered a parley  to  be  beat.  Such 
had  been  the  butchery  in  the  fort, 
that  it  was  over  shoes  in  blood  in 


some  parts  of  the  parade  ground. 
Soon  after  the  surrender,  a wagon 
was  loaded  with  wounded  Ameri- 
cans, and  set  off  down  the  hill ; it 
stnick  an  apple  tree  with  great  force, 
and  knocked  several  of  these  bleed- 
ing men  out,  and  caused  their  in- 
stant death.  One  of  these  distress- 
ed men  having  been  thrown  out  of 
the  wagon,  and  while  crawling  to- 
wards the  fence  on  his  hands  and 
knees,  was  brutally  knocked  on  the 
head  by  the  butt  end  of  a musket, 
by  one  of  the  refugees  who  were 
attached  to  the  British  army.  The 
British  embarked  at  the  foot  of  the 
hill,  near  the  ferry,  and  took  off  a 
number  of  prisoners  with  them. 
As  they  left  the  fort,  they  set  fire 
to  a train,  intending  to  blow  up  the 
magazine,  in  which  were  about  100 
barrels  of  powder.  Fortunately  it 
was  extinguished  by  our  people, 
who  entered  the  fort  soon  after  the 
enemy  left  it.  It  is  stated  that  the 
enemy  lost  in  the  attack  on  the  fort 
54  killed  and  143  wounded,  several 
of  whom  afterwards  died  of  their 
wounds.  The  killed  of  the  enemy 
were  buried  by  their  comrades  at 
the  gate  of  the  fort,  and  were  so 
slightly  covered  that  many  of  their 
legs  and  arms  remained  above 
ground.  Our  people  who  were  kill- 
ed at  the  fort,  were  stripped,  and  so 
disfigured,  covered  with  blood  and 
dust,  that  with  the  exception  of 
twn  or  three,  they  could  not  be  re- 
cognized by  their  friends,  except 
by  some  particular  marks  on  their 
persons.” 

The  monument  on  Groton  Heights, 
in  commemoration  of  the  destruction 
of  Groton  and  New  London  by  the 
traitor  Arnold,  “ has  its  foundation 
stone  at  an  elevation  of  about  130 
feet  above  tide  water : the  monu- 
ment itself  is  one  hundred  and  twen- 
ty seven  feet  in  height.  The  pe- 
destal rises  about  eighteen  or  twen- 
ty feet,  and  is  twenty  three  feet 
square : on  the  pedestal  rises  an 
obelisk  square,  ninety  two  feet  in 
height,  twenty  two  feet  square  at  its 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


base,  and  eleven  feet  at  the  top. 
It  is  ascended  by  one  hundred  and 
sixty  five  stone  steps,  inserted  into 
the  outer  wall,  rising  in  a circular 
form,  their  inner  ends  supported  by 
an  iron  rail  and  bannister.  The  mon- 
ument is  constructed  of  granite,  of 
which  there  is  an  abundance  in  the 
vicinity.  The  expense  of  its  erec- 
tion was  eleven  thousand  dollars ; 
this  amount  was  raised  by  a lottery, 
granted  by  the  state  for  this  pur- 
pose. 

The  following  is  the  inscription, 
on  marble,  placed  over  the  entrance 
of  the  monument. 

“ This  Monument 
was  erected  under  the  patronage 
of  the 

State  of  Connecticut, 

A.  D.  1830, 

and  in  the  55th  year  of  the  Independ- 
ence of  the  U.  S.  A. 

In  memory  of  the  brave  Patriots 
who  fell 

in  the  massacre  at  Fort  Griswold, 
near  this  spot, 

on  the  Gth  of  September,  A.  D.  1781, 
when  the 

British,  under  the  command 
of  the  traitor,  Benedict  Arnold, 
burnt  the  towns  of 
New  London  and  Groton, 
and  spread  desolation  and  woe 
throughout  this  region.” 

Guildhall,  Vt. 

County  town  of  Essex  co.  Guild- 
hall is  situated  on  the  W.  side  of 
Connecticut  river,  and  is  united  to 
Lancaster,  N.  H.,  by  two  bridges 
across  the  river.  The  town  is  wa- 
tered by  several  small  streams. — 
The  soil  of  the  town  is  quite  uneven 
and  stony,  except  a tract  of  inter- 
vale on  the  river.  Cow  and  Burn- 
side mountains  are  considerable  ele- 
vations, and  afford  excellent  views 
of  the  meauderings  of  the  Connec- 
ticut. Guildhall  lies  50  miles  N. 
E.  from  Montpelier,  and  90  N . by 
E.  from  Windsor.  First  settled, 
1789.  Population,  1830,  481. 


Guilford,  Me. 

Piscataquis  co.  This  town  is  fine- 
ly watered  by  the  Piscataquis  and 
some  of  its  upper  branches.  It  is 
of  fine  soil,  and  produced  in  1837, 
4,965  bushels  of  wheat.  It  has  a 
pleasant  village,  a number  of  mills, 
and  considerable  trade.  Guilford 
is  71  miles  N.  by  E.  from  Augusta, 
45  N.  W.  from  Bangor,  and  12  N. 
W.  from  Dover.  Incorporated,  1816. 
Population,  1837,  799. 

Guilford,  Vt. 

Windham  co.  This  town  was  first 
permanently  settled  in  1760.  It  lies 
125  miles  S.  from  Montpelier,  15 
S.  by  E.  from  Newfane,  and  30  E. 
from  Bennington.  Population,  1830, 
1,760.  The  people  of  this  town 
took  an  active  part  in  defending  the 
rights  of  Vermont  against  the  claims 
of  jurisdiction  set  up  by  the  state 
of  New  York,  about  the  years 
1783-4.  Guilford  produced  a num- 
ber of  patriots  in  this  as  also  in  the 
revolutionary  cause.  The  soil  of 
the  town  is  warm  and  fertile,  ex- 
ceedingly productive  of  grain,fruits, 
maple  sugar,  butter,  cheese,  pork, 
sheep,  horses,  and  beef  cattle.  It 
has  good  mill  seats  on  Green  river 
and  branches  of  Broad  brook,  a 
number  of  manufactories,  a medi- 
cinal spring,  and  various  kinds  of 
minerals. 

Guilford,  Ct. 

New  Haven  co.  This  town,  the 
Menunkatuc  of  the  Indians,  was 
first  settled  in  1639.  The  town  was 
settled  by  a party  of  Non-Conform- 
ists from  England,  at  the  head  of 
which  was  the  Rev.  Henry  Whit- 
field. Mr.  Whitfield’s  house,  built 
of  stone,  in  1640,  is  now  standing, 
occupied,  and  in  good  repair.  The 
cement  used  in  building  it,  is  said 
to  be  harder  than  the  stone  itself. 
This  building  was  used  by  the  first 
settlers  as  a fort  and  place  of  refuge 
against  the  attacks  of  the  natives. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


The  first  marriage  in  the  town  was 
solemnized  in  this  building.  The 
treat  on  the  occasion  was  pork  and 
peas.  Guilford  borough  was  incor- 
porated in  1S15.  It  is  handsomely- 
located  two  miles  from  Long  Island 
Sound,  on  a tract  of  alluvial  plain, 
and  near  a small  stream  called  the 
Menunkatuc.  The  buildings  in  the 
borough  are  neat,  but  somewhat 
antiquated  in  their  appearance. — 
Guilford  is  a place  of  resort  for  sea 
air  and  bathing.  The  accommoda- 
tions are  very  good.  The  scenery 
in  the  vicinity  of  Sachem’s  Head 
is  wild  and  picturesque.  The  soil 
of  Guilford  is  well  adapted  to  agri- 
cultural pursuits,  to  which,  and  some 
coasting  trade,  the  principal  part  of 
the  inhabitants  are  devoted.  It  lies 
16  miles  E.  from  New  Haven,  and 
36  S.  from  Hartfoi-d.  Population, 
1830,  2,344. 

Haddam,  Ct. 

One  of  the  county  towns  of  Mid- 
dlesex co.  Incorporated,  166S.  This 
town  lies  on  both  sides  of  Connec- 
ticut river.  Haddam  Society,  on 
the  W.  side,  is  the  largest  part  of 
the  town,  and  the  seat  of  justice. 
That  part  of  Haddam  on  the  E.  side 
is  called  Haddam  Neck.  There 
is  but  little  alluvial  land  in  Had- 
dam. The  principal  part  of  the 
township  is  hilly  and  stony,  with 
considerable  forests.  There  are 
valuable  quarries  of  granite  on  both 
sides  of  the  river.  About  150  men 
are  annually  employed  in  quarry- 
ing it,  and  about  ^70,000  worth  of 
stone  is  annually  exported.  There 
are  many  vessels  built  at  Haddam. 
The  timber  in  this  quarter  of  the 
county  is  well  adapted  for  that  pur- 
pose. The  village  of  Haddam  is 
pleasant,  and  has  a good  prospect 
of  the  river.  It  lies  23  miles  S. 
from  Hartford,  and  8 S.  E.  from 
Middletown.  Population,  1S30,  2,- 
830. 

David  Brainerd,  the  devoted 
missionary  among  the  Indians,  first 
drew  his  breath  in  Haddam. 


“ If  the  greatness  of  a character 
is  to  be  estimated  by  the  object  it 
pursues,  the  danger  it  braves,  the 
difficulties  it  encounters,  and  the 
purity  and  energy  of  its  motives, 
David  Brainerd  is  one  of  the  great- 
est characters  that  ever  appeared 
in  the  world.  Compared  with  this 
standard  of  greatness,  what  little 
things  are  the  Alexanders,  the  Cae- 
sars, the  conquerors  of  the  whole 
earth.  A nobler  object  no  human 
or  angelic  mind  could  ever  propose 
to  itself  than  to  promote  the  glory 
of  the  great  Governor  of  the  Uni- 
verse, in  studying  and  laboring  to 
diffuse  purity  and  happiness  among 
his  unholy  and  miserable  creatures. 

“ * His  life  and  diary  among  the 
Indians,’  says  a celebrated  English 
divine,  e exhibits  a perfect  pattern 
of  the  qualities  which  should  dis- 
tinguish the  instructor  of  rude  and 
barbarous  tribes;  the  most  invinci- 
ble patience  and  self  denial,  the 
profoundest  humility,  exquisite  pru- 
dence, indefatigable  industry',  and 
such  a devotedness  to  God,  or  rath- 
er such  an  absorption  of  the  whole 
soul  in  zeal  for  the  divine  glory 
and  the  salvation  of  men,  as  is 
scarcely  paralleled  since  the  age  of 
the  apostles.’  ” 

This  faithful  servant  of  Christ 
died  at  the  house  of  the  Rev.  Jona- 
than Edwards,  at  Northampton, 
Mass.,  October  10,  1747,  aged  30. 

— Iladley,  Mass. 

Hampshire  co.  This  is  a plea- 
sant town  ora  the  E.  bank  of  Con- 
necticut river,  and  unites  with 
Northampton  by  a beautiful  bridge, 
1.0S0  feet  in  length.  It  was  first 
settled  in  1647.  Incorporated,  1661. 
Population,  1337,  1,805.  It  lies  S8 
miles  W.  froih  Boston.  Two  small 
streams  afford  the  town  some  water 
power.  Hadley  contains  a large  and 
fertile  tract  of  alluvial  meadow. 
The  village,  situated  on  the  river, 
is  pleasant,  and  contains  many  neat 
and  valuable  buildings. 

Hadley  was  a retreat  of  the  cele- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


brated  Goffe  and  Whalley,  two  of 
the  judges  who  condemned  Charles 
I.  for  execution.  They  remained 
secluded  here  more  than  fifteen 
years,  when  Whalley  died.  Goffe 
died  and  was  buried  at  New  Ha- 
ven, Ct.,  some  years  after. 

The  manufactures  of  Hadley  con- 
sist of  leather,  boots,  shoes,  hats, 
glue,  palm-leaf  hats,  wire,  chairs, 
cabinet  ware,  brooms,  and  brushes. 
Total  value  the  year  ending  April 
1,  1837,  $117,850.  This  town  is 
celebrated  for  raising  broom  corn. 
The  value  of  brooms  manufactured 
was  $89,248.  A considerable  quan- 
tity of  the  unmanufactured  materi- 
al was  sent  to  other  places. 

Halifax,  Yt. 

Windham  co.  This  township  is 
rather  elevated,  but  of  good  soil, 
finely  adapted  for  grazing.  It  is 
a place  of  considerable  trade,  and 
of  manufactures  on  its  numerous 
streams.  Its  principal  streams  are 
Green  river  and  a branch  of  the 
Deerfield.  There  are  some  hand- 
some falls  of  water  in  Halifax,  and 
a curious  cave  called  Dun’s  Den. 
The  productions  of  the  town  are 
butter,  cheese,  pork,  sheep  and  oth- 
er cattle.  The  cause  of  education 
flourishes  here,  and  the  people  are 
generally  independent  cultivators 
of  the  soil.  Halifax  lies  125  miles 
S.  from  Montpelier,  and  15  S.  from 
Newfane.  First  settled,  1761. — 
Population,  1830,  1,562. 

Halifax,  Mass. 

Plymouth  co.  The  Indian  jaame 
of  this  place  was  Monponset . It 
lies  28  miles  S.  S.  E.  from  Boston, 
and  12  W.  by  S.  from  Plymouth. 
The  surface  of  the  town  is  gener- 
ally level,  with  considerable  good 
soil.  Monponset  and  other  ponds 
are  large  collections  of  water,  and 
the  sources  of  valuable  mill  privi- 
leges. There  are  a cotton  and  wool- 
en mill  in  the  town,  and  manufac- 
tures of  shoes  and  straw  braid; — 
total  annual  amount  of  manufactures 


about  $150,000.  Halifax"  was  in- 
corporated in  1734.  Population, 
1837,  781. 

Hallowell,  Me. 

Kennebec  co.  Hallowell  is  de- 
lightfully situated  on  both  sides  of 
Kennebec  river,  between  Augusta 
and  Gardiner,  two  miles  below  the 
former  and  four  miles  above  the  lat- 
ter. The  principal  village  is  on  the 
W.  side  of  the  river.  The  streets 
run  parallel  with  the  river,  and  the 
ground  ascends  200  feet  from  the 
lower  street,  or  business  part  of  the 
village.  On  this  street  are  60  com- 
modious stores,  constructed  princi- 
pally of  brick.  Most  of  the  dwell- 
ing houses  are  on  the  back  or  ele- 
vated streets : they  are  built,  as  are 
the  churches,  with  great  taste,  and 
being  surrounded  by  beautiful 
groves,  make  a fine  appearance. 
The  varied  views  of  the  river,  the 
neighboring  towns,  and  of  a fer- 
tile country  of  hills  and  vales,  pre- 
sented from  the  high  grounds  on 
each  side  of  the  village, form  an  ex- 
hibition of  scenery  of  uncommon 
excellence.  Hallowell  is  about  3 
miles  in  width,  and  extends  back  on 
each  side  of  the  river  5 miles.  It 
was  incorporated  in  1771,  and  in- 
cluded all  the  territory  of  Augusta 
and  a part  of  Gardiner.  From  this 
place  the  brave  but  traitorous  Ar- 
nold marched  on  an  expedition 
against  Canada,  in  1776. 

There  is  one  water  mill  in  the 
town ; two  saw  mills,  an  iron  foun- 
dry and  machine  shop,  worked  by 
steam.  Steam  boats  ply  from  this 
place  to  Portland  and  Boston,  dur- 
ing the  season  of  navigation.  There 
is  considerable  tonnage  at  this  place: 
a number  of  vessels  are  engaged  in 
the  freighting  business,  and  others 
run  as  packets  to  various  places. 

The  principal  exports  are  lumber, 
granite,  and  all  the  common  pro- 
ductions of  a fertile  northern  cli- 
mate. The  granite  quarries  at 
Hallowell  have  been  worked  for 
fifteen  years  with  great  success. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


The  granite  is  of  a light  color  and 
easily  wrought:  in  some  years 

$100,000  worth  of  it  has  been  trans- 
ported. Vessels  drawing  9 feet  of 
water  can  come  to  the  wharves  in 
the  centre  of  the  village. 

As  Hallowell  and  Augusta  are 
so  closely  united  in  all  their  vari- 
ous interests  and  pursuits,  a repeti- 
tion of  what  we  have  said  of  the 
favorable  position  of  Augusta,  and 
of  its  future  prospects,  is  unneces- 
sary. With  common  success  in  our 
national  affairs,  and  with  a contin- 
uation of  that  spirit  of  enterprize, 
every  day  manifested  on  the  banks 
of  the  Kennebec,  it  requires  no 
Mormon  spectacles  to  foresee  that 
within  a very  few  years  there  will 
he  a continuous  village  from  the 
Kennebec  dam  to  the  mouth  of  the 
Cohbessecontee.  Population,  1820, 
2,919;  1830,  3,964.  The  present 
population  is  about  5,000. 

Hallowell  was,  for  many  years, 
the  residence  of  Benjamin  Vaug- 
han, LL.  D.  a gentleman  highly 
distinguished  for  his  learning,  pub- 
lic benefactions  and  private  virtues. 

Hall’s  Stream,  N.  H., 

Rises  in  the  highlands  which  sep- 
arate that  state  from  the  British  do- 
minions, and  forms  the  N.  W.  boun- 
dary between  New  Hampshire  and 
Lower  Canada,  from  its  source  to 
its  junction  with  the  Connecticut  at 
Stewartstown. 

Hamden,  Ct. 

New  Haven  co.  This  town  was 
taken  from  New  Haven  in  1786, 
from  which  it  lies  about  6 miles  N. 
It  is  situated  between  the  East  and 
West  Rock  ranges  of  mountains, 
the  southern  terminus  of  the  Green 
mountain  range.  The  soil  in  many 
parts  is  easy  of  cultivation,  but  in 
general  it  is  more  adapted  to  graz- 
ing than  tillage.  Minerals  are 
found  here,  among  which  are  spe- 
cimens of  very  pure  copper.  Mill 
liver  affords  numerous  sites  for  wa- 
ter works. 


Whitney sville,  about  two  miles 
from  New  Haven,  is  admirably  lo- 
cated for  manufacturing  opperations. 
The  manufactures  at  the  Carmel 
works,  consist  of  paper,  carriages* 
coach  and  eliptic  springs,  steps, 
axletrees,  brass  work,  &c.  Mount 
Carmel,  a noted  elevation,  8 miles 
N.  from  New  Haven,  exhibits  an 
extensive  prospect.  Population, 
1830,  1,669. 

Hamilton,  Mass. 

Essex  co.  This  is  a beautiful 
farming  town,  and  most  of  the  in- 
habitants are  employed  in  cultivat- 
ing it.  There  are  some  vessels 
built  here,  and  some  manufactures 
of  leather,  boots,  and  shoes.  The 
town  is  quite  small.  Population, 
1837,827.  Taken  from  Ipswich  in 
1793.  It  lies  8 miles  N.  by  E.  from 
Salem. 

Hampden,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  Hampden  lies  on 
the  west  side  of  Penobscot,  below 
and  adjoining  Bangor.  It  is  also 
watered  by  the  Sowadabscook  riv- 
er, a large  and  valuable  mill  stream. 
This  is  an  important  township  in  its 
commerce  on  the  Penobscot,  its 
manufacture  of  lumber,  and  its  ag- 
ricultural productions.  It  is  one 
of  the  most  flourishing  towns  on  the 
river.  The  quantity  of  wheat  pro- 
duced by  the  farmers,  in  1837,  was 
5;664  bushels.  Population,  1830, 
2,020  ; 1837,  2,520.  Hampden  is 
6 miles  S.  from  Bangor,  and  62  E. 
N.  E.  from  Augusta. 

Hampden  County,  Mass. 

Springfield  is  the  chief  town. 
This  county  is  very  fertile  and  well 
cultivated,  and  in  common  with  all 
the  counties  on  Connecticut  river, 
it  pre'sents  a rich  array  of  delightful 
scenery.  Its  rivers  afford  an  abun- 
dant water  power;  and  this  county 
has  become  noted  for  its  various  and 
extensive  manufactures.  Much 
inland  trade  is  brought  to  the  banks 
of  the  Connecticut, and  large  exports 


15 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


are  made  from  this  county,  the  pro- 
duct both  of  the  soil  and  mechani- 
cal labor.  This  county  was  taken 
from  Hampshire  county  in  1812. 
Population,  1820,  28,021 ; 1830, 31,- 
640  ; 1837, 33,627.  Area,  585  square 
miles.  Bounded  S.  by  Tolland  and 
Hartford  counties,  Connecticut ; W. 
by  Berkshire  county  ; N.  by  Hamp- 
shire county,  and  E.  by  Worcester 
county  : 57  inhabitants  to  a square 
mile.  The  Connecticut,  Westlield, 
Chickopee,  and  Quinebaugh  are  its 
chief  rivers. 

The  value  of  the  manufactures 
of  this  county,,  the  year  ending 
April  1,1837,  was  $3,056,302.  The 
value  of  wool,  the  product  of  29,950 
sheep,  was  $44,786. 

Hampshire  County,  Mass. 

Northampton  is  the  chief  town. 
This  ancient  county,  although  its 
limits  have  been  greatly  reduced  by 
the  production  of  Franklin  and 
Hampden  -counties,  is  still  increas- 
ing in  agricultural,  commercial  and 
manufacturing  strength.  Located 
in  the  centre  of  the  alluvial  basin 
of  the  noble  Connecticut ; blessed 
with  a rich  and  variegated  soil,  and 
great  water  power,  this  must  ever 
remain  one  of  the  most  independ- 
ent counties  in  New  England. — 
Area,  532  square  miles.  Popula- 
tion, 1820,  26,447  ; 1830,  30,210  ; 
1837,  30,413.  Incorporated,  1662. 
This  county  is  bounded  S.  by  Hamp- 
den, W.  by  Berkshire,  N.  by  Frank- 
lin, and  E.  by  Worcester  counties: 
57  inhabitants  to  a square  mile. 
The  Connecticut,  Westfield,  and 
Swift,  are  its  chief  rivers.  The 
manufactures  of  this  county,  the 
year  ending  April  1,  1837,  amount- 
ed to  $2,335,652.  The  value  of 
wool,  the  fleeces  of  64,274  sheep, 
amounted  to  $103,751. 

Hampstead,  X.  II., 

Rockingham  co.,  lies  partly  on 
the  height  of  land  between  Merri- 
mack and  Piscataqua  rivers.  Most 
of  the  waters  descend  S W.  into 


the  Merrimack  through  Spiggot  riv- 
er, which  flows  from  Wash  pond, 
near  the  centre  of  the  town.  An- 
glypond  is  in  the  N.  E.  part  of  the 
town,  the  waters  of  which  pass  into 
Powow  river.  Island  pond,  in  the 
S.  W.  part  of  the  town,  contains  a 
valuable  farm  of  300  acres.  The 
town  was  granted  by  Gov.  Benning 
Wentworth,  January  19,  1749,  and 
named  by  him  after  a pleasant  vil- 
lage five  miles  N.  of  London,  Eng- 
land. He  reserved  the  island  be- 
fore mentioned  for  his  own  farm. 
Population  in  1830,  913. 

Hampton,  Me. 

See  “ Down  East.” 

Hampton,  X.  H., 

Rockingham  co.,  lies  on  the  sea- 
coast,  bounded  N.  E.  by  North- 
Hampton,  S.  E.  by  the  Atlantic,  S. 
W.  by  Hampton  Falls,  N.  W.  by 
Hampton  Falls  and  part  of  Exeter 
Distant  13  miles  S.  W.  from  Ports- 
mouth, 7 S.  E.  from  Exeter,  and  50 
S.  E.  from  Concord.  The  soil  is 
well  adapted  to  tillage  and  mowing, 
and  about  one  fifth  of  the  territory 
is  a salt  marsh.  Hampton  is  pleas- 
antly situated  4 many  eminences  in 
the  town  affording  romantic  views 
of  the  ocean,  Isles  of  Shoals,  and 
sea- coast  from  Cape  Ann  to  Ports- 
mouth. Its  beaches  have  long  been 
the  resort  of  invalids  and  parties  of 
pleasure,  and  are  little  inferior  to  the 
famous  Nahant  beach  near  Boston. 

Boar's  Head  is  an  abrupt  emi- 
nence extending  into  the  sea,  and  di- 
viding the  beaches  about  half  way 
between  the  river’s  mouth  and  the 
N.  E.  corner  of  the  town.  On  the 
N.  beach  are  numerous  fish-houses, 
from  which  the  winter  and  summer 
fisheries  have  been  carried  on  with 
much  success.  Great  quantities  of 
the  winter  fish  are  carried  frozen 
into  the  interior,  and  to  Vermont 
and  Canada. 

The  Indian  name  of  this  town 
was  Winnicumet ; it  was  first  set- 
tled in  1638,  by  emigrants  from  the 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


county  of  Norfolk,  England.  The 
first  house  was  erected  in  1635,  by 
Nicholas  Easton,  and  was  called  the 
Bound-house.  The  town  was  in- 
corporated in  1636,  and  then  inclu- 
ded within  its  limits  what  now  con- 
stitutes the  towns  of  North  Hamp- 
ton, Hampton  Falls,  Kensington  and 
Seabrook. 

This  town  was  formerly  the  scene 
of  Indian  depredations.  On  the  17th 
Aug.  1703,  a party  of  Indians  kill- 
ed 5 persons  in  Hampton,  among 
whom  was  a widow  Mussey,  cele- 
brated as  a preacher  among  the 
Friends. 

The  Hon.  Christopher  ^Top- 
pAjY  died  here  in  Feb.,  1819,  aged 
84  : he  was  a very  useful  and  dis- 
tinguished citizen.  Population  in 
1830,  1,103. 

Hampton,  Ct. 

Windham  co.  This  town  was 
taken  from  Windham  and  Pomfret 
in  1786.  The  people  are  generally 
agriculturalists,  with  a good  strong 
soil  of  an  uneven  surface.  The 
village  is  pleasantly  situated  on  high 
ground,  35  miles  E.  from  Hartford 
and  6 from  Brooklyn.  Hampton 
has  good  mill  seats  on  a branch  of 
Shetucket  river.  Population,  1S30, 
1,101. 

Hampton  Falls,  N.  II., 

Rockingham  co.,  is  situated  45 
miles  S.  E.  from  Concord,  and  16 
S.  W.  from  Portsmouth.  The  soil 
is  generally  good.  Hampton  Falls 
was  originally  a part  of  Hampton, 
from  which  it  was  separated  and 
incorporated,  in  1712.  Population, 
1830,  582. 

Hancock  County,  Me. 

Ellsworth  is  the  chief  town.  This 
county  is  bounded  N.  by  Penobscot 
munty,  E.  by  Washington  county, 
S.  by  the  Atlantic  ocean,  and  W. 
by  Penobscot  bay  and  river,  and  a 
part  by  Penobscot  county.  Its  ex- 
tent on  the  ocean  is  between  50  and 
60  miles : it  comprises  numerous 


islands  of  great  beauty,  some  of 
whi-ch  are  large,  fertile  and  well 
cultivated;  it  comprises  also  nu- 
merous bays,  and  a vast  number  of 
coves,  inlets  and  spacious  harbors. 

Perhaps  there  is  no  district  of  its 
extent  on  the  American  coast,  that 
offers  greater  facilities  for  naviga- 
tion, in  all  its  various  branches,  than 
the  county  of  Hancock.  The  ton- 
nage of  Frenchman’s  bay,  in  this 
county,  in  1837,  was  13,184  tons. 
The  soil  of  the  county  is  generally 
of  an  excellent  quality,  particularly 
in  the  interior.  There  are  a great 
number  of  ponds  in  the  county : ev- 
ery section  of  it  is  watered  by  mill 
streams,  and  -Union  river,  nearly 
in  its  centre,  affords  the  interior 
part  great  facilities  for  transporta- 
tion. This  county  contains  an  area 
of  about  1,850  square  miles.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  24,347;  1837,  28,120. 
Population  to  a square  mile,  15. 
This  'county  produced,  in  1837,  21,- 
446  bushels  of  wheat,  and  contain- 
ed 38,870  sheep. 

Hancock,  Me. 

Hancock  co.  This  town  was  tak- 
en from  Sullivan  and  Trenton  in 
1828.  It  is  situated  between  those 
towns,  and  is  nearly  surrounded  by 
the  head  waters  of  Frenchman’s 
bay.  It  is  a place  of  some  naviga- 
tion ; 85  miles  E.  from  Augusta, 
and  bounded  easterly  by  Ellsworth. 
Population,  1837,  653. 

Hancock,  N.  H. 

Hillsborough  co.  It  is  35  miles 
from  Concord,  22  from  Amherst, 
and  19  from  Keene.  The  W.  part 
of  the  town  is  mountainous,  but  af- 
fords excellent  pasturing  and  many 
good  farms.  The  other  parts  of  the 
town  are  agreeably  diversified  with 
plains,  hills  and  valleys.  On  the 
Contoocook,  and  some  of  its  trib- 
utary streams,  there  are  several 
tracts  of  excellent  intervale.  There 
are  two  considerable  ponds,  one  of 
which  is  in  the  centre,  a few  rods 
N.  of  the  meeting-house.  There 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


is  a cotton  factory,  a paper  mill,  and 
several  other  manufacturing  estab- 
lishments here  ; also  a flourishing 
academy.  Hancock  was  incorpora- 
ted Nov.  5,  1779.  It  was  named 
after  Gov.  Hancock,  of  Boston,  who 
was  one  of  the  original  proprietors. 
The  first  settlement  was  begun  in 
1764.  Population,  1830,  1,316. 

Hancock,  Vt. 

Addison  co.  Several  branches 
of  Otter  creek  rise  in  this  town. 
Hancock  is  wholly  on  the  moun- 
tains, and  most  of  the  land  fit  only 
for  grazing.  First  settled,  1778. 
Population,  1830,  472.  It  lies  30 
miles  S.  W.  from  Montpelier,  and 
15  S.  E.  from  Middlebury. 

Hancock,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  This  is  a moun- 
tainous township,  on  the  line  of  the 
state  of  New  York,  the  source  of 
the  Housatonick,  and  the  residence 
of  a family  of  “ Shakers.”  It  lies 
129  miles  W.  from  Boston,  15  N. 
by  W.  from  Lenox,  and  5 E.  from 
New  Lebanon,  New  York.  Incor- 
porated, 1776.  Population,  1837, 
975. 

There  are  one  cotton  and  three 
woolen  mills  in  the  town,  and  some 
manufactures  of  leather,  boots, 
shoes,  iron  castings,  and  wooden 
ware.  The  value  of  5,445  fleeces 
of  wool,  sheared  in  1837,  amounted 
to  $11,544. 

As  we  are  so  near  the  lovely  val- 
ley of  New  Lebanon,  its  tepid 
springs,  and  a large  family  of  our 
friends,  the  Shakers,  we  must  be 
permitted  to  cross  the  line  a mo- 
ment, “just  to  take  a look.” 

JYeio  Lebanon,  N e w Y ork,  is  in 
the  county  of  Columbia,  and  sit- 
uated in  a delightful  valley,  sur- 
rounded by  cultivated  hills,  which 
present  scenery  greatly  variegated 
and  peculiarly  pleasing. 

A community  of  Shakers,  of  be- 
tween 500  and  600,  own  about  3,000 
acres  of  excellent  land  in  thi  s town- 


ship, which  is  highly  improved  by 
this  industrious,  hospitable,  and  cu- 
rious people.  Their  village  is  about 
two  miles  southeast  of  the  springs. 

The  Springs  are  on  the  side  of  a 
hill,  and  are  so  abundant  as  to  sup- 
ply a small  waterpower.  The  wa- 
ters are  tasteless,  pure  as  crystal, 
and  appear  to  differ  in  no  respect 
from  other  pure  mountain  waters, 
except  in  temperature,  which  is 
always  at  72°  of  Fahrenheit. 

This  is  a great  resort  for  visitors 
from  all  directions  — some  to  enjoy 
the  romantic  scenery  with  which 
this  region  abounds,  and  others  the 
benign  influence  of  the  waters.  The 
public  resorts  are  well  located,  and 
afford  excellent  accommodations. 
New  Lebanon  is  134  miles  W.  from 
Boston,  24  E.  from  Albany,  25  N. 
E.  from  Hudson,  7 W.  from  Pitts- 
field, 23  S.  by  W.  from  Williams- 
town,  156  N.  by  E.  from  New 
York,  and  68  N.  W.  by  W.  from 
Hartford.  Ct. 

Hanover,  N.  H. 

Grafton  co.  The  Connecticut 
river  separates  it  from  Norwich, 
Vermont.  It  is  53  miles  N.  W. 
from  Concord,  and  102  from  Ports- 
mouth. In  this  town  there  is  no 
river  nor  any  considerable  stream 
besides  the  Connecticut.  Mink 
brook,  running  in  aS.  W.  direction. 
Slate  brook  in  a W.  course,  and 
Goose-Pond  brook  in  the  N.  E.  part 
of  the  town,  are  among  the  princi- 
pal streams.  Neither  of  them  is 
large  enough  for  permanent  mill 
privileges.  There  are  several  small 
islands  in  Connecticut  river  within 
the  limits  of  Hanover,  the  largest 
of  which  is  Parker’s  island,  contain- 
ing about  20  acres.  There  are  no 
natural  ponds.  The  surface  of 
Hanover  is  agreeably  diversified 
with  hills  and  valleys,  and  the  great- 
est part  is  suitable  for  farms.  There 
is  but  a small  proportion  of  waste 
land;  less,  perhaps,  than  in  any  other 
town  in  Grafton  county.  It  is  es- 
timated that  nearly  one  half  is  un* 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


der  improvement.  Moose  moun- 
tain is  a considerable  elevation,  ex- 
tending across  the  town  from  N. 
to  S.,  at  the  distance  of  about  five 
miles  from  Connecticut  river.  A 
handsome  bridge  connects  the  S. 
W.  part  of  the  town  with  Norwich. 
The  principal  village  is  in  the  S. 
W.  corner  of  the  town,  on  a beau- 
tiful and  extensive  plain,  half  a 
mile  from  Connecticut  river,  and 
180  feet  above  the  level  of  its  wa- 
ters. Vegetable  substances  are 
found  in  different  parts  of  this  plain 
at  a depth  of  from  50  to  80  feet. 
The  principal  houses  are  erected 
round  a square,  level  area,  of  12 
acres.  The  remainder  stand  on 
different  streets,  leading  from  the 
green  in  all  directions. 

In  this  pleasant  village  is  located 
Dartmouth  College. 

See  Register. 

Among  the  worthy  men  who 
have  finished  their  earthly  career 
in  this  place,  may  he  mentioned 
the  following : 

Rev.  Eleazar  Wheelock,  D. 
D.,  who  died  April  24,  1779,  aged 
69. 

Hon.  John  Wheelock,  LL.  D., 
president  of  the  college  35  years, 
who  died  April  4,  1817,  aged  63. 

Hon.  Bezaleel  Woodward, 
who  died  Aug.  1804. 

Rev.  John  Smith,  D.  D.,  who 
died  April,  1809. 

Hon.  John  Hubbard,  who  died 
in  Sept.  1810. 

Rev.  Francis  Brown,  D.  D., 
who  died  July  27,  1820,  aged  36. 
These  gentlemen  were  all  connect- 
ed with  the  college.  Population, 
1830,  2,361. 

Hanover,  Mass. 

Plymouth  co.  Hanover  is  bound- 
ed S.  by  North  river,  which  fur- 
nishes good  mill  sites.  It  was  in- 
corporated in  1727.  It  lies  23  miles 
S.  E.  from  Boston,  and  12  N.  W. 
from  Plymouth.  The  manufactures 
of  Hanover  consist  of  bar  iron,  iron 
castings,  anchors,  ploughs,  vessels, 
15* 


tacks,  leather,  boots,  shoes,  and 
woolen  cloth  : total  annual  amount, 
about  $75,000.  Pop.  1837,  1,435. 

Hanson,  Mass. 

Plymouth  co.  This  town  is  wa- 
tered by  a branch  of  North  river 
and  several  ponds.  It  was  taken 
from  Pembroke  in  1820,  and  lies  in 
the  vicinity  of  large  beds  of  excel- 
lent iron  ore.  The  manufactures 
of  Hanson  consist  of  ship  anchors 
and  knees,  nails,  carriage  springs, 
iron  castings,  leather,  shoes,  sawed 
boxes  and  shingles : total  annual 
amount,  about  $70,000.  Population, 
1837,  1,058.  It  lies  24  miles  S.  S. 
E.  from  Boston,  and  15  N.  N.  W. 
from  Plymouth. 

Hardwick,  Vt. 

Caledonia  co.  Hardwick  is  fine- 
ly watered  by  Lamoille  river,  which 
gives  the  town  valuable  mill  sites, 
and  which  are  well  improved  for 
manufacturing  purposes.  The  soil 
of  the  town  is  generally  very  good, 
and  produces  a variety  of  exports. 
Between  six  and  seven  thousand 
sheep,  and  many  other  cattle,  are 
kept  in  the  town,  a large  amount 
of  which  are  annually  fattened  and 
sent  to  market. 

Among  the  first  settlers  of  the 
town,  in  1790,  was  Mr.  Gideon  Sa- 
bin, whose  wife  became  the  mother 
of  26  children.  Population,  1830, 
1,216.  Hardwick  lies  20  miles  N. 
N.  E.  from  Montpelier,  and  13  N. 
W.  from  Danville. 

Hardwick,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  Ware  river  and  a 
smaller  stream  pass  through  the 
S.  part  of  this  town,  and  furnish 
good  mill  privileges.  It  lies  62 
miles  W.  from  Boston  and  22  W.  by 
N.  from  Worcester.  Incorporated, 
1738.  Population,  1837,  1,818.— 
There  are  2 paper  mills  in  the  town,, 
and  manufactures  of  straw  bonnets, 
palm-leaf  hats,  boots, shoes,  ploughs, 
leather,  chairs  and  cabinet  ware  : 
annual  amount  about  $50,000. — 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Hardwick  is  a pleasant  town,  of 
good  soil,  with  a fine  fish  pond. 

Harmony,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  This  town  has  an 
excellent  soil, and  is  well  watered  by 
a large  and  beautiful  pond,  and  b}' 
other  sources  of  Sebasticook  river. 
In  1837  it  had  a population  of  1,048, 
and  produced  6,836  bushels  of 
wheat.  It  was  incorporated  in 
1803,  and  lies  53  miles  N.  by  E. 
from  Augusta,  and  23  N.  E.  from 
Norridgewock. 

Harpsvvell,  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  This  township 
comprises  a promontory  in  Casco 
bay,  formerly  Merryconeag,  and 
several  islands  surrounding  it,  the 
largest  of  which  is  called  Sebascod- 
egan.  The  waters  which  enclose 
this  territory  are  so  situated,  at  the 
northern  and  eastern  extremity  of 
Casco  bay,  that  a canal  of  about  a 
mile  in  length  would  unite  them 
with  Kennebec  river,  near  Bath. 
The  soil  of  Harpswell  is  very  fer- 
tile, and  the  location  delightful  in 
summer.  > It  is  a resort  for  invalids 
and  parties  of  pleasure.  The  peo- 
ple are  principally  engaged  in  farm- 
ing and  fishing.  If  lies  22  miles 
N.  E.  from  Portland  by  water,  and 
4 miles  S.  E.  from  Brunswick.  In- 
corporated, 1758.  Population, 1837, 
1,344. 

Harrington,  Me. 

Washington  co.  This  town  is 
bounded  on  the  S.  and  E.  by  the 
waters  of  Narraguagus  bay,  and  W. 
by  the  river  of  that  name.  It  has 
good  mill  privileges,  excellent  har- 
bors, considerable  navigation  and 
trade.  Incorporated,  1797.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  1,118;  1837,  1,354.— 
Harrington  lies  118  miles  E.  from 
Augusta,  and  25  W.  S.  W.  from 
'Machias. 

Harrison,  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  Crooked  river 
passes  the  E.  side  of  this  town,  and 


the  waters  of  Long  pond  are  its 
western  boundary.  This  is  a good 
township  of  land,  and  produced,  in 
1837,  3,180  bushels  of  wheat.  In 
corporated,  1805.  Population,  1837, 
1,161.  Harrison  has  Otisfield  on 
the  E.,  and  is  75  miles  W.  S.  W. 
from  Augusta,  and  45  N.  W.  from 
Portland. 

Hartford,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  This  excellent  town- 
ship is  watered  by  ponds  and  small 
streams,  and  produced,  in  1837,  9,- 
318  bushels  of  wheat.  It  lies  31 
miles  W.  from  Augusta,  and  15  N. 
E.  from  Paris.  Population,  1830, 
1,453.  Incorporated,  1798. 

Hartford,  Vt. 

Windsor  co.  This  town  is  on  the 
west  side  of  the  Connecticut,  and  is 
otherwise  finely  watered  by  White 
and  Waterqueechy  rivers.  It  lies 
42  miles  S.  S.  E.  from  Montpelier, 
and  14  N.  from  Windsor.  First  set- 
tled, 1764.  Population,  1830,  2,044. 
The  surface  of  the  town  is  uneven, 
but  the  soil  is  rich,  warm,  and  very 
productive.  The  two  principal  vil- 
lages are  pleasantly  located  on  the 
banks  of  the  rivers  that  meet  the 
Connecticut  at  this  place,  both  of 
which  are  flourishing  in  manufac- 
tures and  trade.  Many  cattle,beside 
pork,  butter,  cheese,  &c.,  are  sent 
to  market  from  Hartford.  In  1837 
it  had  13,207  sheep. 

Hartford  County,  Ct. 

Hartford  is  the  chief  town.  This 
county  is  bounded  N.  by  Hampden 
county,  Mass.,  E.  by  Tolland  coun- 
ty, S.  by  the  counties  of  Middlesex 
and  New  Haven,  and  W.  by  the 
county  of  Litchfield.  This  is  con- 
sidered the  most  important  and  val- 
uable county  in  the  state,  in  re- 
gard to  the  variety  and  richness  of 
its  soil,  and  the  high  state  of  cul- 
ture it  has  attained.  It  was  con- 
stituted in  1666,  since  which,  Tol- 
land county  and  parts  of  Middle- 
sex, Windham,  Litchfield,  and  New 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


London  have  been  detached.  Its 
present  limits  comprise  an  area  of 
about  727  square  miles.  Besides 
the  Connecticut,  which  traverses 
its  whole  length,  the  Farmington, 
Hackanum,  Podunk,  Scantic,  and 
other  streams,  water  the  county  in 
almost  every  direction.  On  these 
streams  important  manufacturing 
establishments  have  sprung  up,  and 
unite  with  the  agricultural  interest 
and  river  trade  in  rendering  this 
county  the  centre  of  a large  and 
flourishing  business.  In  1837  there 
were  in  the  county  29,576  sheep. 
Population,  1820,  47,261  ; 1830, 

51,141:  70  inhabitants  to  a square 
.mile. 

Hartford,  Ct. 

The  first  English  settlement  in 
Hartford  was  commenced  in  1635, 
by  Mr.  John  Steel  and  his  associates 
from  Newtown,  (now  Cambridge)in 
Massachusetts.  The  main  body  of 
the  first  settlers,  with  Mr.  Hooker 
at  their  head,  did  not  arrive  till  the 
following  year. 

“ About  the  beginning  of  June, 
(says  Dr.  Trumbull,)  Mr.  Hooker, 
Mr.  Stone,  and  about  one  hundred 
men,  women  and  children,  took 
their  departure  from  Cambridge, 
and  traveled  more  than  a hundred 
miles,  through  a hideous  and  track- 
less wilderness,  to  Hartford.  They 
had  no  guide  but  their  compass, 
and  made  their  way  over  mountains, 
through  swamps,  thickets  and  riv- 
ers, which  were  not  passable  but 
with  great  difficulty.  They  had  no 
cover  but  the  heavens,  nor  any 
lodgings  but  those  that  simple  na- 
ture afforded  them.  They  drove 
with  them  a hundred  and  sixty  head 
of  cattle,  and  by  the  way  subsisted 
on  the  milk  of  their  cows.  Mrs. 
Hooker  was  borne  through  the  wil- 
derness upon  a litter.  The  people 
carried  their  packs,  arms,  and  some 
utensils.  They  were  nearly  a fort- 
night on  their  journey.  This  ad- 
venture was  the  more  remarkable, 
as  many  of  the  company  were  per- 


sons of  figure,  who  had  lived  in 
England,  in  honor,  affluence  and 
delicacy,  and  were  entire  strangers 
to  fatigue  and  danger.” 

The  Indian  name  of  Hartford  was 
Suckiag.  A deed  appears  to  have 
been  given  by  Sunckquasson , the 
sachem  of  the  place,  about  1636,  to 
Samuel  Stone  and  William  Good- 
win, who  appear  to  have  acted  in 
behalf  of  the  first  settlers. 

The  town  of  Hartford  is  bounded 
N.  by  Windsor  and  Bloomfield,  E. 
by  Connecticut  river,  S.  by  Weth- 
ersfield, and  W.  by  Farmington  and 
Avon.  It  is  about  six  miles  in 
length  from  north  to  south,  and  ave- 
rages about  five  in  breadth.  The 
western  part  of  the  town  has  a soil 
of  red  gravelly  earth,  very  rich  and 
productive.  That  part  near  the 
river  is  covered  with  a strong  clay, 
or  a rich  black  mould.  The  latter 
is  principally  in  the  valuable  tract 
of  meadow  adjacent  to  Connecticut 
river. 

Hartford  City,  incorporated 
in  1784,  is  over  a mile  in  length 
upon  the  river,  and  about  three 
fourths  of  a mile  in  breadth.  The 
alluvial  flat  upon  the  river  is  nar- 
row, being  from  40  to  100  rods,  and 
is  connected  with  the  upland  by  a 
very  gradual  elevation.  It  is  situ- 
ated on  the  west  side  of  Connecti- 
cut river,  45  miles  from  its  mouth, 
ft  is  in  N.  lat.  41°  45'  59",  W. 
Ion.  72°  40'.  It  is  260  miles  S. 
W.  from  Augusta,  Maine ; 139  S. 
S.  W.  from  Concord,  New  Hamp- 
shire ; 205  S.  from  Montpelier,  Ver- 
mont; 97  W.  S.  W.  from  Boston, 
Massachusetts  ; 64  W.  from  Provi- 
dence, Rhode  Island;  110  N.  E. 
from  the  city  of  New  York,  and 
335  E.  from  Washington. 

The  legislature  of  the  state  as- 
sembles alternately  at  Hartford  and 
New  Haven,  the  odd  years  at  Hart- 
ford. The  city  is  rather  irregular- 
ly laid  out,  and  is  divided  at  the  S. 
part  by  Mill,  or  Little  river.  Across 
this  stream  a fine  bridge  of  free-j 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


stone  has  been  thrown,  which  con- 
nects the  two  parts  of  the  city. 
This  structure  is  100  feet  wide, 
supported  by  a single  arch,  7 feet 
in  thickness  at  the  base,  and  3 feet 
3 inches  at  the  centre,  the  chord  or 
span  of  which  is  104  feet;  eleva- 
vation  from  the  bed  of  the  river  to 
the  top  of  the  arch,  30  feet  9 inch- 
es. Another  bridge,  across  Con- 
necticut river,  1,000  feet  long,  and 
which  cost  over  $100,000,  unites  the 
city  with  East  Hartford.  Hartford 
is  very  advantageously  situated  for 
business,  is  surrounded  by  an  ex- 
tensive and  wealthy  district,  and 
communicates  with  the  towns  and 
villages  on  the  Connecticut  above 
by  small  steam-boats,  two  of  which, 
for  passengers,  ply  daily  between 
Hartford  and  Springfield.  The  re- 
mainder are  employed  in  towing  flat 
bottomed  boats,  of  15  to  30  tons 
burthen,  as  far  as  Wells’  river,  220 
miles  above  the  city.  The  coast- 
ing trade  is  very  considerable,  and 
there  is  some  foreign  trade  carried 
on.  A daily  line  of  steam-boats  pass 
between  Hartford  and  New  York. 
The  manufactures  of  this  city  ex- 
ceed $900,000  per  annum  ; among 
these  are  various  manufactures,  of 
tin,  copper,  and  sheet  iron  ; block 
tin  and  pewter  ware  ; printing  press- 
es and  ink  ; a manufactory  of  iron 
machinery  ; iron  foundries,  saddle- 
ry, carriages,  joiners’  tools,  paper- 
hangings,  looking-glasses,  umbrel- 
las, stone  ware,  a brewery,  a web 
manufactory,  cabinet  furniture, 
boots  and  shoes,  hats,  clothing  for 
exportation,  soap  and  candles,  man- 
ufactories of  machine  and  other 
wire  cards,  operated  by  dogs,  &c. 
More  than  twice  as  many  books,  it 
is  stated,  are  published  here,  annu- 
ally, as  are  manufactured  in  any 
other  place  of  equal  population  in 
the  United  States. 

The  city  is  well  built,  and  con- 
tains many  elegant  public  and  pri- 
vate edifices.  The  state-house,  in 
which  are  the  public  offices  of  the 
state,  is  surmounted  by  a cupola, 


and  is  a very  handsome  and  spa- 
cious building.  The  city  hall,  built 
for  city  purposes,  is  also  spacious 
and  elegant ; it  has  two  fronts,  with 
porticos, — supported  each  by  six 
massive  columns.  The  American 
Asylum  for  the  deaf  and  dumb,  the 
Retreat  for  the  insane,  and  Wash- 
ington College,  are  all  beautifully 
located,  in  the  immediate  vicinity 
of  the  city.  The  population  with- 
in the  city  limits,  in  September, 
1835,  was  nine  thousand  and  eight 
hundred. 

“ The  American  Asylum  for  the 
education  and  instruction  of  deaf 
and  dumb  persons,  was  founded  by 
an  association  of  gentlemen  in  Hart- 
ford, Conn.,  in  1815.  Their  atten- 
tion was  called  to  this  important 
charity  by  a case  of  deafness  in  the 
family  of  one  of  their  number. 
An  interesting  child  of  the  late  Dr. 
Cogswell,  who  had  lost  her  hearing 
at  the  age  of  two  years,  and  her 
speech  soon  after,  was,  under  Prov- 
idence, the  cause  of  its  establish- 
ment. Her  father,  ever  ready  to 
sympathize  with  the  afflicted,  and 
prompt  to  relieve  human  suffering, 
embraced  in  his  plans  for  the  edu- 
cation of  his  own  daughter,  all  who 
might  be  similarly  unfortunate. — 
The  co-operation  of  the  benevolent 
was  easily  secured,  and  measures 
were  taken  to  obtain  from  Europe 
a knowledge  of  the  difficult  art, 
unknown  in  this  country,  of  teach- 
ing written  language  through  the 
medium  of  signs,  to  the  deaf  and 
dumb.  For  this  purpose,  the  Rev. 
Thomas  H.  Gallaudet  visited  Eng- 
land and  Scotland,  and  applied  at 
the  institutions  in  those  countries 
for  instruction  in  their  system  ; but 
meeting  with  unexpected  difficul- 
ties, he  repaired  to  France,  and  ob- 
tained, at  the  Royal  Institution  at 
Paris,  those  qualifications  for  an 
instructor  of  the  deaf  and  dumb, 
which  a selfish  and  mistaken  poli- 
cy had  refused  him  in  Great  Brit- 
ain. Accompanied  by  Mr.  Laurent 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Clerc,  himself  deaf  and  dumb,  and 
for  several  years  a successful  teach- 
er under  the  Abbe  Sicard,  Mr.  Gal- 
laudet  returned  to  this  country  in 
August,  1816.  The  Asylum  had, 
in  May  preceding,  been  incorpora- 
ted by  the  state  legislature.  Some 
months  were  spent  by  Messrs.  Gal- 
laudet  and  Clerc  in  obtaining  funds 
for  the  benefit  of  the  institution, 
and  in  the  spring  of  1817  the  Asy- 
lum was  opened  for  the  reception  of 
those  for  whom  it  was  designed,  and 
the  course  of  instruction  commenced 
with  seven  pupils. 

“ As  the  knowledge  of  the  in- 
stitution extended,  and  the  facili- 
ties for  obtaining  its  advantages 
were  multiplied,  the  number  of  pu- 
pils increased  from  seven  to  one 
hundred  and  forty,  which  for  seve- 
ral years  past  has  not  been  much 
above  the  average  number ; and 
since  its  commencement,  in  1817,  to 
1837,  instruction  has  been  imparted 
to  four  hundred  and  seventy-seven 
deaf  and  dumb  persons. 

“ In  IS  19,  Congress  granted  the  in- 
stitution a township  of  land  in  Ala- 
bama, the  proceeds  of  which  have 
been  invested  as  a permanent  fund. 
The  principal  building  was  erected 
in  1820,  and  the  pupils  removed  to 
it  in  the  spring  of  the  following 
year.  It  is  one  hundred  and  thirty 
feet  long,  fifty  feet  wide,  and,  in- 
cluding the  basement,  four  stories 
high.  Other  buildings  have  been 
subsequently  erected,  as  the  in- 
creasing number  of  pupils  made  it 
necessary  ; the  principal  of  which 
is  a dining  hall  and  workshops  for 
the  male  pupils.  Attached  to  the 
institution  are  eight  or  ten  acres  of 
land,  which  afford  ample  room  for 
exercise,  and  the  cultivation  of  veg- 
etables and  fruits  for  the  pupils. 

“ The  system  of  instruction  adopt- 
ed at  this  institution  is  substantially 
the  same  as  that  of  the  French 
school  at  Paris.  It  has,  however, 
been  materially  improved  and  mod- 
ified by  Mr.  Gallaudet  and  his  as- 
sociates. This  system,  and  indeed 


every  other  rational  system  of 
teaching  the  deaf  and  dumb,  is  bas- 
ed upon  the  natural  language  of 
signs.  By  this  we  mean  those  ges- 
tures which  a deaf  and  dumb  per- 
son will  naturally  use  to  express  his 
ideas,  and  to  make  known  his  wants 
previous  to  instruction.  These 
gestures  and  signs  are  rather  picto- 
rial, that  is,  an  exact  outline  of  the 
object,  delineated  by  the  hands  in 
the  air ; or  descriptive,  giving  an 
idea  of  an  object  by  presenting 
some  of  its  prominent  and  striking 
features  ; or  conventional,  such  as 
may  have  been  agreed  upon  by  a 
deaf  and  dumb  person  and  his  as- 
sociates. As  there  are  very  few 
objects  which  can  be  expressed 
with  sufficient  clearness  by  the  de- 
lineation of  its  outline  alone,  a de- 
scriptive sign  is  usually  connected 
with  it.  Thus,  in  making  a sign 
for  a book,  the  outline  is  first  delin- 
eated by  the  fore  finger  of  both 
hands.  T o this  is  added  the  descrip- 
tive signs  of  opening  a book,  plac- 
ing it  before  the  eyes,  and  moving 
the  lips  as  in  reading.  It  may 
therefore  simplify  the  classification 
of  natural  signs  if  the  first  two  di- 
visions be  united  ; and  it  will  be 
sufficiently  accurate  to  say  that  all 
the  signs  used  by  the  deaf  and  dumb 
are  either  descriptive  or  conven- 
tional. By  far  the  greater  part  of 
these  signs  belong  to  the  former 
class;  as  it  includes  the  signs  for 
most  common  objects,  actions  and 
emotions.  A deaf  and  dumb  child 
constructs  his  language  upon  the 
same  principle  as  the  child  who  can 
hear  ; that  of  imitation. 

“ In  the  school- room,  the  instruc- 
tor makes  use  of  natural  signs  to 
communicate  ideas  to  his  pupils,  of 
systematic  signs  to  enable  them  to 
translate  their  own  into  written  lan- 
guage ; of  the  manual  alphabet, 
or  signs  of  the  hand,  corresponding 
to  the  letters  of  the  alphabet ; and 
of  written  symbols  to  express  the 
grammatical  relations  of  words. 

“ The  pupils  usually  remain  at 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


the  Asylum  four  or  five  years,  in 
which  time  an  intelligent  child  will 
acquire  a knowledge  of  the  common 
operations  of  arithmetic,  of  geogra- 
phy,  grammar,  history,  biography, 
and  of  written  language,  so  as  to 
enable  him  to  understand  the  Scrip- 
tures, and  books  written  in  a famil- 
iar style.  He  will  of  course  be  able 
to  converse  with  others  by  writing, 
and  to  manage  his  own  affairs  as  a 
farmer  or  mechanic.  There  are 
workshops  connected  with  the  in- 
stitution, in  which  the  boys  have 
the  opportunity  of  learning  a trade, 
and  many  of  them,  by  devoting  four 
hours  each  day  to  this  object,  be- 
come skillful  workmen,  and  when 
they  leave  the  Asylum  find  no  dif- 
ficulty in  supporting  themselves. 
The  annual  charge  to  each  pupil  is 
one  hundred  dollars. 

“ The  department  of  instruction 
is  under  the  control  of  the  principal 
of  the  institution,  who  has  also  a 
general  oversight  of  the  other  de- 
partments. The  pupils  are  distrib- 
uted into  eight  or  nine  classes,  the 
immediate  care  of  which  is  com- 
mitted to  the  same  number  of  as- 
sistant instructors.  When  out  of 
school,  the  pupils  are  under  the  care 
of  a steward  and  matron.” 

Retreat  for  the  Insane.  “ This 
institution  is  situated  on  a command- 
ing eminence,  at  the  distance  of  a 
mile  and  a quarter,  in  a southwest- 
erly direction,  from  the  State  House 
in  Hartford.  It  was  opened  April 
1,  1824.  The  elevation  overlooks 
an  ample  range  of  fertile  country, 
presenting  on  every  side  a most  in- 
teresting landscape,  adorned  with 
every  beauty  of  rural  scenery, 
that  can  be  found  in  rich  and  culti- 
vated fields,  and  meadows  of  unri- 
valled verdure  ; in  extensive  groves 
and  picturesque  groups  of  forest, 
fruit  and  ornamental  trees ; and 
above  all,  in  the  charming  diversi- 
ty of  level,  sloping  and  undulating 
surfaces,  terminating  by  distant 
hills,  and  more  distant  mountains. 


{£  This  site  was  selected  as  one 
pre-eminently  calculated  to  attract 
and  engage  the  attention,  and  soothe 
and  appease  the  morbid  fancies  and 
feelings  of  the  patient  whose  fac- 
ulties are  not  sunk  below  or  raised 
above  the  sphere  of  relations  that 
originally  existed-  And  if  he  is 
not  beyond  the  reach  of  genial  sen- 
sations, connected  with  external 
objects,  he  will  undoubtedly  feel  the 
conscious  evidence  that  this  situa- 
tion most  happily  unites  the  tran- 
quilizing  influence  of  seclusion  and 
retirement,  with  the  cheering  effect 
of  an  animated  picture  of  active 
life,  continually  passing  in  review 
before  his  eyes,  while  himself  is 
remote,  and  secure  from  the  annoy- 
ance of  its  bustle  and  noise. 

“ The  edifice  for  the  accommoda- 
tion of  the  patients,  and  those  who 
have  the  care  of  them,  is  construct- 
ed of  unhewn  free-stone,  covered 
with  a smooth,  white,  water-proof 
cement.  Its  style  of  architecture 
is  perfectly  plain  and  simple,  and 
interests  only  by  its  symmetrical 
beauty,  and  perhaps  by  the  idea  it 
impresses  of  durability  and  strength, 
derived  from  the  massy  solidity  of 
its  materials.  Yet  notwithstanding 
these,  its  general  aspect  is  remark- 
ably airy  and  cheerful,  from  the 
amplitude  of  its  lights,  and  the  bril- 
liant whiteness  of  its  exterior.  The 
whole  building  is  divided  into  com- 
modious and  spacious  apartments, 
adapted  to  various  descriptions  of 
cases,  according  to  their  sex,  nature 
and  disease,  habits  of  life,  and  the 
wishes  of  their  friends.  The  male 
and  female  apartments  are  entire- 
ly separated,  and  either  sex  is  com- 
pletely secluded  from  the  view  of 
the  other.  Rooms  are  provided  in 
both  male  and  female  apartments 
for  the  accommodation  of  the  sick, 
where  they  are  removed  from  any 
annoyance,  and  can  continually  re- 
ceive the  kind  attentions  of  their 
immediate  relations  and  friends. 
Attached  to  the  building  are  about 
seventeen  acres  of  excellent  land, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


the  principal  part  of  which  is  laid 
out  in  walks,  ornamental  grounds 
and  extensive  gardens.  With  each 
wing  and  block  of  the  building  is 
connected  a court-yard,  encompass- 
ed by  high  fences,  and  handsomely 
laid  out,  designed  to  afford  the  ben- 
efit of  exercise,  pastime  and  fresh 
air,  to  those  who  cannot  safely  be 
allowed  to  range  abroad.” 

The  mode  of  treatment  at  this 
institution  is  similar  to  that  adopted 
at  the  McLean  Asylum,  Charles- 
town, Mass. 

“ Washington  College.  This  in- 
stitution was  founded  in  1826  It 
has  two  edifices  of  free  stone ; one 
148  feet  long  by  43  wide,  and  4 sto- 
ries high,  containing  48  rooms ; the 
other  87  feet  by  55,  and  3 stories 
high,  containing  the  chapel,  libra- 
ry, mineralogical  cabinet,  philo- 
sophical chamber,  laboratory  and 
recitation  rooms.  See  Register. 

The  Charter  Oak.  This  tree 
stands  on  the  beautiful  elevation 
which  rises  above  the  south  mead- 
ows, a few  rods  north  of  the  ancient 
seat  of  the  Wyllys  family.  The 
tree  is  still  in  a vigorous  state,  and 
may  flourish  for  another  century. 

“-That  venerable  tree,  which 
concealed  the  charter  of  our  rights,” 
says  a daughter  of  Secretary  Wyl- 
lys, “stands  at  the  foot  of  Wyllys 
hill.  The  first  inhabitant  of  that 
name  found  it  standing  in  the  height 
of  its  glory.  Age  seems  to  have 
curtailed  its  branches,  yet  it  is  not 
exceeded  in  the  height  of  its  color- 
ing, or  richness  of  its  foliage.  'The 
trunk  measures  twenty  one  feet  in. 
circumference,  and  near  seven  in 
diameter.  The  cavity,  which  was 
the  asylum  of  our  charter,  was  near 
the  roots,  and  large  enough  to  ad- 
mit a child.  Within  the  space  of 
eight  years,  that  cavity  has  closed, 
as  if  it  had  fulfilled  the  divine  pur- 
pose for  which  it  had  been  reared.” 

The  story  of  the  “ Charter  Oak” 
is  thus  told  by  Mr.  Barber. 


“ Sir  Edmund  Andros  being  ap- 
pointed the  first  governor-general 
over  New  England,  arrived  in  Bos- 
ton in  Dec.  1686.  From  this  place 
he  wrote  to  the  colony  of  Connecti- 
cut to  resign  their  charter,  but  with- 
out success.  “ * The  assembly  met 
as  usual,  in  October,  and  the  gov- 
ernment continued  according  to 
charter,  until  the  last  of  the  month. 
About  this  time,  Sir  Edmund,  with 
his  suite  and  more  than  sixty  regu- 
lar troops,  came  to  Hartford  when 
the  assembly  were  sitting,  and  de- 
manded the  charter,  and  declared 
the  government  under  it  to  be  dis- 
solved, The  assembly  were  ex- 
tremely reluctant  and  slow  with  re- 
spect to  any  resolve  to  surrender 
the  charter,  or  with  respect  to  any 
motion  to  bring  it  forth.  The  tra- 
dition is,  that  governor  Treat  strong- 
ly represented  the  great  expense 
and  hardships  of  the  colonists  in 
planting  the  country ; the  blood 
and  treasure  which  they  had  ex- 
pended in  defending  it,  both  against 
the  savages  and  foreigners ; to  what 
hardships  he  himself  had  been  ex- 
posed for  that  purpose  ; and  that  it 
was  like  giving  up  his  life,  now  to 
surrender  the  patent  and  privileges 
so  dearly  bought  and  so  long  enjoy- 
ed. The  important  affair  was  de- 
bated and  kept  in  suspense  until  the 
evening,  when  the  charter  was 
brought  and  laid  upon  the  table 
where  the  assembly  were  sitting. 
By  this  time  great  numbers  of  peo- 
ple were  assembled,  and  men  suffi- 
ciently bold  to  enterprise  whatever 
might  be  necessary  or  expedient. 
The  lights  were  instantly  extin- 
guished, and  one-Capt.  Wadsworth, 
of  Hartford,  in  the  most  silent  and 
secret  manner,  carried  off  the  char- 
ter, and  secreted  it  in  a large  hol- 
low tree,  fronting  the  house  of  Hon. 
Samuel  Wyllys,  then  one  of  tvie 
magistrates  of  the  colony.  <phe 
people  all  appeared  peace?’0ie  an(j 
orderly.  The  candles  were  offi- 
ciously re-lighted,  but  the  patent 
was  gone,  and  no  discovery  couldj 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


be  made  of  it,  or  the  persons  who 
carried  it  away.’  ” 

West  Hartford,  or,  as  it  was 
formerly  called,  West  Division,  is 
a fine  tract  of  land.  The  inhabit- 
ants are  mostly  substantial  farmers, 
and  the  general  appearance  of  the 
place  denotes  an  unusual  share  of 
equalized  wealth  and  prosperity. 

The  venerable  Nathan  Per- 
kins, D.  D.,  still  continues  his  la- 
bors in  the  ministry  in  this  place. 
In  1833,  his  sixtieth  anniversary 
sermon  was  published.  In  that  ser- 
mon he  says,  “ I am  now  the  oldest 
officiating  minister  of  the  gospel  in 
this  state,  and,  as  far  as  I can  learn, 
in  the  United  States.  And  I can- 
not learn, from  the  history  of  church- 
es in  Connecticut,  that  there  has 
ever  been  an  instance  of  one  of  its 
ministers  preaching  for  sixty  years 
uninterruptedly  to  the  same  con- 
gregation.” 

Dr.  Perkins  stated,  as  we  are  in- 
formed, that  from  the  commence- 
ment of  his  ministry,  that  in  his 
church  there  had  been  one  thou- 
sand deaths  and  one  thousand  bap- 
tisms— that  he  had  delivered  four 
thousand  written  sermons,  and  three 
thousand  extemporaneous  ones,  on 
other  occasions  of  worship — that  he 
had  attended  sixty  ordinations  and 
installations,  and  had  preached  20 
ordination  sermons,  twelve  of  which 
had  been  published  by  request ; that 
he  had  attended  one  hundred  eccle- 
siastical councils,  to  heal  difficulties 
in  the  churches,  and  that  he  had 
fitted  for  college  one  hundred  and 
fifty  students,  and  more  than  thirty 
for  the  gospel  ministry. 

Hartland,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  This  excellent 
township  is  watered  on  its  eastern 
boundary  by  one  of  the  principal 
branches  of  Sebasticook  river.  The 
inhabitants  are  principally  engaged 
in  agricultural  pursuits,  and  the  soil 
richly  rewards  them  for  their  indus- 
try. Hartland  produced  4,836  j 


bushels  of  wheat  in  1837,  some 
wool  and  other  valuable  commodi- 
ties. It  was  incorporated  in  1820. 
Population,  1837,  890.  It  lies  42 
miles  N.  by  E.  from  Augusta,  and 
18  N.  E.  from  Norridgewock. 

Hartland,  Vt. 

Windsor  co.  Timothy  Lull  was 
the  father  of  this  flourishing  re- 
public. He  took  his  family  from 
Dummerston,  up  Connecticut  river 
about  50  miles,  in  a log  canoe,  in 
1763.  He  landed  at  the  mouth  of 
a beautiful  stream,  called  Lull’s 
Brook.  His  nearest  neighbors  were 
more  than  20  miles  distant.  He 
commenced  a settlement  on  Lull’s 
Brook,  and,  after  acquiring  a hand- 
some property,  died  there  at  the 
age  of  81.  Timothy  Lull,  jr.,  was 
the  first  child  born  in  the  town. — 
On  the  occasion  of  his  birth,  a mid- 
wife was  drawn  23  miles  on  a hand 
sled. 

This  is  a rich  farming  town,  pleas- 
antly diversified  hy  hills  and  val- 
leys. Hartland  produces  many  cat- 
tle : ten  thousand  sheep  graze  in 
its  pastures.  It  lies  on  the  west 
bank  of  Connecticut  river.  Water- 
queechy  river,  at  the  N.  part  of  the 
town,  and  Lull’s  Brook,  at  the  S., 
give  it  a water  power  of  great  val- 
ue. On  these  streams  are  neat  vil- 
lages and  flourishing  manufactur- 
ing establishments.  Hartland  lies 
50  miles  S.  S.  E.  from  Montpelier 
and  9 N.  from  Windsor.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  2,503. 

Hartland,  Ct. 

Hartford  co.  This  town  is  22 
miles  N.  W.  from  Hartford.  It  lies 
in  a mountainous  part  of  the  state  : 
most  of  the  land  is  cold  and  fit  only 
for  grazing.  A branch  of  Farm- 
ington river  passes  through  the 
town,  and  forms  what  is  called 
Hartland  hollow,  a deep  ravine, 
presenting  some  bold  and  pictur- 
esque scenery.  Hartland  was  in- 
corporated in  1761.  First  settled, 
1753.  Population,  1830,  1,221. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Harvard,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  town  was 
taken  from  Stow,  Groton  and  Lan- 
caster, in  1732.  It  is  washed  on 
the  W.  side  by  Nashua  river.  It 
lies  30  miles  N.  W.  from  Boston, 
20  N.  E.  from  Worcester,  and  13 
W.  from  Concord.  Here  are  two 
large  ponds  with  fine  fish,  and  quar- 
ries of  slate  used  for  monuments. 

About  200  of  that  industrious  sect, 
called  shakers,  reside  here,  and  own 
a considerable  tract  of  excellent 
land.  They  live  about  3 miles  N. 
E.  from  the  centre  of  the  town,  and 
supply  the  market  with  a great  va- 
riety of  wares,  fruits,  seeds,  herbs, 
&c.  &c.,  the  product  of  their  me- 
chanical ingenuity  and  horticultu- 
ral skill. 

There  are  three  paper  mills  in 
Harvard,  and  manufactures  of  palm- 
leaf  hats,  boots,  shoes,  leather  and 
grave  stones : annual  value  about 
$40,000.  Large  quantities  of  hops 
have  been  raised  in  this  place. — 
Population,  1837,  1,566. 

Harwich,  Mass., 

Barnstable  co.,  on  the  S.  side  of 
Cape  Cod,  14  miles  E.  from  Barn- 
stable. Incorporated,  1694.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  2,464;  1837,2,771. 
On  Herring  river,  the  outlet  of 
Long  pond,  are  cotton  and  other 
mills.  Some  vessels  are  built  here 
and  some  salt  manufactured.  The 
product  of  the  cod  and  mackerel 
fishery  the  year  ending  April  1, 
1837,  was  $33,000.  Harwich  is  a 
pleasant  town : the  village  makes 
a good  appearance  from  the  sea. 

Harwintou,  Ct. 

Litchfield  co.  Har-win-ton  de- 
rived its  name  from  three  syllables 
taken  from  the  names  of  Hartford, 
Windsor  and  Farmington.  It  was 
first  settled  in  1731;  incorporated, 
1737.  Population,  1830,  1,516.  It 
lies  23  miles  W.  from  Hartford,  40 
N.  by  W.  from  New  Haven,  and  8 
E.  from  Litchfield.  Harwinton  is 
16 


situated  on  high  ground,  abounding 
with  granite  rocks  and  more  fit  for 
grazing  than  tillage. 

Hatfield,  Mass. 

Hampshire  co.  This  is  a weal- 
thy agricultural  township,  noted 
for  its  good  soil  and  fine  beef  cattle. 
It  lies  on  the  W.  side  of  Connecti- 
cut river,  5 miles  N.  from  North- 
ampton, and  95  W.  from  Boston. — 
Incorporated,  1670.  Population, 
1837,  937.  The  manufactures  of 
the  town  consist  of  corn  brooms, 
boots,  shoes,  palm-leaf  hats,  and  car- 
riages ; annual  value  about  $50,000. 

There  is  an  elm  tree  in  Hatfield 
which  is  said  to  measure,  two  feet 
from  the  ground,  thirty  four  feet  in 
circumference. 

Haverliill,  N.  H., 

Grafton  co.,  is  one  of  the  shire 
towns.  It  lies  31  miles  N.  W.  from 
Plymouth,  and  70  N.  N.  W.  from. 
Concord.  It  is  watered  by  Olive- 
rian  and  Hazen  brooks.  Haverhill 
is  a pleasant  town.  The  soil  is  suit- 
ed to  every  species  of  cultivation. 
There  is  a quarry  of  granite  suita- 
ble for  mill  stones  and  buildings, 
and  a bed  of  iron  ore,  on  the  W. 
side  of  Coventry,  bordering  this 
town. 

The  principal  village  is  at  the  S. 
W.  angle  of  the  town,  and  known 
by.  the  name  of  Haverhill  Corner. 
There  is  a beautiful  common  in  this 
village,  laid  out  in  an  oblong  square, 
around  which  the  buildings  regu- 
larly stand.  The  site  is  a handsome 
elevation,  overlooking  the  adjacent 
country  many  miles  N.  and  S.,  and 
not  less  than  6 or  7 miles  E.  and  W. 
From  the  street,  the  ground  slopes 
with  unusual  elegance  to  the  W., 
and  is  succeeded  by  broad  inter- 
vales. The  prospect  here  is  de- 
lightful. There  is  another  village 
at  the  N.  W.  angle  of  the  town,  on 
a street  nearly  a mile  in  length, 
straight  and  very  level. 

Haverhill  was  granted,  1764.  Its 
first  settlement  was  made  in  1764, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


by  Capt.  John  Hazen,  who  settled 
on  the  Little  Ox  Bow,  near  where 
there  had  formerly  been  an  Indian 
fort  and  burying  ground,  and  whei'e 
many  Indian  skulls  and  relics  have 
been  found.  Several  of  the  early 
settlers  were  from  Newbury  and 
Haverhill,  Mass.,  and  from  the  last 
place,  this  town  derived  its  name. 
Its  former  name  was  Lower  Coos. 

Hon.  Moses  Dow  was  one  of  the 
most  distinguished  citizens  of  this 
place. 

Hon.  Charles  Johnston,  who 
died  March  5,  1813,  aged  76,  resid- 
ed here.  He  was  a valuable  offi- 
cer in  the  revolution,  and  was  ma- 
ny years  judge  of  probate  in  Graf- 
ton county. 

Hon.  James  Woodward  and  Hon. 
Ezekiel  Ladd  were  among  the  early 
settlers,  and  were  judges  of  the  old 
county  court.  Population,  in  1830, 
2,153. 

Haverhill,  Mass. 

Essex  co.  This  ancient,  respect- 
able and  flourishing  manufacturing 
town,  lies  on  the  N.  side  of  the 
Merrimack  river,  at  the  head  of 
navigation, and  united  to  Bradford  by 
two  beautiful  bridges.  It  is  30  miles 
N.  from  Boston,  31  N.  N.  W.  from 
Salem,  12  W.  by  S.  from  Newbu- 
ryport,  18  N.  E.  from  Lowell,  30 
S.  W.  from  Portsmouth,  N.  H.  and 
40  S.  E.  from  Concord,  N.  H.  Lit- 
tle river  passing  through  the  town 
affords  a good  hydraulic  power,  on 
which  are  manufacturing  establish- 
ments of  various  kinds.  The  man- 
ufactures consist  of  woolen  goods, 
leather,  boots,  shoes,  hats,  shovels, 
spades,  forks,  hoes,  chairs,  cabinet 
ware,  combs,  ploughs,  tin  ware, 
vessels,  palm-leaf  hats,  shoe  lasts, 
spirits,  morocco  leather,  chaises  and 
harnesses : total  amount  the  year 
ending  April  1,  1837,  $1,357,526. 

Haverhill  is  delightfully  located, 
handsomely  built,  and  has  been  the 
birth  place  and  residence  of  many 
of  the  most  valuable  and  distin- 
guished citizens  of  New  England. 


Haverhill  is  so  situated  as  to  com- 
mand an  extensive  inland  trade  : it 
is  easily  approached  from  Boston 
by  the  Andover  and  Wilmington 
rail-road,  which  is  extending  to  Ex- 
eter, N.  H.,  and  from  thence  to 
Maine. 

Haverhill,  the  Indian  Pentuck- 
ett,  was  first  settled  in  1641 : it  was 
a frontier  settlement  for  nearly  half 
a century  and  suffered  great  calam- 
ities by  savage  depredations. 

It  was  incorporated  in  1645. — 
Population,  1820,  3,070;  1830,  3,- 
896 ; 1837,  4,726. 

Hawley,  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  Hawley  is  on  el- 
evated ground,  and  watered  by 
branches  of  Deerfield  river.  The 
soil  is  good  for  grazing,  and  feeds 
about  3,000  sheep.  A consider- 
able quantity  of  leather  is  tanned 
in  this  town.  Incorporated,  1792. 
Population,  1837,  995.  Hawley 
has  good  iron  ore  and  some  iron 
works.  It  lies  107  miles  W.  by  N. 
from  Boston,  and  14  W.  by  S.  from 
Greenfield. 

Haynesville,  Me. 

Washington  county.  See  “Down 
East.” 

Heath,  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  A mountainous 
township  good  for  grazing  sheep,  of 
which  2,312  were  kept  in  1837. 
There  are  in  Heath  some  manufac- 
tures of  leather,  boots,  shoes  and 
palm-leaf  hats.  Incorporated,  1785. 
Population,  1837,  953.  It  lies  125 
miles  W.  N.  W.  from  Boston,  and 
13  W.  N.  W.  from  Greenfield. 

Hebron,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  This  is  a good  farm- 
ing town,  lying  S.  E.  from  Paris 
about  7 miles,  and  42  W.  S.  W. 
from  Augusta.  Incorporated,  1792. 
Population,  1837,  972. 

Hebron,  N.  II., 

Grafton  co.,  lies  9 miles  S.  W. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


from  Plymouth,  and  40  N.  W.  from 
Concord.  A considerable  part  of 
Newfound  lake  lies  in  the  S.  E. 
part  of  this  town.  It  has  no  river, 
nor  any  important  streams.  Near- 
ly one  half  of  this  town  was  inclu- 
ded in  the  grant  of  Cockermouth, 
now  Groton.  The  remaining  part 
was  taken  from  Plymouth.  It  was 
incorporated,  1792.  Population  in 
1830,  538. 

Hebron,  Ct. 

Tolland  co.  Hop  river,  a branch 
of  the  Willimantic, waters  this  town. 
The  village  of  Hebron,  with  its 
Gothic  church,  20  miles  S.  E.  from 
Hartford,  and  14  S.  from  Tolland, 
is  pleasant  and  commands  a good 
prospect.  There  are  in  the  town  2 
cotton,  1 woolen,  and  1 paper,  mills ; 
a large  iron  furnace  and  other  man- 
ufactories. The  surface  of  the 
town  is  hilly,  but  fertile.  North 
pond  in  the  S.  part  of  the  town  is  a 
handsome  sheet  of  water.  Hebron 
was  first  settled,  1704.  Incorpora- 
ted, 1707.  Population,  1830,  1,939. 

H^nniker,  N.  II. 

Merrimack  co.  It  is  23  miles  N. 
TV.  from  Amherst,  and  15  W.  from 
Concord.  Contoocook  river  passes 
easterly  through  its  centre,  and  di- 
vides the  town  into  nearly  equal 
portions  of  territory  and  population. 
Its  course  is  rather  circuitous,  and 
in  many  places  presents  scenes  of 
considerable  interest  and  beauty. 
Few  places  afford  better  prospects 
for  the  successful  operation  of  wa- 
ter machinery  than  this.  There 
are  several  ponds  of  considerable 
size.  Long  pond  is  the  largest,  be- 
ing between  1 and  2 miles  in  length, 
and  from  40  to  80  rods  wide — situa- 
ted 1 mile  N.of  the  centre  village. 
Craney  hill  is  the  principal  eleva- 
tion, and  embraces  a large  portion 
of  territory  on  the  S.  of  the  town. 
It  is  mostly  in  a state  of  cultivation. 
The  soil  of  the  hills  is  favorable  for 
wheat — the  valleys  produce  good 
crops  of  corn. 


Henniker  was  granted  in  1752, 
under  the  name  of  Number  6.  Its 
settlement  commenced  in  1761.  It 
was  incorporated  in  1768,  when  it 
received  its  present  name  from  Gov. 
Wentworth,  in  honor  of  his  friend 
Henniker,  probably  John  Henni- 
ker, Esq.,  a merchant  in  London  and 
a member  of  the  British  parliament 
at  that  time.  Population,  in  1830, 
1,725. 

Hermon,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  A good  township 
of  land,  7 miles  W.  from  Bangor.  A 
large  pond  and  the  Sowadabscook 
river  water  its  S.  W.  corner.  In 
1837,  1,870  bushel  of  wheat  was 
raised.  Incorporated,  1814.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  535. 

Highgate,  Vt. 

Franklin  co.  This  town  lies  on 
the  E.  side  of  Lake  Champlain,  at 
the  N.  W.  corner  of  New  Eng- 
land, and  of  the  United  States.  It 
is  60  miles  N.  W.  from  Montpe- 
lier, and  12  N.  from  St.  Albans. 
First  settled,  about  1784.  The  soil 
is  generally  sandy,  in  some  parts 
swampy.  Bog  iron  ore,  of  a good 
quality,  is  found  here.  There  are 
many  mill  privileges  in  Highgate, 
particularly  at  a fall  of  the  river 
Missisque,  where  are  iron  works, 
and  other  manufactories.  The 
^scenery  at  this  place  is  quite  wild 
"and  picturesque.  Population,  1830, 
2,038.  Highgate  is  a place  of  con- 
siderable trade  with  Canada,  and 
down  the  lake. 

Hill,  N.  H. 

Grafton  co.  This  town  is  24  miles  ~ 
N.  N.  TV.  from  Concord,  and  44  S. 

S.  E.  from  Haverhill.  It  is  watered 
by  Pemigewasset  and  Smith’s 
rivers,  and  several  small  streams. 
Eagle  pond  is  the  only  one  of  note. 
Ragged  mountain  is  a considerable 
eleVation,  and  but  little  inferior  to 
Kearsarge.  Viewed  from  the  sum- 
mit of  the  neighboring  hills,  this 
town  appears  very  uneven,  yet 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


there  are  many  fine  tracts  converted 
into  productive  farms.  The  soil  in 
some  parts  is  rich  and  fertile — it  is 
generally  good.  There  is  at  the  S. 
E.  section  of  the  town,  a flourish- 
ing village,  situated  on  a spacious 
street  1 mile  in  length. 

This  town  was  granted  Sept.  14, 
1753,  to  87  proprietors,  who  held 
their  first  meeting  at  Chester,  and  as 
the  greater  part  of  the  inhabitants 
belonged  to  that  place,  it  was  called 
N ew  Chester;  which  name  it  retain- 
ed until  Jan.  1837,  when  it  was 
changed  to  the  name  of  Hill,  in 
compliment  to  the  then  governor 
Hill.  The  first  settlement  was  in 
1768. 

In  Dec.  1820,  six  children  of  Mr. 
William  Follansbee  were  consum- 
ed in  the  flames  of  his  house,  while 
he  and  his  wife  were  absent.  In- 
corporated, 1778.  Population,  1830, 
1,090. 

Hillsborough  County,  N.  H. 

Amherst  is  the  shire  town.  Hills- 
borough has  Merrimack  county  on 
the  N.,  Rockingham  on  the  E.,  the 
itate  of  Massachusetts  on  the  S., 
and  Cheshire  county  on  the  W. 
The  surface  of  this  county  is  gen- 
erally uneven,  though  there  are  but 
few  lofty  mountains.  Lyndebo- 
rough  mountain,  in  the  township  of 
Lyndeborough,  the  Unconoonock, 
in  Goffstown,  Crotched,  in  Frances- 
town  and  Society  Land,  are  of  con- 
siderable altitude. 

This  section  of  New  Hampshire 
is  well  watered.  The  noble  and  ma- 
jestic Merrimack  passes  its  south- 
eastern border.  At  Nashua,  the 
Nashua,  a beautiful  stream  from 
Massachusetts,  discharges  its  wa- 
ters into  the  Merrimack.  N orth  of 
the  Nashua,  the  Souhegan  and  Pis- 
cataquog, streams  of  much  value  and 
consequence  to  the  manufacturing 
interests,  discharge  themselves  in- 
to the  Merrimack ; the  former  in 
the  township  of  Merrimack,  the 
latter  in  Bedford.  Part  of  a large 
collection  of  water,  denominated  a 


lake,  the  Massabesick,  on  the  E. 
boundary  of  Manchester.  Besides 
these  there  are  numerous  ponds, 
interspersed  through  the  whole  ex- 
tent of  territory.  Some  of  the 
largest  of  these  are  Gregg’s  pond, 
in  Antrim,  Pleasant  pond,  in  Fran- 
cestown,  Babboosuck  pond,  in  Am- 
herst, and  Potanipo,  in  Brookline. 
There  are  several  mineral  springs 
which  have  been  found  serviceable 
in  cutaneous  affections,  but  no  one 
has  yet  acquired  general  celebrity. 
Minerals  have  been  found  in  vari- 
ous places,  but  not  in  great  abun- 
dance. 

This  county  possesses  many  advan- 
tages for  manufacturing  establish- 
ments, and  it  is  gratifying  to  find 
that  many  of  its  citizens  are  turn- 
ing their  attention  to  this  branch  of 
national  and  individual  wealth. 

The  settlement  of  this  county 
was  made  at  Nashua,  lately  Dun- 
stable, some  years  before  the  war 
with  king  Philip,  in  1675.  It  was 
constituted  a county  by  an  act  of 
the  General  Assembly,  19  March, 
1771.  It  received  its  name  from 
the  Earl  of  Hillsborough,  one  of 
the  privy  council  of  George  III. 
The  population,  in  1775,  was  13,- 
132;  in  1790,  24,536;  in  1S00,  31,- 
260;  in  1810,  34,410;  in  1820, 
35,761;  and  in  1830,  37,762.  In 
1837,  there  were  45,511  sheep  in 
this  county. 

Hillsborough,  N.  H. 

Hillsborough  co.  It  is  23  miles 
N.  W.  from  Amherst,  24  W.  S.  W. 
from  Concord.  This  town  is  well 
watered.  Contoocook  river  passes 
through  the  S.  E.  corner,  and  affords 
several  excellent  water  privileges. 
Hillsborough  river  has  its  source 
from  ponds  in  W ashington ; runs  in  a 
S.  E.  course  through  the  whole  ex- 
tent of  Hillsborough,  receiving  the 
outlets  of  several  ponds  On  the  E., 
and  forms  a junction  with  the  Con- 
toocook, on  the  S.  line  of  this  town. 
The  land  here  is  uneven,  but  it  af- 
fords many  good  farms.  There  is 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


a pleasant  village  on  the  2d  New 
Hampshire  turnpike,  which  passes 
N.  W.  through  this  town,  contain- 
ing a number  of  dwelling  houses, 
stores,  mills,  and  a cotton  and  wool- 
en factory. 

Hillsborough  was  formerly  known 
by  the  name  of  Number  7 of  fron- 
tier towns.  The  first  settlement 
was  made  in  1741.  The  first  chil- 
dren born  in  Hillsborough  were 
John  M’Calley  and  Mary  Gibson, 
who  intermarried,  and  received  as 
a gift  a tract  of  land,  from  the  prin- 
cipal proprietor.  It  was  incorpo- 
rated in  1772.  Population,  1830, 
1,792. 

Hinesburgli,  "Vt. 

Chittenden  co.  Platt  river  and 
Lewis  creek  water  this  town.  A 
part  of  the  town  is  mountainous, 
but  the  soil  is  generally  very  good, 
particularly  for  grazing.  About 
9,000  sheep  are  kept  here,  and 
some  products  of  the  farms  are  ex- 
ported. Hinesburgh  contains  a 
pleasant  village,  and  numerous 
manufacturing  operations  are  found 
on  its  streams.  First  settled  about 
1785.  Population,  1830, 1,669.  It 
lies  13  miles  S.  S.  E.  from  Burling- 
ton, and  26  W.  from  Montpelier. 

Hingham,  Mass. 

Plymouth  co.  A pleasant  town 
on  Boston  harbor,  and  an  agreeable 
resort  for  citizens  and  strangers. 
It  lies  11  miles  S.  E.  from  Boston, 
by  water,  and  14  by  land.  Hing- 
ham  cove  is  5 miles  S.  W.  from 
Nantasket  beach,  about  6 W.  from 
Cohasset  harbor,  and  24  N.  N.  W. 
from  Plymouth.  First  settled,  1633. 
Incorporated,  1635.  Population,  in 
1830,  3,357 ; 1837,  3,445. 

Major-general  Benjamin  Lin- 
coln, was  born  in  this  town,  Jan. 
23,  1733 ; he  died  May  9,  1810. 

This  town  is  remarkable  for  its 
healthiness  and  longevity.  Dur- 
ing 50  years,  8 persons  died  in  one 
house,  whose  average  age  was  84 
years. 


About  80  sail  of  vessels  belong  to 
this  place,  which  are  engaged  in 
the  cod  and  mackerel  fishery,  and 
coasting  trade ; — aggregate  tonnage 
about  5,000  tons. 

In  this  town  is  an  iron  foundry, 
considerable  ship  building,  a steam 
bucket  factory  ; and  large  quanti- 
ties of  other  wooden  wares  are 
manufactured,  and  some  salt. 

The  amount  of  manufactures  of 
Hingham,  for  the  year  ending  April 
1,  1837,  was  $237,078.  They  con- 
sisted of  leather,  boots,  shoes,  iron 
castings,  hats,  ploughs,  cabinet,  tin 
and  wooden  wares,  silk,  salt,  ves- 
sels, umbrellas,  spars  and  blocks, 
cordage,  carriages,  hammers,  and 
hatchets.  The  product  of  the  cod 
and  mackerel  fishery,  the  same 
year,  was  $113,700.  Total  amount 
of  the  fishery  and  manufactures 
$350,778. 

Derby  Academy,  a free  school, 
and  the  Willard  Private  Academy, 
are  highly  respectable  seminaries, 
and  promise  great  privileges  to  pa- 
rents. 

A commodious  steam-boat  plies 
between  this  and  Boston,  in  sum- 
mer months,  two  or  three  times  a 
day.  The  hotels  are  large,  and 
furnish  excellent  accommodations. 
Baker’s  Hill  presents  extensive  and 
delightful  views  of  Boston  harbor. 
An  excursion  to  Hingham  is  very 
pleasant. 

Hinsdale,  N.  H. 

Cheshire  co.  It  is  75  miles  S. 
W.  by  W.  from  Concord.  It  is  well 
watered  with  springs  and  rivulets 
of  the  purest  water.  The  Connec- 
ticut washes  its  western  border; 
and  the  Ashuelot  runs  through  the 
centre,  forming  a junction  with  the 
Connecticut,  a little  below  the  great 
bend,  called  Cooper’s  point.  Kil- 
burn  brook  rises  in  Pisgah  moun- 
tain, runs  S.  and  falls  into  Ashuelot 
river.  Ash-swamp  brook  rises  in 
West  river  mountain,  runs  a S.  W. 
course,  and  falls  into  the  Connecti- 
cut, near  the  side  of  Hinsdale’s  fort. 


16* 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


There  are  several  islands  in  the  Con- 
necticut in  this  town.  On  the  N. 
line  of  Hinsdale,  is  West  river 
mountain,  which  extends  from  the 
banks  of  the  Connecticut,  E.  across 
the  whole  width  of  the  town.  Its 
greatest  elevation  is  at  the  W.  end. 
President  Dwight  states  the  height 
above  low  water  mark  to  be  from 
800  to  900  feet.  In  this  mountain  is 
found  iron  ore,  and  some  other  min- 
erals and  fossils.  South  of  Ashue- 
lot,  is  Stebbins’  hill,  a tract  of  ex- 
cellent land,  and  principally  in  a 
high  state  of  cultivation.  The  in- 
tervales here  are  extensive,  and 
of  an  excellent  quality.  On  the 
point  of  a hill,  not  far  from  Con- 
necticut river,  there  is  to  be  seen 
the  remains  of  an  Indian  fortifica- 
tion, constructed  prior  to  the  set- 
tlement of  the  town.  There  is  a 
deep  trench  drawn  across  the  hill, 
to  separate  it  from  the  plain  back, 
and  is  continued  to  the  river. 

Hinsdale  was  incorporated  in 
1753.  It  was  originally  a part  of 
Northfield,  and  was  settled  as  early 
as  1683.  The  former  name  of  this 
place  was  Fort  Dummer  and  Bridg- 
man's Fort.  This  town  encoun- 
tered all  the  difficulties  of  the  In- 
dian wars,  and  struggled  with  oth- 
er hardships  incident  to  frontier 
settlements,  begun  in  the  wilder- 
ness and  remote  from  cultivated 
lands.  Population,  1830,  937. 

Hinsdale,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  Hinsdale  is  the 
source  of  a branch  of  Housatonick 
river.  It  is  an  elevated  township, 
and  well  adapted  for  grazing. — 
There  are  two  woolen  mills  in 
Hinsdale,  and  manufactures  of 
boots,  shoes,  leather,  hats,  chairs, 
and  cabinet  ware  : total  amount  in 
one  year  $86,550.  The  value  of 
11,020  fleeces  of  wool,  sheared  in 
Hinsdale  in  1837,  weighing  32,116 
pounds,  was  $19,266.  This  town 
was  incorporated  in  1804.  Popula- 
tion, 1837,  832.  It  lies  125  miles 


W.  from  Boston,  and  15  N.  N.  W. 
from  Lenox. 

Hiram,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  This  town  lies  on 
both  sides  of  a branch  of  Saco  riv- 
er, 86  miles  W.  S.  W.  from  Augus- 
ta, and  40  S.  W.  from  Paris.  The 
township  is  fertile  and  productive 
of  wool  and  wheat.  Incorporated, 
1807.  Population,  1830,  1,148. 

Hodgdon,  Me. 

Washington  co.  Incorporated, 
1832  : 179  miles  from  Augusta.  In 
1837,  with  a population  of  552,  it 
produced  3,184  bushels  of  wheat. 
See  “ Down  East.” 

Holden,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  town  is  fine- 
ly watered  by  branches  of  Black- 
stone  and  Nashua  rivers.  It  has  a 
valuable  water  power  on  Quinipox- 
et  river.  It  has  some  good  mead- 
ow land  on  the  borders  of  the 
streams.  There  are  5 cotton  and 
2 woolen  mills  in  the  town,  and 
manufactures  of  leather,boots,shoes, 
straw  bonnets,  and  palm-leaf  hats ; 
total  amount  of  the  manufactures 
for  the  year  ending  April  1,  1837, 
$201,960.  Holden  is  48  miles  W. 
from  Boston,  and  6 N.  W.  from 
Worcester.  Incorporated,  1740. — 
Population,  1837,  1,789. 

Holderness,  Tf.  H. 

Grafton  co.  It  is  65  miles  N.  W. 
from  Portsmouth,  and  40  N.  from 
Concord.  The  soil  is  hard  and  not 
easily  cultivated,  but  when  sub- 
dued is  tolerably  productive.  From 
the  sap  of  the  sugar  maple,  a con- 
siderable quantity  of  sugar  is  made. 
The  Pemigewasset  imparts  a por- 
tion of  its  benefits  to  this  place,  and 
there  are  various  other  streams 
which  serve  to  fertilize  the  soil,  and 
to  furnish  mill  seats.  Squam  river, 
the  outlet  of  Squam  ponds,  runs  in 
a S.  W.  direction  and  empties  into 
the  Pemigewasset  near  the  S.  W. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


angle  of  the  town.  This  stream 
affords  excellent  mill  privileges, 
having  on  it  2 paper  mills  and  oth- 
er machinery.  There  are  3 ponds 
or  lakes. 

The  road  from  Plymouth  through 
this  place  to  Winnepisiogee  lake, 
and  along  the  borders  of  that  lake 
to  Wolfeborough  is  highly  interest- 
ing ; displaying  scenery  which  is 
scarcely  equalled  in  this  part  of 
our  country.  Holderness  was  first 
granted  in  1751.  The  first  settle- 
ment was  made  about  the  year 
1763.  Population,  1830,  1,429. 

Holland,  Vt. 

Orleans  co.  This  is  an  excellent 
township  of  land,  producing  in  great 
abundance  all  the  varieties  common 
to  the  climate.  Previous  to  the 
year  1800,  it  was  a wilderness.  It 
is  bounded  N.  by  Canada : 56  miles 
N.  N.  E.  from  Montpelier  and  20 
N.  E.  from  Irasburgh.  Population, 
1830,  432. 

Holland,  Mass. 

Hampden  co.  Holland  was  tak- 
en from  Brimfield  in  1785.  It  lies 
70  miles  S.  W.  by  W.  from  Boston, 
and  20  E.  by  S.  from  Springfield. 
Population,  1837,  495.  Holland 
has  several  ponds,  and  is  otherwise 
watered  by  Quinnebaugh  river. 
There  is  a cotton  mill  in  the  town, 
and  658  sheep. 

Hollis,  Me. 

York  co.  This  town  lies  on  the 
W.  bank  of  Saco  river,  and  contains 
numerous  mill  sites.  Incorporated, 
1812.  Population,  1837,  2,374.  It 
lies  72  miles  S.  W.  from  Augusta, 
and  30  N.  from  York. 

Hollis,  N.  H. 

Hillsborough  co.  It  is  8 miles 
S.  from  Amherst,  and  36  S.  from 
Concord.  Nashua  river  waters  the 
S.  E.  part,  and  Nisitissit  crosses 
the  S.  W.  extremity.  There  are  4 
ponds,  known  by  the  name  of 
Flint’s,  Penichook,  Long  and  Rocky 


ponds.  There  is  a pleasant  village 
near  the  centre  of  the  town,  on  a 
site  somewhat  elevated.  The  ori- 
ginal name  of  Hollis  was  JVisitis- 
sit,  its  Indian  name.  The  first 
settlement  was  made  in  1731.  It 
was  incorporated  in  April,  1746. — 
The  name  is  either  derived  from 
Thomas  Hollis,  a distinguished  ben- 
efactor of  Harvard  college,  or  from 
the  Duke  of  New  Castle.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  1,501. 

Holliston,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  First  settled,  1710. 
Incorporated,  1724.  Population  in 
1837,  1,775.  It  lies  24  miles  S.  W. 
by  W.  from  Boston,  and  21  S.  from 
Concord.  There  is  a woolen  mill 
in  the  town,  and  some  manufactures 
of  boots,  shoes,  leather,  chairs  and 
cabinet  ware,  combs,  ploughs,  straw 
bonnets,  books,  clothing,  wagons 
and  harnesses : total  value  in  one 
year  $335,948.  The  value  of  boots 
and  shoes  amounted  to  $241,626, 
employing  461  hands.  Holliston 
is  watered  by  a small  branch  of 
Charles  river. 

Holmes’  Hole;  Mass. 

See  Tisbury. 

Hooksett,  X.  H. 

Merrimack  co.  It  lies  nine  miles 
S.  S.  E.  from  Concord.  The  river 
Merrimack,  whose  course  here  is 
nearly  N.  and  S.,  passes  through 
this  town  a little  W.  of  the  centre. 
Here  are  those  beautiful  falls, known 
by  the  name  of  Hooksett  Falls. — 
The  descent  of  water  is  about  16 
feet  perpendicular  in  SO  rods.  A 
high  rock  divides  the  stream,  and  a 
smaller  rock  lies  between  that  and 
the  western  shore.  There  is  a 
pleasant  village  on  the  W.  side  of 
the  riyer.  There  is  a strong  and 
well  built  bridge  over  Merrimack 
river.  Hooksett  canal  is  in  this 
town.  It  is  1-4  of  a mile  long — the 
fall  is  16  feet  perpendicular.  Hook- 
sett was  detached  from  Chester, 
Goffstown  and  Dunbarton,  and  in- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


corporated  as  a separate  town  in 
June,  1822.  On  the  E.  side  of  the 
river  is  an  extensive  cotton  factory, 
owned  by  the  Amoskeag  Company. 
Population,  1830,  880. 

Hoosack  River  anil  Mountain. 

Two  branches  of  the  Hoosack, 
Hosick,  or  Hoosick  river,  rise  in 
New  England : one  in  the  high 
lands  in  the  county  Of  Berkshire, 
Mass. ; the  other  in  the  mountain- 
ous tracts  of  Bennington  county, 
Yt.  These  branches  unite  near 
Hoosack  Falls,  in  the  state  of  New 
York,  about  3 miles  W.  of  the  cel- 
ebrated Bennington  battle  ground. 
Hoosack  river  meets  the  Hudson 
at  Schagthicoke,  15  miles  N.  of 
Troy,  N.  Y.  This  stream,  in  many 
places,  is  exceedingly  rapid  in  its 
course,  and  affords  a great  number 
of  mill  sites. 

Hoosack  mountain  lies  princi- 
pally in  Clarksburgh  and  Berkshire, 
Mass.,  and  is  the  source  of  a branch 
of  Hoosack  river.  Its  elevation  is 
from  1,500  to  2,000  feet  from  its 
base. 

Hope}  Me. 

Waldo  co.  Hope  is  a township 
of  choice  land,  having  Camden  and 
Megunticook  lake  on  its  south-east- 
ern border.  It  lies  44  miles  E.  S. 
E.  from  Augusta,  and  16  S.  by  W. 
from  Belfast.  Hope  produced  in 
1837,  3,142  bushels  of  wheat.  Pop- 
ulation, same  year,  1,733.  Incor- 
porated, 1804. 

Hopkinton,  N.  H. 

Merrimack  co.  It  is  28  miles  N. 
from  Amherst,  7 W.  from  Concord, 
46  N.  E.  from  Keene,  30  S.  E.  from 
Newport,  50  W.  from  Portsmouth, 
and  65  N.  N.  W.  from  Boston.  Con- 
toocook  river  flows  from  Henniker 
into  the  south-westerly  part  of  this 
town,  and  meanders  in  a N.  E.  di. 
rection.  In  its  course  it  receives 
W arner  and  Blackwater  rivers,  and 
several  large  brooks,  and  empties 


into  Merrimack  river  at  Concord. 
On  these  streams  are  some  valuable 
tracts  of  intervale  and  meadow  lands. 
The  principal  village  in  Hopkinton 
is  7 miles  from  the  state-house  in 
Concord.  In  this  town  the  county 
jail  is  located.  In  the  W.  part  of 
the  town  is  a thriving  village  on 
the  Contoocook  river,  known  as 
HilVs  Bridge,  or  Contoocookville, 
where  is  a valuable  water  power, 
and  several  mills.  Hopkinton  was 
granted  Jan.  16,  1735,  to  John  Jones 
and  others,  and  was  called  Number 
5,  and  afterwards  New- Hopkinton. 
The  first  settlement  was  made  about 
1740,  by  emigrants  from  Hopkinton, 
Mass.  This  town  suffered  from  In- 
dian depredations.  Population  in 
1830,  2,474. 

Hopkinton,  Mass. 

Middlesex  county.  Branches  of 
Charles  and  Mill  rivers  rise  in  this 
town,  on  which  are  manufacturing 
establishments.  There  are  3 cot- 
ton mills  in  Hopkinton,  and  manu- 
factures of  boots  and  shoes,  ($152,- 
300,)  leather,  ploughs,  and  straw 
bonnets  : total  value,  the  year  end- 
ing April  1,  1837,  $217,550.  The 
town  was  incorporated  in  1715. 
Population,  1830,  1,809  ; 1837, 

2,166. 

The  mineral  spring  in  this  town 
has  become  celebrated.  It  con- 
tains carbonic  acid,  and  carbonate 
of  lime  and  iron.  It  is  situated  near 
White  Hall  pond,  which  abounds 
in  fine  fish  of  various  kinds.  The 
Boston  and  Worcester  rail  road 
passes  within  3 1-2  miles  of  it,  at 
Westborough,  and  it  is  7 miles  from 
the  Blackstone  canal,  at  North- 
bridge.  It  is  30  miles  W.  S.  W. 
from  Boston,  14  E.  by  S.  from  Wor- 
cester, and  30  N.  by  W.  from  Pro- 
vidence, R.  I.  There  is  a large  and 
convenient  hotel  at  this  place,  at 
which  visitors  for  health  or  plea- 
sure are  kindly  entertained.  A trip 
to  Hopkinton  springs  is  both  plea- 
sant and  fashionable. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Hopkinton,  H.  I. 

Washington  co.  Wood  river,  a 
valuable  mill  stream,  passes  through 
this  town,  on  which  are  cotton  and 
woolen  mills,  iron  works,  and  vari- 
ous other  manufactories.  The  soil 
of  the  town  is  generally  well  adapt- 
ed for  grazing,  and  the  cultivation 
of  grain.  It  produces  large  quanti- 
ties of  fruit  and  excellent  cider. 
Shad  and  alewives  are  taken  in 
Pawcatuck  river.  There  are  seve- 
ral ponds  within  the  town.  Con- 
siderable wood  and  timber  are  sent 
to  market  from  this  place. 

Hopkinton  City , at  the  south 
part  of  the  town,  on  the  Tomma- 
quaug  branch  of  Charles  river,  is 
very  pleasant  and  floui*ishing.  It 
lies  35  miles  S.  W.  from  Provi- 
dence, and  15  W.  from  South 
Kingston.  Hopkinton  was  first  set- 
tled in  1660.  Incorporated,  1757. 
Population,  1830,  1,777. 

Houlton,  Me. 

Washington  co.  This  town  is 
situated  on  the  east  line  of  the  state 
and  of  the  United  States,  on  the 
border  of  the  Province  of  New 
Brunswick.  It  lies  120  miles  N. 
N.  E.  from  Bangor,  and  about  75 
W.  N.  W.  from  Frederickton,  the 
capital  of  New  Brunswick.  The 
town  was  first  settled  in  1808,  and 
for  twenty  years  it  was  entirely  cut 
off  from  all  communication  with  the 
western  part  of  the  state  by  a dense 
wilderness  of  nearly  100  miles  in 
extent. 

In  1829,  a military  post,  the  “Han- 
cock Barracks,”  was  established 
here  hy  the-U.  S.  government,  and 
in  1834  the  military  and  state  roads 
between  Bangor  and  Houlton  were 
completed  and  opened  for  travel. 
The  great  thoroughfare  between 
the  United  States  and  the  British 
Province  of  New  Brunswick  is 
through  this  town.  The  roads  be- 
tween Bangor  and  Houlton  are  ex- 
cellent : stages  pass  and  repass  from 
Bangor  through  Houlton  to  Fredc- 


rickton,  three  times  a week.  Fred- 
erickton is  80  miles  N.  N.  W.  from 
St.  Johns.  A good  road  between 
Houlton  and  Calais,  on  the  river 
St.  Croix,  about  90  miles  distant,  is 
now  open  for  travel.  This  town  is 
well  watered  by  branches  of  Me- 
duxnekeag  river,  which  empties 
into  the  St.  John’s.  The  garrison  is 
located  about  a mile  north  of  the 
village,  and  has  generally  contain- 
ed four  companies  of  infantry.  In 
this  town  the  courts  of  probate  are 
held,  and  the  office  of  registry  of 
deeds  kept  for  the  northern  district 
of  Washington  county. 

The  soil  of  Houlton  and  its  vicin- 
ity is  of  a superior  quality.  Twen- 
ty-five bushels  of  wheat  to  the  acre 
is  an  average  crop : 40  bushels  to 
the  acre  is  frequently  obtained. — 
Houlton,  with  a population  of  667, 
raised  5,869  bushels  of  wheat  in  the 
year  1837. 

We  have  heard  it  is  said,  that  per- 
sons might  go  so  far  “ down  east” 
as  to  “jump  off.”  If  Houlton  is 
the  jumping  off  place,  we  advise 
some  of  our  western  brethren  to  go 
and  view  the  precipice. 

Housatonick  River. 

The  sources  of  this  river  are  in 
the  towns  of  Lanesborough  and 
Windsor,  Berkshire  county,  Mass. 
The  two  branches  meet  at  Pitts- 
field, where  the  river  forms ; it  then 
passes  south,  through  Berkshire 
county,  and  enters  the  state  of  Con- 
necticut. After  meandering  through 
the  county  of  Litchfield,  in  that 
state,  it  separates  the  counties  of 
New  Haven  and  Fairfield,  and 
meets  the  tide  water  at  Derby,  14 
miles  above  its  entrance  into  Long 
Island  Sound.  The  source  of  this 
mountain  stream  is  more  than  1,000 
feet  above  the  ocean ; and  in  its 
course,  of  nearly  150  miles,  it  af- 
fords numerous  mill  sites,  and  pre- 
sents many  pleasant  and  well  cul- 
tivated, towns.  The  volume  of  wa- 
ter of  this  river  is  not  very  large 
except  in  seasons  of  freshet,  when 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


the  rains  from  the  mountains  that 
environ  its  borders,  inundate  the 
valleys  and  greatly  fertilize  the  soil. 
The  scenery  on  the  Housatonick 
is  exceedingly  beautiful ; in  some 
places  it  is  enchanting.  The  roman- 
tic cataract  at  Canaan,  Conn.,  of  60 
feet  perpendicular,  is  well  worthy 
the  notice  of  travellers.  The  In- 
dian name  of  this  river,  signifies 
over  the  mountains.  A vocabula- 
ry of  Indian  names,  so  beautiful  and 
expressive,  would  be  not  only  cu- 
rious hut  valuable. 

Howland,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  This  is  a large 
township  of  good  land,  in  which  the 
Piscataquis  and  Seboois  rivers  form 
a junction  : at  the  mouth  of  the  for- 
mer, about  50  rods  from  the  Penob- 
scot, are  several  saw  mills.  The 
banks  of  the  river  are  low  and  ve- 
ry beautiful.  Howland  was  incor- 
porated in  1326.  It  lies  117  miles 
N.  E.  from  Augusta,  and  34  N.  from 
Bangor.  Population,  1830,  329; 
1837,  507. 

Hubbard ston,  Vt. 

Rutland  co.  Elizabeth  Hickok, 
the  daughter  of  Elizabeth  and  Uriah 
Hickok,  was  the  first  white  child 
born  in  this  town.  This  event  oc- 
curred in  1774.  The  face  of  the 
town  is  uneven,  and  in  some  parts 
mountainous.  It  is  watered  by  se- 
veral ponds,  the  largest  of  which, 
lying  partly  in  Sudbury,  is  Grego- 
ry's pond,  the  outlet  of  which  is 
called  Hubbardston  river.  This 
river  empties  into  Lake  Champlain 
at  West  Haven,  and  is  an  excellent 
mill  stream.  The  village  at  the 
northwesterly  part  of  the  town  is 
pleasant  and  flourishing : it  con- 
tains mills  for  the  manufacture  of 
various  articles. 

Hubbardston  lies  50  miles  S.  W. 
from  Montpelier,  and  10  N.  W.  from 
Rutland.  Population,  1830,  865. 

Hubbardston,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  Hubbardston  is 


on  elevated  ground,  and  the  source 
of  several  branches  of  Ware  river. 
There  is  much  unimproved  water* 
power  in  the  town.  There  are  con- 
siderable tracts  of  valuable  mead- 
ow land,  and  the  uplands  are  good 
for  grazing.  It  was  incorporated 
in  1767.  Population,  1837,  1,780. 
The  manufactures  of  the  town  con- 
sist of  copperas,  leather,  boots, shoes, 
palm-leaf  hats,  chairs,  cabinet  and 
wooden  wares.  Hubbardston  lies 
54  miles  W.  from  Boston,  and  22 
S.  from  Worcester. 

Hudson,  N.  H. 

Hillsborough  co.  This  town  lies 
17  miles  S.  E.  from  Amherst,  and 
38  S.  from  Concord.  The  land  here 
is  of  easy  cultivation.  On  the  river 
are  fine  intervales,  of  a deep  rich 
soil.  Distant  from  the  river,  the 
land  is  hilly  and  somewhat  broken. 
There  are  two  ponds,  known  by  the 
name  of  Little  Massabesick,  and 
Otternick  ponds.  This  town  was 
included  in  the  grant  of  Dunstable, 
and  was  settled  as  early  as  1710. 
The  first  settlements  were  made  on 
the  banks  of  the  river,  where  the 
Indians  had  cleared  fields  for  culti- 
vating corn.  The  first  inhabitants 
lived  in  garrisons.  While  the  men 
were  abroad  in  the  fields  and  forests, 
the  women  and  children  were  lodg- 
ed in  these  places  of  security. 
Near  the  Indian  cornfields  have 
been  found  cinders  of  a blacksmith’s 
forge,  which  have  led  to  the  con- 
jecture that  they  employed  a smith 
to  manufacture  their  implements  of 
war  and  agriculture.  Incorporated, 
1746,  by  the  name  of  Nottingham- 
West,  which  it  retained  until  July 
1,  1830,  when  it  was  changed  to 
Hudson.  Population  in  1830,  1,282. 

Hull,  Mass. 

Plymouth  co.  Hull  was  first  set- 
tled about  the  year  1625.  Incor- 
porated, 1644.  Population,  1837, 
180.  This  town  comprises  the  pen- 
insula of  Nantasket,  which  forms 
the  S.  E.  side  of  Boston  harbor.  It 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


extends  N.  by  W.  from  Cohasset,  5 
miles,  and  is  celebrated  for  its  beau- 
tiful beach,  4 miles  in  length,  and 
for  its  shell  fish  and  sea  fowl.  The 
town  lies  between  two  hills  of  fine 
land,  near  point  Alderton,  opposite 
Boston  light-house.  It  lies  9 miles 
E.  S.  E.  from  Boston,  by  water,  and 
22  by  land,  via  Hingham.  On  one 
of  the  hills  in  this  place,  is  a well 
90  feet  in  depth,  which  is  frequently 
almost  full  of  water.  Capital  ins- 
vested  in  the  manufacture  of  salt, 
§12,500. 

Hull  is  remarkable  for  the  una- 
nimity which  always  prevails  among 
its  inhabitants  in  their  deliberative 
assemblies,  and  for  a spirit  of  com- 
promise manifest  on  all  occasions  in 
their  selection  of  public  servants. 

Huntington,  Vt. 

Chittenden  co.  First  settled, 
1786.  Population,  in  1830,  929. — 
Huntington  lies  20  miles  W.  from 
Montpelier,  and  15  S.  E.  from  Burl- 
ington. Huntington  river  passes 
through  this  town  : it  is  a braneh 
of  Onion  river,  is  rapid  in  its  course, 
affording  several  towns  an  abund- 
ant water  power.  The  soil  of  Hun- 
tington is  poor : its  surface  is  gen- 
erally too  hilly  for  cultivation. — 
Camel’s  Back  mountain  lies  in  the 
eastern  part  of  the  town. 

Huntington,  Ct. 

Fairfield  co.  This  is  a township 
of  uneven  surface,  but  well  adapt- 
ed to  agricultural  purposes,  to  which 
the  inhabitants  are  principally  de- 
voted. Huntington  was  incorpora- 
ted in  1789.  It  lies  4 miles  W. 
from  Derby  Landing,  12  N.  E.  from 
Fairfield,  and  12  W.  from  New 
Haven.  Population,  1830,  1,371. 

Hyannis  Harbor,  Mass. 

See  Barnstable. 

Hyde  Parle,  Vt. 

Lamoille  co.  County  town.  The 
Lamoille,  Green,  and  other  rivers 
give  this  town  a great  water  power, 


some  of  which  is  advantageously 
improved.  The  soil  is  generally  of 
a good  quality  and  easily  cultiva- 
ted. It  lies  24  miles  N.  from  Mont- 
pelier, and  32  N.  E.  from  Burling- 
ton. Population,  1830,  823.  First 
settled,  1787. 

Indian  Rivers. 

Indian  river , Me.,  Washington 
county,  is  a small  stream  in  the  town 
of  Addison. 

Indian  stream,  N.H.,  Coos  coun- 
ty, is  the  principal  and  most  north- 
erly source  of  Connecticut  river, 
rising  in  the  highlands  near  the  N. 
limit  of  the  state,  and  pursuing  al- 
most a direct  S.  W.  course  to  its 
junction  with  the  E.  branch  flow- 
ing from  lake  Connecticut. 

Indian  river,  Vt.,  rises  in  Ru- 
pert, and  falls  into  the  Pawlet.  An- 
other stream  of  this  name,  in  Vt., 
rises  in  Essex,  and  falls  into  Col- 
chester bay. 

Indian  Stream  Territory. 

Is  a tract  in  New  Hampshire  N 
of  lat.  45°,  extending  to  the  British 
possessions  in  L.  Canada.  It  was 
surveyed  in  lS05,and  contains  160,- 
363  acres.  Lake  Connecticut  and 
several  considerable  ponds  are  sit- 
uated within  this  tract. 

Industry,  Me. 

"Franklin  co.  This  town  borders 
N.  W.  on  Sandy  river,  and  is  a 
valuable  tract  of  land.  It  lies  32 
miles  N.  W.  from  Augusta,  and  is 
bounded  S.  W.  by  Farmington. 
Industry  was  incorporated  in  1803  : 
it  has  a pleasant  village,  and  raised, 
in  1837,  6,078  bushels  of  wheat, 
with  a population  of  1,014. 

Ipswieli,  Mass. 

Essex  co.  This  is  one  of  the 
shire  towns  of  the  county,  and  a 
port  of  entry,  on  a river  of  the 
same  name,  sometimes  called  Aga- 
wam, the  Indian  name  of  the  place. 
Ipswich  village  is  very  pleasant, 
and  the  country  around  it  is  well 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


cultivated,  and  beautifully  varie- 
gated. There  is  a cotton  mill  in 
the  town,  and  a number  of  vessels 
are  engaged  in  the  coasting  trade 
and  fishery.  The  manufactures 
consist  of  cotton  goods,  hosiery, 
vessels,  leather,  boots,  shoes,  chairs, 
and  cabinet  ware  : — total  annual 
amount,  about  $120,000.  Ipswich 
is  12  miles  N.  by  E.  from  Salem, 
10  S.  from  Newburyport,  and  26 
N.  E.  by  N.  from  Boston.  First 
settled,  1633.  Incorporated,  1634. 
Population,  1820,  2,553 : 1837,  2,- 
855. 

Ira,  Vt. 

Rutland  co.  This  township  is 
elevated  : it  contains  good  land  for 
rearing  cattle  : it  has  about  5,000 
sheep.  Castleton  river  and  Ira 
brook  wash  a part  of  the  town,  but 
afford  no  valuable  mill  privileges. 
Ira  lies  60  miles  S.  S.  W.  from 
Montpelier,  and  8 S.  W.  from  Rut- 
land. Population,  1830,  442. 

Iraslmrgh.,  Vt. 

Shire  town  of  Orleans  county. 
This  township  was  granted  to  Ira 
Allen  and  others,  in  1781.  It  was 
first  settled  in  1799.  Population, 
1830,  860.  It  lies  40  miles  N.  by 
E.  from  Montpelier,  and  30  N.  by 
W.  from  Danville.  The  surface  of 
the  town  is  undulating,  with  an 
easy  soil  to  cultivate,  and  general- 
ly fertile.  Black  and  Barton  riv- 
ers water  the  town,  but  move  too 
sluggishly  to  produce  any  valuable 
power. 

Isinglass  River,  N.  II., 

Takes  its  rise  from  Long  pond 
in  Barrington,  and  Bow  pond  in 
Strafford,  and,  after  receiving  the 
waters  of  several  other  ponds,  unites 
with  the  Cocheco  near  the  S.  part 
of  Rochester. 

Isles  of  Slioals. 

These  islands,  8 miles  from  the 
mouth  of  Portsmouth  harbor,  N.  H. 
are  seven  in  number,  viz : Hog, 


Smutty  Nose,  Star,  Duck,  White, 
Malaga,  and  Londonner  islands. 
Hog  contains  350  acres  of  rock,  and 
its  greatest  elevation  is  57  feet  above 
high  water  mark.  Smutty  Nose 
contains  about  250  acres  of  rock 
and  soil — greatest  elevation  45  feet. 
Star  island  contains  about  180  acres 
of  rock  and  soil,  and  its  height  is  55 
feet.  These  islands,  as  a town,  are 
called  Gosport.  Star  and  Smutty 
Nose  are  inhabited  by  fishermen, 
who  carry  on  considerable  business 
in  their  way  ; supplying  Portsmouth 
and  the  neighboring  towns  with 
fresh  fish,  and  sending  large  quan- 
tities of  cured  fish  to  Boston  and 
other  places.  The  celebrated  dun 
fish  are  found  here,  which  have 
heretofore"  been  considered  a dis- 
tinct species  of  the  cod.  They 
differ  however  from  the  common 
cod  only  in  the  circumstance  of 
their  being  caught  and  cured  in 
winter.  Star  island  and  Smutty 
Nose  are  connected  by  a sea  wall , 
built  at  the  expense  of  government, 
for  the  purpose  of  breaking  a strong 
south  east  current  passing  between 
them,  and  forming  a safe  anchor- 
age on  the  north  west  side  of  it. 
These  objects  have  been  attained, 
and  the  miniature  fleet  of  the  Shoal- 
ers,  riding  at  anchor  in  this  artifi- 
cial harbor,  is  no  unpleasant  sight. 
Smutty  Nose  and  Malaga  are  con- 
nected by  a sea  wall,  built  at  the 
expense  of  Mr.  Haley,  “ the  King 
of  the  Shoals.”  This  wall,  14  rods 
in  length,  13  feet  in  height,  and 
from  20  to  30  feet  in  width,  effec- 
tually secures  Haley’s  inlet  and 
wharf  from  the  easterly  storms, 
although  the  waves  not  unfrequent- 
ly  break  over  it  in  a severe  storm. 
These  islands  are  composed  of  ledges 
of  gneiss,  bearing  evidence  of  their 
igneous  origin,  as  they  are  often 
traversed  by  veins  of  quartz,  trap, 
and  iron  stone. 

There  are  a few  spots  of  dry  soil 
upon  them  under  cultivation.  The 
Shoals  are  a pleasant  resort  for 
water  parties,  and  their  delightful 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


bracing  air,  cannot  be  otherwise 
than  advantageous  to  those  who  are 
in  want  of  pure  sea  breezes.  The 
present  population  is  about  100. 

These  islands  were  discovered 
by  the  celebrated  John  Smithy  in 
1614,  and  were  named  by  him 
Smith’s  Isles.  The  line  between 
Maine  and  New  Hampshire  passes 
through  these  islands,  leaving  the 
largest  on  the  side  of  Maine.  Up- 
on all  of  them  are  chasms  in  the 
rocks,  having  the  appearance  of 
being  caused  by  earthquakes.  The 
most  remarkable  is  on  Star  island, 
(Gosport)  in  which  one  Betty  Moody 
secreted  herself  when  the  Indians 
visited  the  island  and  took  away 
many  female  captives ; and  thence 
called  to  this  day  “ Betty  Moody’s 
hole.”  For  more  than  a century 
previous  to  the  revolution,  these 
islands  were  populous,  containing 
from  300  to  600  souls.  They  had 
a court-house  on  Haley’s  island  ; 
a meeting-house,  first  on  Hog  isl- 
and, and  afterwards  on  Star  island. 
From  3 to  4 thousand  quintals  fish 
were  annually  caught  and  cured 
here,  and  7 or  8 schooners,  besides 
numerous  boats,  were  employed  in 
the  business.  The  business  has 
since  very  greatly  decreased. 

William  Pepperell  and  a Mr.  Gib- 
bons, from  Topsham,  England,  were 
among  the  first-settlers  at  the  Shoals; 
the  former  an  ancestor  of  the  cele- 
brated Sir  William  Pepperell. 

A woman,  of  ffie  name  of  Pul- 
sey,  died  in  Gosport,  in  1795,  aged 
90.  In  her  life  time  she  kept.two 
cows.  The  hay  on  which  they 
fed  in  winter,  she  used  to  cut  in 
summer,  among  the  rocks,  with  a 
knife,  with  her  own  hands.  Her 
cows,  it  was  said,  were  always  in 
good  order.  They  were  taken  from 
her,  but  paid  for,  by  the  British,  in 
1775,  and  killed,  to  the  no  small 
grief  of  the  good  old  woman. 

IslesDorough.,  Me. 

Waldo  co.  This  town  comprises 
a large  and  fertile  island,  in  Penob- 

17 


scot  bay,  and  several  islands  in  its 
vicinity.  This  island  has  excellent 
harbors,  and  is  much  frequented  by 
fishermen  and  coasters.  The  inhab- 
itants are  independent  farmers  and 
fishermen,  who  are  accustomed  to 
render  their  insular  situation  a 
place  of  comfort  to  the  wayfarer, 
or  the  invalid  in  pursuit  of  ocean 
breezes.  Islesborough  lies  10  miles 
S.  E.  from  Belfast,  and  56  E.  from 
Augusta.  Incorporated,  1789. — 
Population,  1837,  674. 

Israel's  Ili-ver,  Iff.  II., 

Coos  co.,  is  formed  by  the  waters 
which  descend  in  cataracts  from  the 
summits  of  Mounts  Adams  and  Jef- 
ferson, and  running  N.  W.  it  passes 
through  Randolph  and  Jefferson, 
discharging  itself  into  the  Connec- 
ticut near  the  centre  of  Lancaster. 
It  is  a beautiful  stream,  and  receiv- 
ed its  name  from  Israel  Glines,  a 
hunter,  who  with  his  brother  fre- 
quented these  regions,  long  before 
the  settlement  of  the  county. 

Jackson,  Me. 

Waldo  co.  An  interior  township 
of  good  land  that  produced,  in  1837, 
4,898  bushels  of  as  fine  wheat  as 
can  be  raised  in  Tennessee.  Pop- 
ulation, same  year,  523.  Jackson 
is  49  miles  N.  E.  from  Augusta,  and 
15  N.  N.  W.  from  Belfast.  Incor- 
porated, ISIS. 

Jackson,  N.  II., 

Coos  co.,  situated  on  the  E.  side 
of  the  White  mountains.  The  sur- 
face of  the  town  is  uneven,  but  the 
soil  is  rich  and  productive.  It  is 
watered  principally  by  the  two 
branches  of  Ellis’  river,  passing 
from  the  N.  and  uniting  on  the  S. 
border  near  Spruce  mountain. — 
The  principal  elevations  are  called 
Black,  Baldface,  and  Thorn  moun- 
tains. Benjamin  Copp  was  the  first 
settler;  he  moved  into  Jackson  in 
1779,  and  with  his  family  buffeted 
the  terrors  of  the  wilderness  four- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


teen  years,  before  any  other  person 
settled  there.  The  town  was  in- 
corporated December  4,  1800,  by 
the  name  of  Adams,  which  name 
it  retained  until  1829,  when  it  was 
changed  to  Jackson.  Population, 
in  1830,  515. 

Jaffrey,  N.  II. 

Cheshire  co.  This  town  lies  62 
miles  N.  W.  from  Boston,  and  40  S. 
W.  by  S.  from  Concord.  The  Grand 
Monadnock  is  situated  in  the  N.  W. 
part  of  this  town  and  in  Dublin. 
Innumerable  streams  of  water  issue 
4’rom  the  mountain.  Those  which 
issue  from  the  western  side  dis- 
charge themselves  into  the  Con- 
necticut river ; those  from  the  east- 
ern form  the  head  waters  of  Con- 
toocook  river.  The  largest  stream 
rises  about  100  rods  from  the  sum- 
mit, and  descends  in  a S.  E.  direc- 
tion. With  this  brook,  the  thirsty 
and  fatigued  visitors  of  the  moun- 
tain associate  the  most  pleasing  re- 
collections. The  uneven  soil  of 
Jaffrey,  affording  numerous  mead- 
ows, and  early  and  rich  pastures, 
is  peculiarly  adapted  to  raising  cat- 
tle. There  are  several  ponds  in 
this  town.  Out  of  3,  issue  streams 
sufficient  to  carry  mills  erected  near 
their  outlets.  In  the  largest,  which 
is  400  rods  long,  and  140  wide,  is 
an  island  comprising  about  10  acres. 
About  1 1-2  miles  S.  E.  from  the 
mountain  is  the  “ Monadnock  mine- 
ral spring.”  The  spring  is  slightly 
impregnated  with  carbonate  of  iron 
and  sulphate  of  soda.  It  preserves 
so  uniform  a temperature  as  never 
to  have  been  known  to  freeze. 
"Where  the  spring  issues  from  the 
earth,  yellow  ochre  is  thrown  out. 
In  this  town  are  a cotton  and  wool- 
en factory,  and  various  mills.  The 
first  permanent  settlement  was  made 
in  1758.  Jaffrey  was  incorporated 
in  1773,  receiving  its  name  from 
George  Jaffrey,  Esq.,  of  Portsmouth, 
one  of  the  original  proprietors.  Pop- 
ulation in  1830,  1,354. 


Jamaica,  Vt. 

Windham  co.  WTest  river  waters 
this  town,  and  gives  good  mill  seats. 
At  a pleasant  village  near  the  cen- 
tre of  the  town  are  valuable  man- 
ufacturing establishments.  The  sur- 
face of  the  town  is  very  uneven ; 
in  some  parts  mountainous,  but  the 
soil  is  generally  good  and  produc- 
tive. Lime-stone  of  a good  quality 
is  found  here.  Jamaica  was  first 
settled  in  1780.  Population,  1830, 
1,523.  It  lies  90  miles  S.  from 
Montpelier,  and  14  N.  W.  from 
Newfane. 

Jamestown,  R.  I. 

N e wport  co.  Thistown  compris- 
es Connanicut,  a beautiful  island 
in  Narraganset  bay,  about  8 miles 
in  length : its  average  breadth  is 
about  a mile.  The  soil  is  a rich 
loam,  and  peculiarly  adapted  for 
grazing  and  the  production  of  In- 
dian corn  and  barley. 

The  inhabitants  of  this  island  are 
remarkable  for  their  industry  and 
agricultural  skill,  which,  united 
with  the  fertility  of  the  soil  and  the 
location  of  the  island,  renders  it  a 
delightful  place.  The  distance  from 
the  town  or  island  to  Newport  and 
South  Kingston  is  .about  a mile  each 
way  ; to  each  of  those  places  a fer- 
ry is  established.  The  island  was 
purchased  of  the  Indians  in  1657. 
Jamestown  was  incorporated  in 
1678.  Population,  1830,  415. 

Jay,  Me. 

Franklin  co.  Jay  lies  at  a bend 
of  Androscoggin  river,  29  miles  W. 
by  N.  from  Augusta,  and  12  S.  S.  W. 
from  Farmington.  There  is  much 
valuable  land  in  Jay.  The  inhab- 
itants are  principally  farmers,  and 
cultivate  the  soil  with  much  indus- 
try. The  town  produced,  in  1837, 
8,129  bushels  of  wheat,  and  con- 
siderable wool.  Population,  1830, 
1,276 ; 1837,  1,685.  Incorporated, 
1795. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Jay,  Vt. 

Orleans  co.  A part  of  this  town 
is  very  mountainous — Jay’s  peak 
lying  in  the  S.  W.  part;  the  other 
part  is  good  arable  land,  and  would 
produce  good  crops  if  well  culti- 
vated. A number  of  streams  issue 
from  the  mountain  and  produce  an 
ample  water  power.  Jay  was  char- 
tered in  1792,  but  it  was  not  per- 
manently settled  until  about  1816. 
It  lies  50  miles  N.  from  Montpe- 
lier, and  15  N.  W.  from  Irasburgh. 
Population,  1830,  196. 

Jefferson,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  This  town  lies  at 
the  head  of  Damariscotta  river,  and 
embraces  a large  body  of  water. 
It  is  otherwise  watered  by  several 
ponds  producing  streams  for  mill 
seats,  which  give  to  Jefferson  great 
facilities  for  sawing  and  transport- 
ing lumber.  This  is  a flourishing 
town  in  its  trade  and  agricultural 
pursuits ; it  produced  3,361  bushels 
of  wheat  in  1837.  Incorporated, 
1807.  Population,  1837,  2,246.  It 
lies  28  miles  E.  S.  E.  from  Augus- 
ta, and  15  N.  E.  from  Wiscasset. 

Jefferson,  N.  H. 

Coos  co.  Pondicherry  pond,  in 
this  town,  is  about  200  rods  in  di- 
ameter, and  is  the  principal  source 
of  John’s  river.  .Pondicherry  bay 
is  about  200  rods  wide  and  100  long. 
Mount  Pliny  lies  in  the  easterly 
part  of  this  town,  and  around  its 
base  there  is  excellent  grazing  and 
tillage  land.  On  the  S.  W.  side  of 
this  mountain  are  several  fine  farms, 
which  command  a most  delightful 
view  of  the  White  mountains.  Is- 
rael’s river  passes  through  Jeffer- 
son from  S.  E.  to  N.  W.,  and  here 
receives  a considerable  branch.  The 
town  was  first  settled  about  the  year 
1773.  Jefferson  is  77  miles  N.  from 
Concord,  and  9 S.  E.  from  Lancas- 
ter. Population,  1830,  495. 

Jerico,  Vt. 

Chittenden  co.  First  settled,  1774. 


Population,  1S30,  1,654.  Jerico  lies 
25  miles  N.  W.  from  Montpelier, 
and"  12  E.  from  Burlington.  This 
town  lies  on  the  N.  side  of  Onion 
river,  and  is  otherwise  finely  sup- 
plied with  mill  seats  by  Brown’s 
river  and  other  streams.  The  soil 
varies  in  quality,  from  good  inter- 
vale, on  the  streams,  to  common 
grazing  pastures,  on  the  hills.  There 
is  a pleasant  village  at  the  falls,  on 
Brown’s  river,  and  some  manufac- 
tories. 

Johnson,  Vt. 

Lamoille  co.  Johnson  was  first 
settled  in  1784,  by  a revolutionary 
hero,  of  the  name  of  Samuel  Ea- 
ton. Mr.  Eaton  frequently  passed 
through  this  township,  while  scout- 
ing between  Connecticut  river  and 
lake  Champlain ; and  several  times 
encamped  on  the  same  flat  which 
he  afterwards  occupied  as  a farm,  it 
being  a beautiful  tract  of  intervale. 
Like  many  other  settlers  of  this 
state,  he  had  many  difficulties  to 
encounter.  In  indigent  circumstan- 
ces, and  with  a numerous  family, 
he  loaded  his  little  all  upon  an  old 
horse,  and  set  out  in  search  of  that 
favorite  spot  which  he  had  selected 
in  his  more  youthful  days.  He 
had  to  travel  nearly  70  miles  through 
the  wilderness,  guided  by  the  trees 
which  had  been  marked  by  the 
scouts,  and  opening  a path  as  he 
passed  along.  He  depended,  for 
some  time  after  he  arrived  at  John- 
son, entirely  upon  hunting  and  fish- 
ing for  the  support  of  himself  and 
family. 

The  river  Lamoille  enters  this 
township  near  the  southeast  cor- 
ner, and  running  westerly  about 
two  miles,  through  a rich  tract  of 
intervale,  falls  over  a ledge  of  rocks 
about  15  feet  in  height  into  a basin 
below.  This  is  called  M’ ConneVs 
falls.  Thence  it  runs  northwest- 
erly over  a bed  of  rocks,  about  100 
rods,  narrowing  its  channel  and  in- 
creasing its  velocity,  when  it  forms 
a whirlpool  and  sinks  under  a bar- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


tier  of  rocks,  which  extends  across 
the  river.  The  arch  is  of  solid 
rock,  is  about  eight  feet  wide,  and 
at  low  water  is  passed  over  by 
footmen  with  safety.  The  water 
rises  below  through  numerous  aper- 
tures, exhibiting  the  appearance  of 
the  boiling  of  a pot. 

The  surface  of  this  township  is 
uneven,  being  thrown  into  ridges, 
which  are  covered  with  hemlock, 
spruce  and  hard  wood.  The  soil  is 
a dark,  or  yellow  loam,  mixed  with 
a light  sand,  is  easily  tilled,  and 
very  productive.  The  alluvial  flats 
are  considerably  extensive, but  back 
from  the  river  the  lands  are,  in 
some  parts  rather  stony.  In  the 
northeastern  part  has  been  discov- 
ered a quantity  of  soapstone. 

The  village,  in  Johnson,  is  very 
pleasant,  and  contains  a number  of 
mills,  for  the  manufacture  of  vari- 
ous articles.  Johnson  lies  28  miles 
N.  by  W.  from  Montpelier,  and  6 
N.  W.  from  Hyde  Park.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  1,079. 

Johnston,  R.  I. 

Providence  co.  This  town  lies 
5 miles  W.  from  Providence,  from 
which  it  was  taken  in  1759.  It  is 
pleasantly  variegated  by  hills  and 
vales,  with  a soil  adapted  to  the  cul- 
ture of  corn  and  barley,  and  par- 
ticularly to  all  sorts  of  vegetables 
and  fruits,  of  which  large  quantities 
are  annually  sent  to  Providence 
market.  The  quarries  of  freestone 
in  Johnston  are  valuable  ; they  sup- 
ply the  wants,  not  only  of  the  city 
and  immediate  vicinity,  but  distant 
places,  with  that  useful  material. 
The  Wonasquatucket  and  Pochasset 
rivers  with  their  tributary  streams 
give  this  town  a good  hydraulic  pow- 
er. Beautiful  manufacturing  vil- 
lages are  scattered  along  the  banks 
of  these  waters,  presenting  to  the 
eye  of  the  traveller  the  pleasant 
union  of  our  agricultural  and  man- 
ufacturing interests.  Population, 
1S30,  2,113. 


Jon.esbovou.glx,  Me. 

Washington  co.  This  town  has 
Chandler’s  river  and  the  head  of 
Englishman’s  bay  on  the  E.,  Jones- 
port  on  the  S.,  and  the  town  of  Ad- 
dison on  the  W.  Incorporated,  1809. 
Population,  1837,  435.  It  lies  134 
miles  E.  by  N.  from  Augusta,  and 
12  S.  W.  from  Machias. 

Jonesport,  Me. 

Washington  co.  Taken  from  Jones- 
borough  in  1836,  and  is  bounded  N. 
by  Jonesborough,  E.  by  English- 
man’s bay,  S.  by  Mispeeky  reach, 
and  W.  by  Addison  bay  and  har- 
bor. This  place  has  an  excellent 
harbor,  and  is  finely  located  for  ship 
building,  the  fisheries  and  coasting 
trade.  It  lies  138  miles  E.  by  N. 
from  Augusta,  and  i6  S.  W.  from 
Machias.  Population,  1837,  581 
Beal  and  Head  islands  lie  off  S. 
from  Jonesport. 

Judith  Point,  R.  I. 

A noted  headland  in  South  Kings- 
ton, 11  miles  S.  S.W.  from  Newport, 
in  N.  lat.  41°  24',  W.  Ion.  71°  35'. 
A light-house  was  erected  here  in 
1810,  the  tower  of  which  is  35  feet 
in  height.  This  point  opens  to  the 
ocean  about  midway  between  Vine- 
yard and  Long  Island  Sounds. — 
When  off  this  place,  travellers  un- 
accustomed to  the  sea  frequently 
experience  some  little  inconveni- 
ence for  a few  miles.  From  this 
light,  Montauk,  on  Long  Island, 
bears  about  S.  W.  30  miles,  and  Gay 
Head,  on  Martha’s  Vineyard,  about 
E.  by  S.,  35  miles. 

K a tali  dill  Mountain,  Me. 

This  celebrated  mountain,  the 
greatest  elevation  in  the  state,  lies 
between  the  eastern  and  western 
branches  of  Penobscot  river,  in  the 
county  of  Piscataquis,  about  eighty 
miles  N.  N.  W.  from  Bangor,  and 
120  N.  N.  E.  from  Augusta.  Dr. 
Jackson  has  ascertained  its  height 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


to  be  5,300  feet  above  the  level  of 
the  sea.  The  Indians  had  a notion 
that  this  mountain  was  the  abode 
of  supernatural  beings.  It  is  steep 
and  rugged,  and  stands  in  almost 
solitary  grandeur.  It  may  be  seen 
in  a clear  day  from  Bangor.  Those 
who  have  visited  its  summit  pro- 
nounce the  scenery  unx-ivalled  in 
sublimity. 

Kearsarge  Mountain,  N.  H., 

In  the  county  of  Merrimack,  sit- 
uated between  the  towns  of  Sutton 
and  Salisbury,  extending  into  both 
towns.  The  line  between  Wilmot 
and  Warner  passes  over  the  sum- 
mit. Kearsarge  is  elevated  2,461 
feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  and 
is  the  highest  mountain  in  Merri- 
mack county.  Its  summit  is  now 
a bare  mass  of  granite,  presenting 
an  irregular  and  broken  surface ; 
the  sides  are  covered  with  a thick 
growth  of  wood.  The  prospect  from 
this  mountain,  in  a clear  sky,  is 
very  wide  and  beautiful. 

Keene,  N.  II., 

Chief  town  of  Cheshire  co.,  is  one 
of  the  most  flourishing  towns  in 
N.H.  It  is  80  miles  W.  N.  W.  from 
Boston,  60  S.  from  Dartmouth  col- 
legers S.  S.  E.  from  Windsor,  Vt., 
40  W.  from  Amherst,  and  55  W.  S. 
W.  from  Concord.  The  soil  is  of  va- 
rious kinds  and  generally  good. 

Ashuelot  river  has  its  source  in  a 
pond  in  Washington,  and  discharges 
itself  into  the  Connecticut,  at  Hins- 
dale, 20  miles  distant  from  Keene. 
Keene  bas  been  called  one  of  the 
“ prettiest  villages”  in  New  Eng- 
land ; and  president  Dwight,  in  his 
travels,  pronounces  it  one  of  the 
pleasantest  inland  towns  he  had 
seen.  The  principal  village  is  sit- 
uated on  a flat,  E.  of  the  Ashuelot, 
nearly  equidistant  from  that  and  the 
upland.  It  is  particularly  entitled 
to  notice  for  the  extent,  width,  and 
uniform  level  of  its  streets.  The 
main  street,  extending  one  mile  in 
a straight  line,  is  almost  a perfect 

17* 


level,  and  is  well  ornamented  with 
trees.  The  buildings  are  good  and 
well  arranged ; some  of  them  are 
elegant.  Keene  is  a place  of  con- 
siderable business.  It  has  2 glass 
houses,  a woolen  factory,  iron  found- 
ry, and  many  other  valuable  manu- 
facturing establishments.  Its  first 
settlement  commenced  about  the 
year  1734,  by  Jeremiah  Hall  and 
others.  Its  original  name  was  Up- 
per Ashuelot.  It  was  incorporated 
with  -its  present  name,  April  11, 
1753,  which  is  derived  from  Sir 
Benjamin  Keene,  British  minister 
at  Spain,  and  contemporary  with 
Gov.  B.  Wentworth. 

In  1736  the  settlement  had  so 
increased,  that  a meeting-house  was 
erected  and  in  two  years  after,  a 
minister  was  settled.  But  the  usual 
scourge,  which  attended  the  fron- 
tier settlements,  visited  this  town. 
In  1745  the  Indians  killed  Josiah 
Fisher,  a deacon  of  the  church : 
in  1746,  they  attacked  the  fort,  the 
only  protection  of  the  inhabitants. 
They  were,  however,  discovered 
by  Capt.  Ephraim  Dorman  in  sea- 
son to  prevent  their  taking  it. — 
He  was  attacked  by  two  Indians, 
but  defended  himself  successfully 
against  them,  and  reached  the  fort. 
An  action  ensued,  in  which  John 
Bullard  was  killed;  Mrs.  M’Ken- 
ney,  who  being  out  of  the  fort,  was 
stabbed  and  died ; and  Nathan  Blake 
taken  prisoner,  carried  to  Canada, 
jyhere  he  remained  two  years.  Mr. 
Blake  afterwards  returned  to  Keene, 
where  he  lived  till  his  death, in  1811, 
at  the  age  of  99  years  and  5 months. 
When  he  was  94  he  married  a wid- 
ow of  60.  The  Indians  burnt  all  the 
buildings  in  the  settlement,  includ- 
ing the  meeting-house.  The  in- 
habitants continued  in  the  fort  un- 
til April,  1747,  when  the  town  was 
abandoned.  In  1753  they  return- 
ed, and  re-corr.menced  their  settle- 
ments. In  1755  the  Indians  again 
attacked  the  fort.  Their  number 
was  great,  and  the  onset  violent, 
but  the  vigilance  and  courage  of 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Capt.  Syms  successfully  defended 
it.  After  burning  several  build- 
ings, killing  cattle,  &.C.,  they  with- 
drew. They  again  invaded  the 
town,  but  with  little  success. 

Col.  Isaac  Wyman,  an  active 
and  influential  man,  marched  the 
first  detachment  of  men  from  this 
town,  in  the  war  of  the  revolution, 
and  was  present  at  the  battle  of 
Breed’s  Hill.  Population,  in  1830,. 
2,374. 

Kenduskeag  Stream,  Me. 

This  stream  rises  in  Dexter  and 
Garland,  and  after  meandering  very 
circuitously  through  Corinth,  Le- 
vant and  Dutton,  it  falls  into  the 
Penobscot  river,  at  the  centre  of 
the  city  of  Bangor.  This  is  a valu- 
able mill  stream ; it  has  numerous 
tributaries ; its  banks  are  fertile, 
romantic  and  beautiful. 

Kennebec  River,  Me. 

The  first  source  of  this  import- 
ant river  is  Moose  Head  lake,  of 
which  it  i$  the  outlet.  From  thence 
it  passes  in  a S.  W.  course  nearly 
20  miles,  where.it  receives  the  wa- 
ters of  Dead  river  ; it  then  proceeds 
S.  to  Starks,  about  40  miles,  where 
it  receives  the  waters  of  the  Sandy : 
here  it  changes  its  course  easterly, 
about  12  miles,  passing  Norridge- 
wock  and  Skowhegan : it  then  again 
changes  its  course  to  the  S.  till  it 
receives  the  waters  of  the  Sebasti- 
cook,  about  15  miles : it  continues 
to  descend  in  nearly  a S.  course  to 
Hallowell,  about  20  miles ; here 
it  inclines  to  the  E.  a few  miles, 
and  then  resuming  a S.  course,  and 
passing  through  Merrymeeting  bay, 
where  it  receives  the  Androscog- 
gin river,  it  passes  Bath  and  meets 
the  ocean.  The  whole  length  of 
this  river,  from  Moose  Head  lake 
to  the  sea,  is  about  150  miles. 
The  tributaries  already  named  are 
the  most  considerable  ; but  there 
are  many  others  that  would  be  con- 
sidered important  rivers  in  other 
sectionsof  country.  The  whole  fall 


of  this  river  is  more  than  1,000  feet, 
and  its  hydraulic  power,  with  that 
of  its  tributaries,  is  incalculable. 

We  are  enabled  to  state  that  the 
average,  or  mean  time,  of  the  clos- 
ing of  this  river  by  ice,  at  Hallow- 
ell, for  45  successive  years,  was 
December  12th,  and  of  its  opening, 
April  3d.  The  most  remarkable 
years  were,  1792,  when  the  riv- 
er closed  November  4th,  and  open- 
ed April  1st,  the  following  year ; 
and  1831,  when  it  closed  January 
10th,  and  opened  April  13th,  1832. 
Since  the  year  1786  the  Kennebec 
has  not  been  obstructed  by  ice  in 
any  spring  after  the  20th  of  April. 

I£eKLnet>ec  County,  Me. 

Augusta  is  the  shire  town.  This 
county  is  bounded  N.  by  Franklin, 
Somerset,  and  Penobscot  counties, 
E.  by  Waldo  and  a part  of  Lincoln 
counties,  S.  by  Lincoln  county,  and 
W.  by  Oxford  county.  This  county 
is  watered  by  numerous  ponds  and 
rivers,  but  principally  by  the  noble 
Kennebec,  which  passes  nearly 
through  its  centre,  from  which  the 
name  of  the  county  is  derived.  The 
face  of  the  county  is  undulating, 
not  hilly  ; its  soil  is  of  a superior 
quality,  producing,  in  great  abund- 
ance, all  the  variety  of  grasses, 
grains,  vegetables  and  fruits  com- 
mon to  its  climate.  The  union  of 
hydraulic  power  with  navigable 
waters,  which  this  county  enjoys ; 
its  fertility,  locality,  and  other  nat- 
ural advantages,  render  it  a highly 
favored  section  of  our  country. — 
Area,  about  1,050  square  miles.  In 
1837  this  county  contained  101,238 
sheep,  and  produced  186,876  bush- 
els of  wheat.  Population,  1837,  62,- 
375 : 59  inhabitants  to  a squai-e  mile. 

Kennebimk,  Me. 

York  co.  This  town  is  situated 
on  the  S.  W.  side  of  the  Kenne- 
bunk  river,  and  is  regarded  as  one 
of  the  pleasantest  towns  in  New 
England.  Population,  1837,  2,343. 
In  former  years  the  business  of  the 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


town  was  mostly  of  a commercial 
character,  there  being  a large  num- 
ber of  vessels  owned  here,  which 
were  engaged  in  the  West  India 
trade.  But  this  trade  is  now  near- 
ly abandoned,  and  the  navigation  is 
engaged  in  the  freighting,  coasting, 
and  fishing  business.  Ship  build- 
ing has  been  carried  on  here  to  a 
great  extent,  for  about  seventy 
years,  and  some  of  the  finest  ships 
in  the  country  have  been  built  in 
this  place  within  the  last  few  years. 
There  is  one  large  cotton  factory  in 
operation,  and  other  privileges  for 
large  manufacturing  establishments 
on  the  Kennebunk,  and  the  Mou- 
sum,  a pleasant  stream  which  meets 
the  ocean  in  this  town.  Kenne- 
bunk is  a port  of  entry : tonnage  of 
the  district,  in  1837,  6,964  tons. 
Incorporated,  1820.  It  lies  80  miles 
S.  W.  from  Augusta,  25  S.  W.  from 
Portland,  and  15  N.  N.  E.  from 
York. 

Kennebunk  Port,  Me., 

York  co.,  is  situated  on  the  N. 
E.  side  of  the  Kennebunk  river. 
This  town  was  formerly  extensive- 
ly engaged  in  the  West  India  trade, 
but  its  navigation  is  now  employed 
in  the  freighting,  coasting,  and  fish- 
ing business.  The  extensive  gran- 
ite quarries  here  are  likely  to  be- 
come a source  of  considerable  busi- 
ness. The  stone,  bearing  a strong 
resemblance  to  the  Quincy,  finds 
a ready  market  where  granite  is 
made  use  of  in  building.  Thirty 
years  ago,  this  town,  and  Kenne- 
bunk, on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
river,  were  the  most  active  and  busy 
ports  in  Maine ; but  the  tide  of 
emigration  has  carried  off  most  of 
the  young  men,  leaving  a surplus 
of  girls ; so  that  whatever  activity 
there  now  is  in  the  place,  is  of  a 
domestic  character,  not  creating 
that  noise  and  bustle  incident  to  the 
operations  of  the  other  sex.  Ken- 
nebunk Port  lies  about  4 miles  N. 
E.  from  Kennebunk.  This  town 
and  Kennebunk  are  much  united  in 


maritime  pursuits,  and  both  enjoy 
a good  harbor  for  shipping.  Popu- 
lation, 1837,  2,730. 

Kensington,  N.  H., 

Rockingham  co.,  is  45  miles  N. 
from  Boston,  15  S.  W.  from  Ports- 
mouth, and  40  S.  E.  from  Concord. 
This  town  has  no  streams  of  any 
note ; its  surface  is  pretty  even. 
Kensington  was  settled  at  an  early 
period,  and  was  originally  a part  of 
Hampton,  from  which  it  was  de- 
tached in  1737.  Population,  1830, 
717. 

Kent  County,  R.  I. 

East  Greenwich  is  the  county 
town.  Kent  county  is  bounded  N. 
by  Providence  county,  E.  by  Pro- 
vidence bay,  S.  by  Washington 
county,  and  W.  by  the  state  of  Con- 
necticut. The  surface  of  the  coun- 
ty is  generally  rough  and  uneven : 
in  the  eastern  part  are  tracts  of  le- 
vel land.  The  soil  is  either  a gra- 
velly or  sandy  loam,  and  very  pro- 
ductive of  Indian  grain,  rye,  fruits, 
and  vegetables.  The  grazing  busi- 
ness is  extensively  pursued  in  this 
oounty.  The  Pawtuxet  and  Flat 
rivers  are  the  principal,  but  a num- 
ber of  large  ponds  produce  smaller 
streams  in  abundance.  The  manu- 
facturing interests  of  this  county, 
particularly  of  cotton  and  wool,  are 
very  extensive,  and  probably  pur- 
sued with  as  much  spirit  and  suc- 
cess as  in  any  portion  of  the  state. 
Some  navigation  is  employed  on  the 
bay  in  the  coasting  trade  and  fish- 
ery. Kent  county  comprises  an 
area  of  186  square  miles.  Popula- 
tion, 1820,  10,228;  1830,  12,789. 
Population  to  a square  mile,  69. 

Kent,  Ct. 

Litchfield  co.  First  settled,  1738. 
Incorporated,  1739.  Population, 
1830,  2,001.  Kent  is  50  miles  W. 
from  Hartford,  50  N.  W.  from  New 
Haven,  and  15  W.  from  Litchfield. 
This  is  a mountainous  township, 
with  some  fine  land  on  the  banks 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


of  the  Housatonick,  which  passes 
through  its  western  border.  Good 
iron  ore  is  found  here.  There  are 
three  furnaces  in  town,  but  the 
manufacture  of  iron  is  not  so  exten- 
sive as  formerly.  The  Housaton- 
ick, calm  and  still,  winding  grace- 
fully at  the  foot  of  a high  and  rug- 
ged mountain,  renders  the  scenery 
from  the  neat  and  quiet  village, 
highly  picturesque  and  beautiful. 

“ There  is  in  this  town,”  says  Dr. 
Trumbull,  “ convincing  evidence 
that  it  was  a grand  seat  of  the  na- 
tive inhabitants  of  this  country, 
before  Indians,  who  more  lately  in- 
habited it,  had  any  residence  in  it. 
There  are  arrow  heads,  stone  pots, 
and  a sort  of  knives,  and  various 
kinds  of  utensils,  frequently  found 
by  the  English,  of  such  curious 
workmanship  as  exceeds  all  the 
skill  of  any  Indians  since  the  Eng- 
lish came  into  this  country,  and 
became  acquainted  with  them.-r- 
These  were  not  only  found  when 
the  town  was  first  settled,  but  they 
are  still  found  on  the  sides  of  Housa- 
tonic  river.” 

Kilkenny,  N.  H. 

Coos  co.  This  place  was  granted 
in  1774,  and  contained,  in  1830,  but 
27  inhabitants.  They  are  poor,  and 
for  aught  that  appears  to  the  contra- 
ry, must  always  remain  so,  as  they 
may  be  deemed  actual  trespassers 
on  that  part  of  creation  destined  by 
its  author  for  the  residence  of  bears, 
wolves,  moose,  and  other  animals 
of  the  forest.  An  exception,  how- 
ever, may  possibly  be  made  in  fa- 
vor of  a narrow  strip  of  land  along 
the  S.  boundary  of  the  town.  Pi- 
lot and  Willard’s  mountains,  so  call- 
ed from  a dog  and  his  master,  cov- 
er a considerable  part  of  this  town. 
Willard,  a hunter,  had  been  lost 
two  or  three  days  on  these  moun- 
tains, on  the  east  side  of  which  his 
camp  was  situated.  Each  day  he 
observed  his  dog  Pilot  left  him,  as 
he  supposed  in  pursuit  of  game  ; 
but  towards  night  he  would  con- 


stantly return.  Willard  being,  on 
the  second  or  third  day,  nearly  ex- 
hausted with  fatigue  and  hunger, 
put  himself  under  the  guidance  of 
his  dog,  who  in  a short  time  con- 
ducted him  in  safety  to  his  camp. 

Killingly,  Ct. 

"Windham  co.  This  town  lies  45 
miles  E.  from  Hartford,  25  W.  from 
Providence,  R.  I.,  and  5 N.  E.  from 
Brooklyn.  First  settled  in  1700. 
The  first  white  person  known  to 
have  been  buried  here  was  Mr. 
Nell  Alexander’s  great-grand-mo- 
ther. (S ee  Alexander's  Lake.)  This 
town  is  rough  and  hilly,  but  there 
is  a great  deal  of  beauty  about  it, 
and  its  history  is  full  of  romantic 
stories  relating  to  the  first  settlers 
and  the  red  men.  The  town  is 
well  watered  by  the  Quinnebaugand 
its  branches.  There  are  three  vil- 
lages, Pleasant  Valley,  Daysville , 
and  Danielsonville,  all  pleasant  and 
flourishing  manufacturing  places. 
They  contain  14  cotton  and  3 wool- 
en mills,  a furnace,  an  axe  factory, 
and  other  mechanical  operations. 
Killingly  contains  excellent  quar- 
ries of  freestone,  and  of  a slate  rock 
resembling  granite,  soft,  ani  easily 
wrought ; al§o  of  a slate  rock  com- 
posed of  granular  quartz,  almost 
white.  A rich  bed  of  porcelain 
clay  is  found  on  Mashentuck  hill, 
said  to  equal  French  or  Chinese 
clay.  Population,  1836,  4,000. 

Killiiigton  Peak,  Vt. 

This  noted  elevation  of  the  Green 
Mountain  range,  3,924  feet  above 
the  ocean,  lies  in  Sherburne,  10 
miles  E.  from  Rutland. 

Killing-worth,  Ct. 

Middlesex  co.  This  town,  the 
Indian  Hammonnasset,  was  first 
settled  in  1663.  The  central  part 
of  the  town  is  38  miles  S.  E.  from 
Hartford,  27  W.  from  New  Lon- 
don, and  17  S.  by  E.  from  Mid- 
dletown. Population,  1830,  2,484. 
This  town  lies  on  Long  Island 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Sound  with  a harbor  for  small  ves- 
sels. Many  vessels  are  built  at 
this  place.  There  is  1,000  acres 
of  good  salt  meadow  in  Killing- 
worth,  and  the  soil  of  the  uplands, 
although  hard  and  uneven,  are  ren- 
dered productive  by  industry  and 
skillful  management.  The  village 
is  very  pleasant,  with  a wide  street 
a mile  and  a half  in  length,  crossed 
about  midway  by  Indian  river,  a 
small  stream  which  enters  the  har- 
bor. This  was  a great  resort  for 
the  Indians.  “ Immense  masses 
of  mouldering  shells  still  point  out 
the  places  where  thej  dwelt.” 
Killingworth  is  a healthful,  inter- 
esting place. 

Kilmarnock,  Me. 

Piscataquis  co.  This  town  is 
well  watered  by  Piscataquis  river 
and  the  outlet  of  Scootum  lake.  It 
lies  103  miles  N.  E.  from  Augusta, 
and  22  N.  N.  E.  from  Dover.  In- 
corporated, 1824.  Population,  1830, 
138;  1837,  313. 

Kingfield,  Me. 

Franklin  co.  A fine  farming 
township,  east  of  Mount  Abraham, 
and  watered  by  Seven  Mile  brook 
and  one  of  its  tributaries.  It  lies 
55  miles  N.  W.  by  N.  from  Au- 
gusta, and  25  N.  from  Farmington. 
Population,  1837,  614.  Incorpora- 
ted, 1808.  Wheat  crop  of  1837, 
3,877  bushels. 

Kingsbury,  Me. 

Incorporated,  1836.  See  “Down 
East.” 

Kingston,  N.  H. 

Rockingham  co.  This  town  is 
distant  from  Concord  37  miles  S.  E., 
from  Exeter  6,  and  from  Portsmouth 
20.  There  are  several  ponds  in 
this  town.  The  largest  is  Great 
pond,  which  lies  on  the  W.  of  the 
village,  and  contains  upwards  of 
300  acres,  with  an  island  of  10  or  12 
acres,  covered  with  wood.  There 
are  no  high  hills  in  Kingston  ; those 


called  the  Great  hill  and  Rockri- 
mon  are  the  highest.  The  soil  of 
Kingston  is  generally  loamy.  The 
charter  of  Kingston  was  granted, 
1694.  The  grant  also  comprehend- 
ed what  now  forms  the  towns  of 
East  Kingston,  Danville,  and  San- 
down.  This  town  suffered  in  com- 
mon with  others  in  the  vicinity,  from 
Indian  depredations.  Many  Indian 
implements,  with  some  ancient 
French  coin,  have  been  ploughed 
up  in  the  vicinity  of  the  ponds. 

Maj.  Ebenezer  Stevens,  one 
of  the  early  settlers,  was  a very 
distinguished  and  useful  citizen. 

This  town  was  also  the  residence 
of  the  Hon.  Josiah  Bartlett, 
one  of  the  first  worthies  of  the  state, 
and  an  eminent  physician.  His 
public  career  commenced  in  1765, 
and  from  that  time  to  his  death  he 
was  an  unwearied  advocate  and 
supporter  of  the  liberties  of  Amer- 
ica. He  was  the  first  governor  of 
the  state  under  its  free  constitution. 
He  died  in  1795,  aged  65.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  929. 

Kingston,  Vt. 

Addison  co.  A mountainous  town- 
ship settled  soon  after  the  revolu- 
tionary war.  Population,  1830,  403. 
White  river  is  formed  in  Kingston 
by  the  union  of  several  streams. 
Here  is  a beautiful  water  fall  of 
100  feet,  50  of  which  is  perpendic- 
ular. At  the  bottom  of  the  fall  the 
water  has  worn  a hole  10  feet  in 
depth.  Kingston  lies  21  miles  S. 
W.  from  Montpelier,  and  14  E.  from 
Middlebury. 

Kingston,  Mass. 

Plymouth  co.  This  town  lies 
within  Plymouth  harbor,  4 miles 
N.  W.  from  Plymouth,  and  31  S. 
E.  from  Boston.  Kingston  has  a 
good  harbor,  a considerable  stream 
of  water  and  some  excellent  land. 
There  are  a number  of  vessels  en- 
gaged in  the  coasting  trade,  and 
some  in  foreign  commerce.  Many 
vessels  are  built  here  of  the  south 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


shore  white  oak,  noted  for  its 
strength  and  durability.  During 
the  year  ending  April  ],  1837,  there 
were  19  vessels  engaged  in  the  cod 
and  mackerel  fishery.  They  took 
14,214  quintals  of  cod  fish,  and  886 
barrels  of  mackerel,  the  value  of 
which  amounted  to  $48,590.  There 
is  a cotton  mill  in  Kingston,  and 
manufactures  of  bar  iron,  nails,  ax- 
es, cutlery,  anchors,  leather,  shoes, 
palm-leaf  hats,  and  shingles  : total 
value  in  one  year  $105,302.  Monk’s 
hill  presents  an  excellent  view  of 
Plymouth  harbor.  Kingston  was 
incorporated  in  1726.  Population, 
1837,  1,371. 

Kirby,  Vt. 

Caledonia  co.  First  settled,  1799. 
Population,  1830,  401.  There  are 
some  tracts  of  good  land  in  Kirby, 
but  the  township  is  generally  either 
wet  and  cold,  or  too  mountainous  for 
cultivation.  It  has  a number  of 
springs,  brooks,  and  a good  fish 
pond.  The  town  lies  36  miles  N. 
E.  from  Montpelier,  and  14  N.  E. 
from  Danville. 

Kirkland,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  Kirkland  is  finely 
watered  by  Dead  stream,  Pushaw 
lake  and  its  principal  tributary  riv- 
er. It  lies  83  miles  N.  E.  from 
Augusta,  and  15  N.  N.  W.  from 
Bangor.  Incorporated,  1825.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  258. 

Kittery,  Me. 

York  co.  A sea  port  town  on 
the  N.  E.  bank  of  the  Piscataqua 
river,  being  the  extreme  southwest- 
ern boundary  of  the  state  on  the 
Atlantic,  adjoining  York  on  the  N. 
E.  and  Elliot  on  the  N.  W.  It  is 
one  of  the  earliest  settlements  in 
the  province,  or  state,  and  had  its 
share  of  trial  and  suffering  with 
others  of  their  days,  from  repeated 
incursions  of  the  Indians.  The 
river  or  inlet,  called  Spruce  creek, 
affords  a convenient  harbor  for  ves- 
sels usually  employed  in  the  coast- 


ing trade  and  fishery,  and  formerly 
considerable  trade  was  carried  on 
with  the  West  Indies  from  this 
place ; — but  there  is  little  or  none 
at  present. 

Kittery  point  was  the  residence 
of  Sir  William  Pepperell,  who  com- 
manded the  New  England  troops  in 
the  celebrated  expedition  to  Cape 
Breton,  in  1745,  which  resulted  in 
the  capture  of  Louisburg.  It  is 
divided  from  Portsmouth,  N.  H.  by 
the  Piscataqua.  A bridge  connects 
it  with  that  place.  Another  bridge 
connects  it  with  Badger’s  island,  on 
which  is  the  United  States  Navy 
Y ard.  Kittery  lies  103  miles  S.  W. 
from  Augusta,  and  50  S.  W.  from 
Portland.  Incorporated,  1653. — 
Population,  1837,  2,322. 

Knox,  Me. 

Waldo  co.  A beautiful  farming 
town,  named  in  honor  of  Gen.  Hen- 
ry Knox,  a patriot  of  the  revolu- 
tion, who  died  at  Thomaston,  1806, 
aged  56.  This  is  one  of  the  many 
towns  in  Maine  fast  rising  in  wealth 
and  respectability,  by  the  fertility  of 
the  soil  and  industry  of  the  people. 
It  lies  32  miles  N.  E.  by  E.  from 
Augusta,  and  14  S.  W.  from  Bel- 
fast. Incorporated,  1819.  Popu- 
lation, . 1837,  815.  W'heat  crop, 
same  year,  4,037  bushels. 

Lagrange,  Me. 

Population,  1837,  287.  Wheat 
crop,  same  year,  1,749  bushels. 
See  “ Down  East.” 

Lamoille  County,  Vt. 

Hyde  Park  is  the  shire  town. — 
This  county  was  established  in  1836. 
It  is  bounded  N.  by  Franklin  and 
Orleans  counties,  E.  by  Orleans  and 
Caledonia  counties,  S.  by  Washing- 
ton county,  and  W.  by  Chittenden 
and  a part  of  Franklin  counties. 
This  county  lies  on  the  Green  moun- 
tain range,  and  is  the  source  of  ma- 
ny streams.  The  river  Lamoille 
passes  nearly  through  its  centre, 
and,  with  its  tributaries,  give  the 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


county  a great  hydraulic  power. 
The  elevation  of  the  county  ren- 
ders the  soil  more  adapted  for  graz- 
ing than  for  tillage,  yet  there  are 
large  tracts  of  excellent  meadow 
bordering  its  streams.  Manufac- 
tures flourish,  and  the  exports  of 
beef  cattle  and  the  products  of  the 
dairy  are  valuable,  and  annually 
increasing.  In  1837,  there  were 
28,677  sheep.  Population,  1830, 
8,930. 

Lamoille  River,  Vt. 

This  river  is  formed  in  Greens - 
borough.  Its  general  course  is  N. 
W.  It  passes  through  Hardwick, 
Wolcott,  Morriston,  Johnston,  Cam- 
bridge, Fairfax  and  Georgia,  and 
falls  into  Lake  Champlain  at  Mil- 
ton,  12  miles  N.  from  Burlington. 
This  river  has  numerous  tributaries : 
it  has  several  falls,  which  produce 
a valuable  waterpower.  Its  banks 
in  many  parts  are  very  fertile.  It 
was  discovered  by  Champlain  in 
1609. 

Lancaster,  N.  II. 

Coos  co.  Shire  town  of  the  coun- 
ty, and  situated  on  the  southeastern 
bank  of  Connecticut  river,  which 
forms  and  washes  its  N.  W.  bound- 
ary, a distance  of  10  miles.  It  lies 
distant  110  miles  W.  from  Portland, 
130  N.  from.  Portsmouth,  95  N. 
from  Concord,  and  75  above  Dart- 
mouth College.  Besides  the  Con- 
necticut, which  is  deep  and  about 
22  rods  in  width  while  it  passes 
through  Lancaster,  the  town  is  wa- 
tered by  Israel’s  river,  and  several 
considerable  brooks.  Across  this 
river  a bridge  and  several  dams  are 
thrown,  forming  a valuable  water 
power.  There  are  several  ponds 
in  Lancaster,  the  largest  of  which 
is  called  Martin-meadow  pond,  from 
Martin,  a hunter.  This  communi- 
cates with  Little  pond. 

Lancaster  is  situated  near  lofty 
mountains,  but  is  not  itself  moun- 
tainous. There  are  three  hills  in 
the  S.  partof  the  town,  called  Mar- 


tin meadow  hills;  and  the  land  in 
the  S.  E.  part  lies  too  high  up  the 
mountains  for  cultivation.  The  soil 
along  the  Connecticut  is  alluvial, 
the  meadows  extending  back  near- 
ly three-fourths  of  a mile ; and  at 
the  mouth  of  Israel’s  river  much 
farther. 

The  village,  or  most  compact  part 
of  the  town,  lies  on  a street  extend- 
ing from  the  bridge  across  Israel’s 
river  northwardly  : — it  is  pleasant, 
and  is  the  site  of  some  manufactur- 
ing establishments.  Lancaster  was 
granted  and  settled  in  1763.  The 
war  of  the  revolution  tended  to  re- 
tard the  settlement  of  the  town. — 
After  the  war  closed,  the  town  set- 
tled with  considerable  rapidity,  and 
has  since  gradually  increased  in 
wealth  and  business.  Population, 
1830,  1,187. 

Lancaster,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  town,  the 
JV'asawogg  of  the  Indians,  is  the 
oldest  town  in  the  county ; it  was 
for  many  years  a frontier  settlement, 
and  greatly  harrassed  by  the  na- 
tives. In  1676,  the  town  was  at- 
tacked by  1,500  Indians;  many 
were  killed  on  both  sides  ; the  town 
was  destroyed,  and  a number  car- 
ried into  captivity,  among  whom 
was  the  celebrated  Mrs.  Mary 
Rowlandson.  Lancaster  lies  on 
both  sides  of  Nashua  river,  and  has 
a remarkably  fine,  alluvial  soil,  in 
a -high  state  of  cultivation.  Per- 
haps there  is  no  inland  town  in  New 
England  that  possesses  more  natu- 
ral beauties,  or  that  strikes  the  eye 
of  the  traveller  more  agreeably. — 
The  village  is  very  beautiful : — it  is 
neatly  built  on  an  alluvial  plain, 
surrounded  by  hills,  and  watered  by 
a large  and  placid  stream.  There 
are  3 cotton  and  1 woolen  mills  in 
the  town,  and  manufactures  of 
leather,  boots,  shoes,  hats,  forks, 
combs,  palm-leaf  hats,  tenon  ma- 
chines, copper  pumps,  piano-fortes, 
chairs,  and  cabinet  ware  : — annual 
value  about  $100,000.  Some  min- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


eral  substances  are  found  here. 
Lancaster  was  first  settled,  1643. 
Incorporated,  1653.  Population, 
1837,  1,903.  It  lies  35  miles  W. 
N.  W.  from  Boston,  and  15  N.  N. 
E.  from  Worcester. 

LaudaiT,  Iff.  II. 

Grafton  co.  Its  distance  from 
Haverhill  is  about  12  miles  N.  E., 
and  from  Concord  90  N.  by  W. 
Wild  Amonoosuck  river  runs  from 
S.  E.  to  N.  W.  through  the  S.  part 
of  the  town.  Through  the  north- 
westerly extremity  passes  the  Great 
Amonoosuck  river.  LandafF  moun- 
tain in  the  E.  part.  Cobble  hill  in 
the  centre,  and  Bald  hill  in  the  W., 
are  the  principal  elevations.  The 
soil  is  fertile.  LandafF  was  granted 
in  1764,  to  James  Avery  and  others. 
Population,  in  1830,  951. 

Laiidgrove,  Vt. 

Bennington  co.  This  town  is  on 
elevated  land  at  the  N.  E.  corner 
of  the  county,  33  miles  N.  E.  from 
Bennington,  and  about  30  S.  W. 
from  Windsor.  Some  of  the  head 
branches  of  West  river  have  their 
sources  here.  The  lands  are  too 
rough  and  high  for  much  improve- 
ment. First  settled,  1769.  Popu- 
lation, 1830, 385. 

Lanesl)oroagh,  Blass. 

Berkshire  co.  This  township  lies 
on  elevated  ground,  the  sources  of 
some  of  the  head  branches  of  Hous- 
atonick  and  Hoosack  rivers.  It  is 
situated  on  two  hills,  with  an  inter- 
vening valley.  The  lands  in  the 
valley  are  very  luxuriant,  and  the 
hilly  parts  are  admirably  adapted 
for  grazing.  Lanesborough  is  a 
beautiful  town,  under  good  cultiva- 
tion, and  very  productive.  The  in- 
habitants are  principally  farmers, 
who  make  agriculture  a business, 
and  reap  its  rewards.  In  1837  there 
were  in  this  town  12,333  sheep, 
whose  fleeces  weighed  42,489  lbs., 
estimated  at  $26,100.  Limestone 
abounds  here  ; also  beautiful  mar- 


ble, and  graphic  slate.  There  is  a 
delightful  pond  partly  in  this  town 
and  partly  in  Pittsfield : it  con- 
tains trout  and  other  fine  fish. — 
Lanesborough  was  incorporated, 
1765.  Population,  1837,  1,090.  It 
lies  125  miles  W.  by  N.  from  Bos- 
ton, and  11  N.  from  Lenox. 

Laugdon,  N.  51. 

Sullivan  co.  Langdon  is  18  miles 
S.  S.  W.  from  Newport,  and  50  W. 
by  S.  from  Concord.  The  princi- 
pal village  it  3 miles  E.  from  Con- 
necticut river,  and  6 from  Bellows 
Falls.  A considerable  branch  of 
Cold  river  passes  S.  W.  through  the 
whole  extent  of  this  town,  and  unites 
with  the  main  branch  near  the  S. 
line.  Langdon,  named  in  honor 
of  Gov.  Langdon,  was  incorporated 
1787.  Its  settlement  commenced  in 
1773.  Population,  1830,  667. 

Lebanon,  BXe. 

York  co.  This  town  is  bounded 
W.  by  Salmon  Fall  river,  on  the 
line  of  New  Hampshire.  It  is  a 
large  agricultural  township,  with 
some  trade  and  manufactures.  It 
lies  99  miles  S.  W.  from  Augusta, 
50  S.  W.  by  W.  from  Portland,  and 
11  S.  W.  from  Alfred.  Incorpora- 
ted, 1767.  Population,  in  1837, 
2,240. 

Lebanon,  N.  II. 

Grafton  co.  This  pleasant  town 
on  Connecticut  river,  is  4 miles  S. 
from  Dartmouth  College,  49  N.  W. 
from  Concord,  and  90  N.  W.  from 
Portsmouth.  Besides  the  Connec- 
ticut on  its  W.  border,  this  town  is 
watered  by  Mascomy  river,  running 
from  E.  to  W.  through  its  centre, 
and  affording  many  valuable  mill 
seats  and  a constant  supply  of  wa- 
ter. The  soil  here  is  alluvial,  the 
intervales  on  the  Connecticut  ex- 
tending back  from  the  river  about 
half  a mile.  There  are  meadows  or 
intervales  on  Mascomy  river.  The 
principal  village  is  situated  on  a 
plain  near  the  central  part,  at  the 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


head  of  the  falls  of  Mascomy  riv- 
er. There  are  falls  in  the  Connect- 
icut in  this  town,  which  have  been 
facked  and  canalled  by  a company, 
called  the  White  River  Company. 
Lyman’s  bridge  connects  this  town 
with  Hartford,  Vt.  A medicinal 
spring  has  been  discovered.  A 
lead  mine  has  been  opened,  and 
there  has  been  found  on  Enfield  line, 
near  the  outlet  of  the  Great  pond, 
a vein  of  iron  ore. 

This  is  a place  of  considerable 
manufactures,  and  of  extensive 
trade.  Lebanon  was  granted  1761. 
It  was  the  first  town  settled  on  Con- 
necticut river  to  the  N.  of  Charles- 
town. The  first  settlers  were  a 
hardy,  brave  people,  tenacious  of 
their  principles  : most  of  them  were 
men  of  strong  minds,  good  habits, 
correct  principles,  and  good  com- 
mon education.  Population,  1830, 
1,868. 

Lebanon,  Ct. 

New  London  co.  Lebanon  lies 
30  miles  S.  E.  from  Hartford,  and 
10  N.  W.  from  Norwich.  First 
settled  about  1700.  Population,  in 
1830,  2,554.  The  surface  of  the 
town  is'uneven — moderately  hilly. 
The  soil  is  of  a chocolate  color ; — 
a rich  deep  mould,  very  fertile,  and 
well  adapted  for  grass.  Husbandry 
is  the  principal  business. of  the  in- 
habitants. The  village  is  on  a street 
more  than  a mile  in  length,  wide, 
pleasant  and  interesting : it  was  the 
residence  of  the  Trumbull  fami- 
ly, celebrated  for  their  genius  and 
patriotism.  On  the  family  tomb,  in 
the  village,  is  the  following  inscrip- 
tion to  the  memor.y  of  the  first  gov- 
ernor Trumbull. 

“ Sacred  to  the  memory  of  Jonathan 
Trumbull,  Esq.  who,  unaided  by  birth 
or  powerful  connexions,  but  blessed 
with  a noble  and  virtuous  mind,  arrived 
to  the  highest  station  in  government. 
His  patriotism  and  firmness  during  50 
years  employment  in  public  life,  and 
particularly  in  the  very  important  part 
ne  acted  in  the  American  Revolution, 
18 


as  Governor  of  Connecticut ; the 
faithful  page  of  History  will  record. 

Full  of  years  and  honors,  rich  in  be- 
nevolence, and  firm  in  the  faith  and 
hopes  of  Christianity,  he  died  August 
9th,  1785,  iEtatis  75.” 

This  tomb  contains  the  ashes  of  two 
governors,  one  commissary  general, 
and  a signer  of  the  Declaration  of 
Independence. 

L»edyard,  Ct. 

New  London  co.  This  town  was 
taken  from  Groton  in  1836.  It  was 
formerly  called  North  Groton.  It 
is  7 miles  N.  by  E.  from  New  Lon- 
don, and  8 S.  from  Norwich.  There 
is  a pretty  village,  of  some  thirty 
houses,  at  Gale’s  ferry,  on  the 
Thames.  The  population  of  the 
town,  in  1836,  was  about  2,000. 
About  twenty  of  the  Pequot  tribe 
of  Indians  reside  here  : a miserable 
remnant  of  a great  and  powerful 
nation. 

This  town  was  named  in  honor 
of  two  brothers,  natives  of  Groton : 
Col.  LEDYARD,the  brave  defend- 
er of  Groton  Heights,  in  1781 ; — 
and  John  Ledyard,  the  celebra- 
ted traveler,  who  died  at  Cairo,  in 
Egypt,  in  1789,  aged  38.  John  Led- 
yard was  probably  as  distinguished 
a traveler  as  can  be  found  on  re- 
cord. “ Endowed  with  an  original 
and  comprehensive  genius,  he  be- 
held with  interest,  and  described 
with  energy,  the  scenes  and  objects 
around  him;  and  by  comparing  them 
with  what  he  had  seen  in  other  re- 
gions of  the  globe,  he  was  enabled  to 
give  his  narrative  all  the  varied  ef- 
fect of  contrast  and  resemblance.” 

This  accurate  observer  of  man- 
kind pays  the  following  tribute  to 
female  character. 

“ I have  always  remarked,”  says 
he, <c  that  women  in  all  countries 
are  civil  and  obliging,  tender  and 
humane  : that  they  aYe  ever  inclin- 
ed to  be  gay  and  cheerful,  timo- 
rous and  modest;  and  that  they  do 
not  hesitate,  like  men,  to  perform 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


a generous  action.  Not  haughty, 
nor  arrogant,  nor  supercilious,  they 
are  full  of  courtesy,  and  fond  of 
society ; more  liable  in  general  to 
err  than  man,  but  in  general  also 
more  virtuous,  and  performing  more 
good  actions,  than  he.  To  a wo- 
man, whether  civilized  or  savage,  I 
never  addressed  myself,  in  the  lan- 
guage of  decency  and  friendship, 
without  receiving  a decent  and 
friendly  answer.  With  man  it  has 
often  been  otherwise.  In  wander- 
ing over  the  barren  plains  of  in- 
hospitable Denmark,  through  hon- 
est Sweden  and  frozen  Lapland, 
rude  and  churlish  Finland,  unprin- 
cipled Russia,  and  the  wide  spread 
regions  of  the  wandering  Tartar; 
if  hungry,  dry,  cold,  wet,  or  sick, 
the  women  have  ever  been  friend- 
ly to  me,  and  uniformly  so.  And 
add  to- this  virtue,  so  worthy  the 
appellation  of  benevolence,  their 
actions  have  been  performed  in  so 
free  and  kind  a manner,  that,  if  I 
was  dry,  I drank  the  sweetest 
draught,  and  if  hungry,  I ate  the 
coarsest  morsel,  with  a double  rel- 
ish.” 

Lee,  Me. 

Wheat  crop,  1837, 8,450  bushels  : 
population,  the  same  year,  536.  It 
lies  125  miles  from  Augusta.  See 
“ Down  East.” 

Lee,  N.  H. 

Strafford  co.  In  the  N.  part  of 
the  town  lies  Wheelwright’s  pond, 
containing  about  165  acres,  and 
forming  the  principal  source  of  Oys- 
ter river. 

This  pond  is  memorable  for  the 
battle  which  was  fought  near  it  in 
1690,  between  a scouting  party  of 
Indians,  and  two  companies  of  ran- 
gers, under  Capts.  Floyd  and  Wis- 
wall.  The  engagement  lasted  two 
hours.  Wiswall,  his  lieutenant, 
sergeant,  and  12  men  were  killed 
and  several  wounded.  Floyd  con- 
tinued to  fight  till  his  men,  wearied 
and  wounded,  drew  off  and  obliged 


him  to  follow.  The  enemy  also  re- 
treated. 

Lee  is  28  miles  E.  S.  E.  from 
Concord,  and  12.  S.  W.  from  Dover. 
From  the  N.  E.  extremity  of  Ep- 
ping.  Lamprey  river  enters  Lee, 
and  after  a serpentine  course  of 
about  7 miles,  it  passes  into  Dur- 
ham. Other  parts  of  the  town  are 
watered  by  Little,  North,  and  Oys- 
ter rivers.  Lee  was  originally  a 
part  of  Durham,  and  was  incorpo- 
rated, 1766.  Population,  in  1830, 
1,009. 

Lee,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  This  is  a pleasant 
town  on  the  Housatonick  river,  ad  - 
mirably located  for  manufacturing 
purposes.  It  contains  a cotton  and  a 
woolen  mill,  12  paper  mills,  and  va- 
rious other  manufactures  by  wa- 
ter power.  The  amount  of  manu- 
factured goods  for  the  year  ending 
April  1,  1837,  was  $405,000.  The 
paper  manufactured,  amounted  to 
$274,500.  The  articles  manufac- 
tured, besides  paper,  cotton  and 
woolen  goods,  were  leather,  hats, 
boots,  shoes,  bar  iron,  iron  castings, 
axes,  shovels,  spades,  hoes,  forks, 
ploughs,  chairs,  tin,  cabinet  and 
wooden  ware,  carriages,  chair  stuff, 
&c.  The  soil  of  the  to#n  is  good, 
particularly  for  grazing.  The  wool 
of  2,000  sheep,  in  1837,  was  val- 
ued at  $4,500.  There  is  an  abund- 
ant supply  of  iron  ore  and  marble 
of  excellent  qualities.  Lee  was 
incorporated  in  1777.  It  lies  130 
miles  W.  from  Boston,  and  5 S.  E. 
from  Lenox.  Population,  in  1830, 
1,825;  1837,  2,095. 

Leeds,  Me. 

Kennebec  co.  This  is  a large 
and  flourishing  agricultural  town, 
finely  watered  by  a large  and  beau- 
tiful pond.  The  outlet  of  this  pond 
into  the  Androscoggin,  gives  the 
town  a good  water  power,  for  saw 
mills  and  other  manufactories. 

The  villages  in  Leeds  are  very 
neat  and  pleasant.  The  soil  is  fer- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


tile  and  productive.  Wheat  crop, 
1837,  5,421  bushels.  Leeds  was 
incorporated  in  1802.  It  lies  30 
miles  W.  S.  W.  from  Augusta. — 
Population,  1837,  1,743  . 

Leicester,  Vt. 

Addison  co.  Leicester  is  water- 
ed by  a river  of  its  own  name,  by 
Otter  creek,  and  by  a part  of  lake 
Dunmore.  These  waters  are  too 
sluggish  to  a'fford  the  town  much 
water  power.  The  soil  is  a sandy 
loam,  interspersed  with  some  flats 
of  clay.  Along  the  rivers  the  soil 
is  rich  and  productive.  The  high 
lands  are  hard  and  fit  for  grazing. 
About  4,000  sheep  are  kept  here. 
Leicester  lies  36  miles  S.  W.  from 
Montpelier,  and  10  S.  by  E.  from 
Middlebury.  First  settled,  1773. 
Population,  1830,  638. 

Leicester,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  town  is  on 
the  height  of  ground  between  Bos- 
ton harbor  and  Connecticut  river. 
It  lies  46  miles  W.  from  Boston,  6 
W.  S.  W.  from  Worcester,  42  E.  S. 
E.  from  Northampton,  and  44  N.  W. 
from  Providence.  It  was  first  set- 
tled in  1713,  and  incorporated  about 
the  year  1721.  Its  Indian  name 
was  Towtaid.  Population,  1837, 
2,122.  This  town  is  well  watered 
by  French  river,  and  branches  of 
the  Connecticut  and  Blackstone, 
which  rise  here,  and  afford  mill  sites 
for  numerous  manufactories. 

Leicester  Academy  was  founded 
in  1784.  It  has  considerable  funds, 
commodious  buildings,  and  is  highly 
respectable.  It  accommodates  100 
pupils  throughout  the  year. 

The  surface  of  the  town  is  uneven 
with  a strong,  deep  soil.  There 
are  5 woolen  mills  in  the  town,  and 
manufactures  of  machines,  hand 
cards,  machine  cards,  chairs,  cabi- 
net ware,  scythes,  leather,  boots  and 
shoes : total  value  the  year  ending 
April  1,  1837,  $531,939. 

A society  of  Jews  built  a syna- 
gogue, and  resided  here  from  1777  to 


1783.  They  were  much  esteemed. 

The  families  of  Denny,  Earle  and 
Henshaw,  have  been  numerous  in 
Leicester,  and  highly  respectable. 

Lenuaington,  Vt. 

Essex  co.  A mountainous  town- 
ship, on  the  W.  side  of  Connecticut 
river,  with  a small  portion  of  inter- 
vale. There  are  several  brooks  in 
the  town,  and  a beautiful  cascade 
of  50  feet.  There  is  a mountain  in 
the  town  called  “ the  Monadnock 
of  Vermont,”  from  which  may  be 
discovered  that  this  town,  general- 
ly, is  not  fit  for  cultivation.  It  lies 
64  miles  N.  E.  from  Montpelier, 
and  24  N.  from  Guildhall.  Popu- 
lation, 1830, 183. 

Lempster,  N.  II. 

Sullivan  co.  It  is  40  miles  W. 
from  Concord.  The  surface  is,  in 
general,  uneven,  and  the  eastern 
part  is  mountainous.  The  soil  is 
moist,  and  better  suited  for  grass 
than  grain.  The  town  is  well 
watered,  although  its  streams  are 
small.  One  branch  of  Sugar  river, 
and  the  S.  and  W.  branches  of  Cold 
river  afford  conveniences  for  water 
machinery.  Near  the  W.  bound- 
ary line  is  a pond  320  rods  long 
and  80  wide.  Sand  pond  lies  in 
this  town  and  Marlow.  Lempster 
was  granted  1761.  It  was  settled 
about  1770,  by  emigrants  from  Con- 
necticut. Population,  in  1830,  999. 

Lenox,  Me. 

See  “ Down  East.” 

Lenox,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  Shire  town.  This 
is  an  excellent  township  of  land, 
watered  by  Housatonick  river,  and 
surrounded  by  beautiful  mountain 
scenery.  It  lies  130  miles  W.  from 
Boston,  25  N.  E.  from  Hudson,  N. 
Y.,  and  55  N.  W.  from  Hartford, 
Ct.  Lenox  is  accommodated  with 
a water  power,  and  contains  mines 
of  rich  iron  ore,  and  quarries  of 
beautiful  marble.  There  are  some 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


manufactures  of  iron,  leather,  mar- 
ble, &c.,  in  the  town,  but  agricul- 
ture is  the  chief  pursuit  of  the  in- 
habitants. Incorporated,  1767.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  1,277. 

Leominster,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  A beautiful  town, 
of  an  excellent  soil,  and  great  wa- 
ter power,  on  both  sides  of  a prin- 
cipal branch  of  Nashua  river,  42 
miles  N.  W.  from  Boston,  and  20 
N.  from  Worcester.  This  town  was 
taken  from  Lancaster  in  1740,  and 
shared  with  that  town  in  the  suffer- 
ings occasioned  by  Indian  hostility. 
The  manufactures  of  Leominster, 
for  the  year  ending  April  1,  1837, 
exclusive  of  the  product  of  5 paper 
mills,  was  $111,505.  The  articles 
manufactured  were  leather,  boots, 
shoes,  hats,  axes,  chairs,  cabinet 
ware,  combs,  tin  ware,  straw  bon- 
nets, palm-leaf  hats,  chaises,  car- 
riages, and  harnesses.  Population, 
1037,  1,944. 

A rich  alum  rock  has  been  found 
in  this  town  which  is  said  to  be  a 
decomposed  mica  slate.  It  con- 
tains an  abundance  of  beautiful 
plumose,  or  feather  form  alum,  like 
that  of  Milo,  one  of  the  Grecian 
isles,  mixed  with  the  green  crys- 
tals of  copperas,  or  sulphate  of  iron. 

Levant,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  This  town  lies 
principally  on  the  S.  W.  side  of 
Kenduskeag  stream,  by  which  and 
its  tributaries  it  is  well  watered. 
The  soil  is  good  and  productive. — 
The  wheat  crop  of  1837  was  3,432 
bushels.  Levant  lies  78  miles  N.  E. 
from  Augusta,  and  10  N.  W.  from 
Bangor.  Incorporated,  1813.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  747 ; 1837,  1,081. 

Leverett,  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  A good  grazing 
town,  on  high  ground,  85  miles  W. 
N.  W.  from  Boston,  and  10  S.  E. 
from  Greenfield.  The  town  is  wa- 
tered bj'  Roaring  brook,  a rapid 
stream,  on  which  is  a cascade,  and 


some  wild  scenery,  worthy  of  the 
traveler’s  notice.  Incorporated, 
1774.  Population,  1837,  902. 

Lewiston,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  Lewiston  lies  on  the 
E.  side  of  Androscoggin  river,  at 
the  falls.  The  waters  of  that  river 
descend  47  feet  in  the  distance  of 
12  to  15  rods,  and  produce  a valu- 
able hydraulic  power.  The  town 
extends  on  the  river  about  13  miles, 
and  is  connected  with  Minot  by  a 
bridge,  at  the  foot  of  the  falls,  of 
1,000  feet  in  length.  This  is  a town- 
ship of  good  land,  with  some  manu- 
factures of  woolen  and  cotton  goods, 
and  a number  of  saw  mills.  Wheat 
crop,  1837,  1,920  bushels.  Incor- 
porated, 1795.  Population,  1830, 
1,549;  1837,  1,737.  Lewiston  is 
28  miles  S.  W.  from  Augusta,  34 
N.  by  E.  from  Portland,  and  25  N. 
W.  from  Bath. 

Lexington,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  This  town  lies  57 
miles  from  Augusta.  Population, 
1837,  457.  Wheat  crop,  same  year, 
2,346  bushels.  See  “ Down  East.” 

Lexington,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  This  pleasant  town 
lies  10  miles  N.  W.  from  Boston, 
and  7 E.  from  Concord.  Incorpo- 
rated, 1712.  Population,  1837, 
1,622.  There  are  some  excellent 
farms  in  this  town,  large  tracts  of 
meadow  on  some  of  the  branches 
of  the  Shawsheen,  which  rise  here, 
and  some  valuable  woodland.  The 
manufactures  consist  of  boots,  shoes, 
caps,  clocks,  cabinet  ware,  and  cal- 
ico printing : annual  value,  about 
$100,000. 

Lexington  will  ever  be  an  inter- 
esting place,  as  here  the  first  blood 
was  shed  in  the  cause  of  American 
Independence.  «* A detachment  of 
British  soldiers  were  sent  at  day- 
light on  the  morning  of  the  19th  of 
April,  1775,  to  take  or  destroy  a 
quantity  of  military  stores  collected 
at  Concord.  They  were  under  the 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


command  of  Col.  Smith  and  Maj. 
Pitcairn.  On  reaching  this  place, 
a militia  company  were  exercis- 
ing on  the  common.  A British  offi- 
cer rode  up  and  ordered  them  to 
disperse,  but  not  being  instantly 
obeyed,  he  discharged  his  pistol 
and  ordered  his  men  to  fire,  which 
they  did,  and  eight  of  the  Ameri- 
cans fell  dead  on  the  spot ! The 
militia  retreated,  and  the  British 
proceeded  to  Concord,  and  in  part 
succeeded  in  destroying  the  stores, 
but  were  so  harassed  on  their  re- 
turn, that  they  would  inevitably 
have  been  cut  off,  had  they  not 
been  met  at  this  place  by  a strong 
detachment  of  artillery  under  Lord 
Percy.  The  party  suffered  ex- 
tremely by  the  fire  of  the  Ameri- 
cans, aimed  with  deadly  effeet  from 
the  buildings,  trees,  and  fences ; 
and  left  65  killed,  and  had  180 
wounded.  The  Americans  had  50 
killed  and  34  wounded.  There  is 
a monument  on  the  spot  where  the 
first  victims  fell,  to  perpetuate  the 
memory  of  the  slain,  and  of  this 
event.” 

Ley  den,  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  Leyden  is  watered 
by  Green  river  and  several  small 
streams.  It  is  100  miles  N.  TV.  from 
Boston,  and  7 N.  by  TV.  from  Green- 
field. It  is  a mountainous  town- 
ship, more  fit  for  grazing  than  till- 
age. The  number  of  sheep  in  the 
town,  in  1837,  was  3,142 ; their 
fleeces  weighed  9,326  pounds ; val- 
ue of  the  wool,  $5,129.  The  town 
was  incorporated  in  1809.  Popu- 
lation, 1837,  656. 

There  is  a romantic  spot  in  Ley- 
den, called  **  the  Glen,”  a curious 
place,  worth  looking  at. 

Liberty,  Me. 

Waldo  co.  This  town  is  29  miles 
E.  from  Augusta,  and  18  W.  S.  W. 
from  Belfast.  It  is  watered  by 
large  ponds  and  small  streams.  The 
soil  is  good  and  produced,  in  1837, 
2,022  bushels  of  wheat.  Incorpo- 
18* 


rated,  1827.  Population,  1837,  804. 

A short  time  since  a pine  tree 
was  cut  in  Liberty,  which  measur- 
ed 7 feet  in  diameter,  at  the  stump. 
It  had  three  branches.  The  tree 
was  sound,  and  10,610  feet  of  square 
edged  boards  were  made  from  it. 

Limerick,  Me. 

York  co.  Little  Ossipee  river 
waters  this  town.  It  lies  28  miles 
W.  from  Portland,  85  S.  TV.  from 
Augusta,  and  15  N.  by  TV.  from 
Alfred.  This  is  a good  farming 
town,  with  a pleasant  village,  and 
an  academy,  incorporated  in  1812. 
The  town  was  incorporated  in  1787 
Population,  1837,  1,484. 

Limington,  Me. 

York  co.  This  town  is  bounded 
on  the  S.  by  Limerick,  and  is  wa- 
tered by  Saco  river  on  the  S.  and 
W.  The  town  has  a good  soil,  very 
productive  of  hay,  wheat  and  other 
grain.  It  lies  89  miles  S.  TV.  from 
Augusta,  and  28  W.  S.  TV.  from 
Portland.  Incorporated,  1762. — 
Population,  1837,  2,223. 

Lincoln  County,  Me. 

TViscasset , Topsham  and  War- 
ren are  the  county  towns.  Lincoln 
county  is  bounded  N.  by  the  coun- 
ties of  Kennebec  and  Waldo,  E. 
by  Waldo  county  and  Penobscot 
bay,  S.  by  the  Atlantic  ocean,  and 
W.  by  Cumberland  county  and  Cas- 
C9  bay.  Area  about  950  square 
miles.  This  county  is  bounded  on 
the  ocean  nearly  fifty  miles,  and 
like  the  county  of  Hancock  in  this 
state,  comprises  an  almost  innumer- 
able number  of  bays,  coves,  inlets, 
commodious  harbors  and  fertile  isl- 
ands. The  waters  of  the  Muscon- 
gus,  Damariscotta  and  Sheepscot 
pierce  Its  centre,  and  the  noble 
Kennebec  finds  all  its  Atlantic  har- 
bors in  the  county  of  Lincoln. 

Considerable  attention  is  paid  to 
agriculture,  for  the  soil  is  generally 
fertile  and  well  adapted  to  the  pur- 
suit; but  this  county  is  essentially  a 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


maritime  section  of  New  England, 
possessing  every  requisition  for  for- 
eign commerce,  the  coasting  trade 
and  fisheries.  The  tonnage  of  the 
three  districts,  Bath,  Wiscasset  and 
Waldoborough,  in  1837,  was  93,347 
tons.  This  county  contained,  in 
1837,  84,000  sheep,  and  raised  37,- 
963  bushels  of  wheat.  Population, 
1820,  53,189  ; 1830,  57,181 ; 1837, 
60,226  : 63  inhabitants  to  a square 
mile. 

Lincoln,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  This  is  a very 
large  town,  more  than  double  the 
common  size.  It  lies  on  the  E.  side 
of  the  Penobscot,  at  the  mouth  of 
Matanaucook  river,  where  is  a 
pleasant  and  flourishing  village,  45 
miles  N.  by  E.  from  Bangor,  and 
114  N.  E.  from  Augusta.  Lincoln 
has  recently  been  incorporated,  and 
possesses  a soil  of  remarkable  fertil- 
ity. Population,  1830,  414  ; 1837, 
1,045.  Wheat  crop,  1837,  4,263 
bushels. 

Lincoln,  N.  II., 

Grafton  co.,  a mountainous  town- 
ship 70  miles  N.  from  Concord. — 
The  middle  branch  of  the  Pemige- 
wasset  passes  through  nearly  the 
centre  of  the  town.  It  has  its 
source  in  Ferrin’s  pond,  in  the  S. 
part  of  Franconia.  There  are  sev- 
eral ponds,  viz : Bog,  Fish  and  Loon 
ponds.  There  are  many  elevations, 
of  which  Kinsman’s  mountain  is 
the  most  considerable.  In  the  N. 
part  of  the  town  are  two  large  gulfs, 
made  by  an  extraordinary  discharge 
of  water  from  the  clouds  in  1774. 
The  numerous  “ slips,”  as  they  are 
called,  from  the  mountain  are  wor- 
thy of  notice.  They  commence 
near  the  summit  of  the  mountain, 
and  proceed  to  its  base,  forcing  a 
passage  through  all  obstructions. 
The  soil  here  is  poor.  Wild  ani- 
mals, such  as  bears,  raccoons,  foxes, 
sables,  otters,  deer,  &c.,  are  very 
numerous.  Lincoln  was  granted  in 
1764,  to  James  Avery  and  others. 
Population,  1830,  50. 


Lincoln,  Vt. 

Addison  co.  Lincoln  was  first 
settled  by  a number  of  “Friends,” 
in  1790.  The  town  is  on  high 
ground  with  an  uneven  surface.  It 
lies  21  miles  S.  W.  from  Montpe- 
lier, and  15  N.  E.  from  Middlebury. 
Population,  1S30,  639. 

Lincoln,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  Lincoln  is  bound- 
ed W.  by  Sudbury  river.  It  lies 
16  miles  N.  W.  by  W.  from  Boston, 
and  3 S.  from  Concord.  Incorpora- 
ted, 1754.  Population,  1837,  694. 
It  has  some  good  farms  and  a large 
fish  pond.  The  manufactures  of 
the  town  consist  of  clothing,  leath- 
er, straw  bonnets,  hoots  and  shoes. 

Lincolnville,  Me. 

Waldo  co.  On  the  W.  side  of 
Penobscot  hay,  10  miles  S.  from 
Belfast,  7 N.  from  Camden,  and  51 
E.  from  Augusta.  Incorporated, 
1802.  Population,  1837,  1,999. — 
This  township  has  a good  soil  for 
grass,  grain  and  potatoes.  Wheat 
crop  of  1887,  4,212  bushels.  The 
town  is  well  located  for  any  branch 
of  navigation.  Duck  Trap  is  an  ex- 
cellent harbor,  and  a busy  place  in 
the  coasting  trade. 

Liimens,  Me. 

Washington  co.  This  town  is 
the  source  of  a branch  of  the  Mat- 
tawamkeag  ; and  of  a branch  of  the 
Meduxnekeag,  flowing  into  the  St. 
John’s.  It  lies  8 miles  S.  W.  from 
Houlton.  Population,  1837,  208. 
Wheat  crop  same  year,  2,514  bush- 
els. Incorporated,  1836. 

Lisbon,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  Lisbon  lies  on  the 
E.  side  of  Androscoggin  river,  and  6 
miles  below  Lewiston  F alls.  There 
are  falls  in  the  river  at  this  place, 
called  the  “ Ten  mile  falls.”  Lis- 
bon has  some  manufactures  of  cot- 
ton and  wool,  a number  of  saw  mills, 
and  is  united  with  Durham  by  a 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


bridge.  Wheat  crop  1837,  3,781 
bushels.  Population,  same  year, 
2,660.  It  lies  30  miles  S.  S.  W. 
from  Augusta,  and  22  W.  by  N. 
from  Wiscasset. 

Lisbon,  X.  H. 

Grafton  co.  It  is  20  miles  N.  E. 
from  Haverhill,  and  90  from  Con- 
cord. It  is  watered  by  Amonoo- 
suck  river,  running  through  the 
whole  extent  of  the  town,  and  by 
several  smaller  streams.  There 
are  several  ponds,  the  most  noted 
of  which  is  called  Mink  pond,  ly- 
ing in  the  S.  part  of  the  town,  af- 
fording mill  seats  at  its  outlet.  The 
soil  admits  of  three  divisions ; the 
meadows  or  intervales  on  Amonoo- 
suck  river,  which  are  generally 
very  productive  ; the  plain  land,  of 
a light,  thin  soil,  requiring  consid- 
erable manure  to  make  it  produc- 
tive ; and  the  uplands,  of  a strong 
deep  soil,  which  afford  many  good 
farms.  Blueberry  mountain  is  the 
principal  elevation.  Large  quan- 
tities of  iron  ore  and  limestone  are 
found  here.  Maple  sugar  is  man- 
ufactured and  clover  seed  is  raised 
in  considerable  quantities.  This 
town  was  called  Concord  until  1824. 
Population,  1830,  1,485. 

Lisbon,  Ct. 

New  London  co.  This  town  is  7 
miles  N.  from  Norwich,  from  which 
it  was  taken  in  1786.  It  is  water- 
ed by  Quinnebaug  and  Shetucket 
rivers,  which  unite  in  the  S.  part 
of  the  town.  The  soil  is  a gravel- 
ly and  sandy  loam,  with  some  allu- 
vial meadow.  This  is  an  excellent 
farming  town  : the  inhabitants  are 
generally  industrious  and  independ- 
ent. In  that  part  of  the  town  call- 
ed Hanover,  i3  a woolen  ahd  silk 
factory.  Lisbon  is  45  miles  S.  E. 
from  Hartford.  Population,  1830, 
1,161. 

Litchfield,  Me. 

Kennebec  co.  An  excellent 
township  of  land,  pleasantly  situa- 


ted 10  miles  S.  W.  from  Gardiner, 
and  the  source  of  some  of  the  Cob- 
besseecontee  waters.  Litchfield  lies 
16  miles  S.  S.  W.  from  Augusta,  and 
was  formerly  a part  of  Lincoln 
county.  Incorporated,  1795.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  2,341.  Wheat  crop, 
same  year,  5,123  bushels. 

Litchfield,  N.  H., 

Hillsborough  co.,  is  a small  fer- 
tile township  on  the  E.  bank  of 
Merrimack  river.  It  is  8 miles  E. 
from  Amherst,  and  30  S.  by  E.  from 
Concord.  This  town  has  an  exceL 
lent  soil.  There  are  two  ferries, 
'Thornton’s,  near  the  meeting  house, 
on  the  post  road  from  Amherst  to 
Portsmouth;  and  Read’s,  3 miles 
above. 

Litchfield  was  taken  from  Dun- 
stable in  1734.  It  was  originally 
known  by  the  Indian  name  of  JYat- 
ticott,  and  by  the  English  one  of 
Brenton’s  Farm.  The  settlement 
commenced  about  1720. 

The  Hon.  Wyseman  Clagett 
closed  his  life  in  this  town.  He 
was  a native  of  England,  came  to 
this  country  before  the  revolution 
commenced,  and  sustained  several 
important  offices.  He  was  attorney 
general  under  the  provincial  and 
state  governments,  and  filled  the 
office  with  dignity  and  honor.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830, 505. 

Litchfield  County,  Ct. 

^ Litchfield , county  town.  This 
is  the  largest  and*  most  elevated 
county  in  the  state.  The  surface 
is  hilly  and  in  some  parts  mountain- 
ous. The  soil  is  chiefly  a gravelly 
loam,  under  good  cultivation,  and 
very  productive  of  butter,  cheese, 
heef  and  pork.  It  abounds  in  iron 
ore,  which  is  extensively  manufac- 
tured. This  county  contains  an  area 
of  885  square  miles.  Population, 
1820,  41,267;  1830,  42,855;  con- 
taining 48  inhabitants  to  a square 
mile.  This  county  is  watered  by 
numerous  ponds ; by  the  beautiful 
Housatonick,  and  by  many  rivers 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


rising  in  the  high  grounds.  The 
streams  give  a valuable  water  pow- 
er, and  flourishing  manufacturing 
establishments  are  found  in  almost 
every  town.  The  number  of  sheep 
in  this  county,  in  1837,  was  72,832. 
Litchfield  county  was  incorporated 
in  1751.  It  is  bounded  N.  by  Berk- 
shire county,  Mass.,  E.  by  Hart- 
ford and  New  Haven  counties,  S. 
by  the  counties  of  New  Haven  and 
Fairfield,  and  W.  by  the  state  of 
New  York. 

Litchfield,  Ct. 

Litchfield  co.,  chief  town.  This 
town,  the  Indian  Bantam,  com- 
prising, as  it  was  supposed,  ten  miles 
square,  was  valued  at  £300  in  the 
year  1718.  Bantam  was  first  set- 
tled in  1720,  and  incorporated  by 
its  present  name  in  1724.  It  was 
a frontier  town  for  many  years,  and 
during  the  wars  between  England 
and  France  was  much  harassed  by 
the  Canadians  and  Indians.  Litch- 
field is  an  elevated  township,  and 
its  surface  presents  a diversity  ot 
hills  and  valleys.  The  soil  is  a gra- 
velly loam,  deep,  strong,  and  admi- 
rably adapted  for  grazing.  Great 
pond  is  a beautiful  sheet  of  water ; 
it  comprises  an  area  of  900  acres, 
and  is  the  largest  pond  in  the  state. 

The  waters  of  the  Naugatuck, 
Shepung  and  Bantam  give  the  town 
a good  water  power,  and  manufac- 
tures of  cotton,  wool,  iron,  and  oth- 
er articles  are  in  successful  opera- 
tion on  their  banks. 

Litchfield  village,  on  “ Litchfield 
Hill,”  was  incorporated  in  1818.  It 
is  a delightful  place.  It  is  situated 
on  an  elevated  plain,  surrounded  by 
interesting  scenery,  and  affords  ex- 
tensive prospects.  The  two  prin- 
cipal streets  cross  eaeh  other  nearly 
at  right  angles ; they  are  wide,  well 
shaded,  and  built  upon  with  great 
taste  and  elegance.  It  lies  30  miles 
W.  from  Hartford*  and  35  N.  W. 
from  New  Haven.  Population  of 
the  town,  1830,  4,458. 

In  the  W.  part  of  the  town  Mount 


Tom  rears  a front  of  700  feet  above 
the  Naugatuck,  presenting  a pano- 
ramic landscape  of  great  beauty  and 
vast  extent.  Near  this  mountain 
is  a mineral  spring  “ which  is  satu- 
rated with  iron  and  sulphur.  The 
water  issues  from  the  E.  side  of  the 
mountain  in  considerable  quantities. 
The  mud  from  the  bottom  of  the 
spring  burns  with  a blue  flame,  and 
the  principal  part  of  it  consumes.” 

A law  school  of  great  respecta- 
bility was  established  in  this  town, 
by  the  Hon.  Tapping  Reeve,  in 
1784.  The  Hon.  James  Gould 
was  associated  with  Judge  Reeve, 
as  instructor,  for  some  years.  This 
institution  continued  nearly  thirty 
years,  and  furnished  instruction  to 
many  of  our  most  eminent  jui-ists. 

Oliver  Wolcott,  one  of  the 
signers  of  the  Declaration  of  Inde- 
pendence, resided  here.  He  was 
the  son  of  the  Hon.  Roger  Wolcott. 
He  died  December  1,  1797,  aged 
72.  He  was  distinguished  for  in- 
tegrity, decision  of  character,  and 
for  his  love  of  order  and  religion. 

Oliver  Wolcott,  son  of  the 
preceding,  was  bora  in  1760.— 
When  a lad  of  17,  he  lent  his  aid  to 
the  cause  of  his  country : he  was 
present  in  the  engagement  with  the 
British  at  the  time  of  their  invasion 
of  Danbury.  On  the  foi-mation  of 
the  U.  S.  Government,  in  1789,  he 
was  appointed  first  auditor  of  the 
treasury ; and  in  1794  he  succeeded 
Gen.  Hamilton  as  secretary  of  the 
ti*easury.  In  1817  he  was  elected 
governor  of  Connecticut,  which  of- 
fice he  held  till  1827.  He  was  the 
last  survivor  of  the  administration 
of  Washington.  He  died  in  New 
York,  June  2d,  1833,  aged  74. 

Benjamin  Tallmage,  a colo- 
nel in  the  revolutionary  ax-my,  was  a 
l’esident  of  this  town.  He  was  an 
ardent  patriot  and  sincere  chi'istian. 
He  was  honored  with  the  confidence 
of  Washington  in  several  hazai'd- 
ous  and  important  trusts.  He  died 
at  Litchfield,  March  7,  1S35,  aged 
81. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Ethan  Allen,  a brigadier-gen- 
eral in  the  American  service,  dis- 
tinguished for  his  daring  and  intre- 
pid spirit,  was  a native  of  this  town. 

££  While  he  was  young,  his  pa- 
rents emigrated  to  Vermont.  At 
the  commencement  of  the  disturb- 
ances in  this  territory,  about  the 
year  1770,  he  took  a most  active 
part  in  favor  of  the  Green  Moun- 
tain hoys,  as  the  settlers  were  then 
called,  in  opposition  to  the  govern- 
ment of  New  York.  An  act  of 
outlawry  against  him  was  passed  by 
that  state,  and  500  guineas  were  of- 
fered for  his  apprehension  : but  his 
party  was  too  numerous  and  faith- 
ful to  permit  him  to  be  disturbed  by 
any  apprehensions  for  his  safety. 
In  all  the  struggles  of  the  day  he 
was  successful ; and  he  not  only 
proved  a valuable  friend  to  those 
whose  cause  he  had  espoused,  but 
he  was  humane  and  generous  to- 
wards those  with  whom  he  had  to 
contend.  When  called  to  take  the 
field,  he  showed  himself  an  able 
leader  and  an  intrepid  soldier. 

“ The  news  of  the  battle  of  Lex- 
ington determined  Col.  Allen  to  en- 
gage on  the  side  of  his  country,  and 
inspired  him  with  the  desire  of  dem- 
onstrating his  attachment  to  liberty 
by  some  bold  exploit.  While  his 
mind  was  in  this  state,  a plan  fur 
taking  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point 
by  surprise,  which  was  formed  by 
several  gentlemen  in  Connecticut, 
was  communicated  to  him,  and  he 
readily  engaged  in  the  project. 
Receiving  directions  from  the  gen- 
eral assembly  of  Connecticut  to 
raise  the  Green  Mountain  boys,  and 
conduct  the  enterprise,  he  collected 
230  of  the  hardy  settlers  and  pro- 
ceeded to  Castleton.  Here  he  was 
unexpectedly  joined  by  Col.  Ar- 
nold, who  had  been  commissioned 
by  the  Massachusetts  committee  to 
raise  400  men,  and  effect  the  same 
object,  which  was  now  about  to  be 
accomplished.  As  he  had  not  rais- 
ed the  men,  he  was  admitted  to  act 
as  an  assistant  to  Col.  Allen.  They 


reached  the  lake  opposite  Ticonde- 
roga on  the  evening  of  the  9th  of 
May,  1775.  With  the  utmost  diffi- 
culty boats  were  procured,  and  88 
men  were  landed  near  the  garrison. 
The  approach  of  day  rendering  it 
dangerous  to  wait  for  the  rear,  it  was 
determined  immediately  to  proceed. 
The  commander  in  chief  now  ad- 
dressed his  men,  representing  that 
they  had  been  for  a number  of  years 
a scourge  to  arbitrary  power,  and 
famed  for  their  valor,  and  conclud- 
ed with  saying,  £ I now  propose  to 
advance  before  you,  and  in  person 
conduct  you  through  the  wicket 
gate ; and  you,  who  will  go  with 
me  voluntarily  in  this  desperate  at- 
tempt, poise  your  firelocks.’  At 
the  head  of  the  centre  file  he 
marched  instantly  to  the  gate, where 
a sentry  snapped  his  gun  at  him, 
and  retreated  through  the  covered 
way : he  pressed  forward  into  the 
fort,  and  formed  his  men  on  the 
parade  in  such  a manner  as  to  face 
two  opposite  barracks.  Three  huz- 
zas awaked  the  garrison.  A sentry, 
who  asked  quarter,  pointed  out  the 
apartments  of  the  commanding  offi- 
cer; and  Allen  with  a drawn  sword 
over  the  head  of  Capt.  De  la  Place, 
who  was  undressed,  demanded  the 
surrender  of  the  fort.  * By  what 
authority  do  you  demand  it  ?’  in- 
quired the  astonished  commander. 
£ I demand  it  (said  Allen)  in  the 
name  of  the  great  Jehovah  and  of 
tfie  continental  congress.’  The 
summons  could  not  be  disobeyed, 
and  the  fort,  with  its  very  valuable 
stores  and  49  prisoners  was  imme- 
diately surrendered.  Crown  Point 
was  taken  the  same  day,  and  the 
capture  of  a sloop  of  war,  soon  af- 
terwards, made  Allen  and  his  brave 
party  complete  masters  of  Lake 
Champlain.” 

Gen.  Allen  possessed  strong  pow- 
ers of  mind,  but  they  never  felt  the 
influence  of  education.  Though 
he  was  brave,  humane  and  gener- 
ous, yet  his  conduct  does  not  seem 
to  have  been  much  influenced  by 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


considerations  respecting  that  holy 
and  merciful  Being,  whose  charac- 
ter and  whose  commands  are  dis- 
closed to  us  in  the  scriptures.” 

Gen.  Allen  died  at  Colchester, 
Feb.  13,  1789,  aged  52. 

Little  Androscoggin  River, 

In  Maine,  has  its  sources  in  ponds 
in  the  towns  of  Woodstock,  Green- 
wood, and  Norway:  it  passes  in  a 
southeasterly  direction  through  Ox- 
ford, and  falls  into  the  Androscog- 
gin between  Minot  and  Danville, 
opposite  to  Lewiston. 

Little  Compton,  R.  I. 

Newport  co.  This  very  pleasant 
town,  the  Indian  Seaconnet,  lies  on 
the  ocean,  at  the  eastern  entrance 
into  Narraganset  bay,  9 miles  E.  by 
N.  from  Newport,  30  S.  S.  E.  from 
Providence,  and  12  S.  from  Fall 
River,  Mass.  The  soil  of  the  town 
is  uncommonly  fertile,  and  being 
cultivated  by  an  industrious  class 
of  men,  is  very  productive  of  corn 
and  other  grain ; beef,  pork,  but- 
ter, cheese,  and  wool. 

Seaconnet  Rocks,  at  the  south- 
eastern extremity  of  the  town, 
where  a break-water  has  been 
erected  by  government,  is  well 
known  to  sailors,  and  memorable  as 
the  place  where  a treaty  was  made 
between  the  English  and  the  Queen 
of  the  powerful  Seaconnet  tribe,  in 
1674.  That  tribe  is  now  extinct : 
Seaconnet  Rocks  is  their  only  mon- 
ument. 

Little  Compton  is  becoming  cel- 
ebrated as  a place  of  resort,  in  sum- 
mer months,  for  sea  air  and  bath- 
ing ; and  very  justly  so,  for  very 
few  parts  of  our  coast  exhibit  a 
more  interesting  location. 

Little  Macliias  &-  Little  Rivers. 

See  Cutler. 

Littleton,  N.  H. 

Grafton  co.  On  Connecticut  riv- 
er. Its  extent  on  Connecticut  river 
is  about  14  miles  It  i9  30  miles 


N.  by  E.  from  Haverhill,  and  80 
N.  N.  W.  from  Concord.  Connec- 
ticut river,  in  passing  down  the 
rapids  called  Fifteen  Mile  Falls , 
extending  the  whole  length  of  Lit- 
tleton, runs  in  foaming  waves  for 
miles  together,  which  render  it  im- 
possible to  ascehd  or  descend  with 
boats  in  safety.  There  are  three 
bridges  over  the  Connecticut  in  Lit- 
tleton. Amonoosuck  river  waters 
the  S.  part,  having  on  its  banks  small 
tracts  of  excellent  intervale.  The 
principal  village  is  on  this  river,  in 
the  S.  part  of  the  town,  and  is  called 
Glynville.  Raspberry,  Black, Palm- 
er’s and  Iron  mountains  are  the 
most  prominent  elevations.  Near 
Amonoosuck  river,  there  is  a min- 
eral spring,  the  water  of  which  is 
said  to  be  similar  to  the  Congress 
spring  at  Saratoga.  The  land  com- 
prehending Littleton  was  first  grant- 
ed in  1764,  by  the  name  of  Chis- 
wick. It  was  re-granted  in  1770, 
by  the  name  of  Apthorp.  In  1784, 
Apthorp  was  divided,  and  the  towns 
of  Littleton  and  Dalton  incorporat- 
ed. Population,  1830,  1,435. 

Littleton,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  The  Indians  call- 
ed this  town  JVashabah.  It  is  27 
mi  Ip  a W.  N.  W.  from  Boston,  and 
10  N.  TV.  from  Concord.  Incorpo- 
rated, 1715.  Population,  1837,  876. 
There  are  several  beautiful  ponds 
in  the  town,  and  limestone.  The 
soil  is  tolerably  good,  and  adapted 
for  the  growth  of  rye  and  hops. 
There  are  some  manufactures  of 
boots,  shoes,  and  straw  bonnets. 

Livermore,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  An  excellent  town- 
ship of  land,  on  both  sides  of  the 
Androscoggin  river,  25  miles  TV. 
from  Augusta,  and  18  N.  E.  from 
Paris.  Incorporated,  1795.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  2,456;  1837,  2,681. 
There  are  three  pleasant  villages 
in  the  town,  fine  falls  on  the  river, 
saw  mills  and  other  manufactures. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Wheat  crop  of  1837,  8,472  bush- 
els. 

Londonderry,  N.  IS, 

Rockingham  co.  Adjoining  the 
E.  line  of  the  county  of  Hillsbo- 
rough. This  town  contains  very  lit- 
tle waste  land,  and  it  is  believed, 
has  as  extensive  a body  of  fertile 
soil  as  any  town  in  the  E.  section 
of  the  state.  It  lies  25  miles  S.  S. 
E.  from  Concord,  and  35  S.  W.  from 
Portsmouth.  Population,  in  1830, 
1,469. 

Londonderry,  which  formerly  in- 
cluded the  present  town  of  Derry, 
was  settled  in  1719,  by  a colony  of 
presbyterians,  from  the  vicinity  of 
the  city  of  Londonderry,  in  the  N. 
of  Ireland,  to  which  place  their  an- 
cestors had  emigrated  about  a cen- 
tury before  from  Scotland.  They 
were  a part  of  120  families,  chiefly 
from  three  parishes,  who  with  their 
religious  instructors  came  to  New 
England  in  the  summer  of  1718. 
In  October,  1718,  they  applied  to 
the  government  of  Massachusetts 
for  the  grant  of  a township,  and 
received  assurances  that  a grant 
should  be  made  them  when  they 
should  select  a place  for  its  location. 
After  some  time  spent  in  viewing 
the  country,  they  selected  the  tract 
afterwards  composing  the  town  of 
Londonderry,  at  first  known  by  the 
name  of  JYutfield.  In  1719,  six- 
teen families,  accompanied  by  Rev. 
James  McGregore,  one  of  the  cler- 
gymen who  had  emigrated  from 
Ireland  with  them,  took  possession 
of  the  tract,  and  on  the  day  of 
their  arrival  attended  religious  ser- 
vices and  a sermon  under  an  oak 
on  the  east  shore  of  Beaver  pond. 
The  inhabitants  of  Londonderry  in 
1720,  purchased  the  Indian  title, 
and  although  it  was  long  a frontier 
town,  were  never  molested  by  the 
Indians.  They  introduced  the  cul- 
ture of  the  potatoe,  a vegetable  till 
then  unknown  in  New  England, 
and  the  manufacture  of  linen  cloth, 
which,  though  long  since  declined, 


was  for  many  years  a considerable 
source  of  their  early  prosperity. 

Rev.  Matthew  Clark,  sec- 
ond minister  of  Londonderry,  was 
a native  of  Ireland,  who  had  in 
early  life  been,  an  officer  in  the 
army,  and  distinguished  himself  in 
the  defence  of  thercity  of  London- 
derry, when  besieged  by  the  army 
of  King  James  II.  A.  D.,168S-9. 
He  afterwards  relinquished  a mili- 
tary life  for  the  clerical  profession. 
He  possessed  a strong  mind,  mark- 
ed by  a considerable  degree  of  ec- 
centricity. He  died  January  25, 
1735,  and  was  borne  to  the  grave, 
at  his  particular  request,  by  his  for- 
mer companions  in  arms,  of  whom 
there  were  a considerable  number 
among  the  early  settlers  of  this 
town ; several  of  whom  had  been 
made  free  from  taxes  throughout 
the  British  dominions  by  King  Will- 
iam, for  their  bravery  in  that  mem- 
orable siege. 

A company  of  70  men  from  this 
town,  under  the  command  of  Capt. 
George  Reid,  were  in  the  battle  of 
Breed’s  hill,  and  about  the  same 
number  were  in  that  at  Benning- 
ton, in  which  Capt.  David  M’Clary, 
one  of  their  citizens,  a distinguish- 
ed and  brave  officer,  was  killed. 
Major-general  John  Stark  and  Col. 
George  Reid,  officers  of  the  army 
of  the  revolution,  were  natives  of 
this  town. 

Londonderry,  Vt. 

Windham  co.  West  river  passes 
though  this  town  and  receives  sev- 
eral tributaries  in  it.  The  land  on 
the  streams  is  rich  and  fertile ; the 
uplands  are  good  for  grazing,  ex- 
cept those  parts  that  are  mountain- 
ous. First  settled,  1774.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  1,302.  It  lies  28  miles 
S.  W.  from  Windsor,  and  30  N.  E. 
from  Bennington. 

Long  Island  Sound. 

This  inland  sea  washes  the  whole 
southern  boundary  of  Connecticut, 
and  is  formed  by  Long  Island,  in  the 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


state  of  New  York.  This  island 
extends  from  Montauk  Point,  off 
Stonington,  to  the  harbor  of  New 
York.  Its  length  is  120  miles. 
The  widest  part,  20  miles,  is  off 
New  Haven;  the  narrowest  parts, 
on  the  border  of  New  England,  are 
off  the  mouth  of  Connecticut  river, 
about  S miles,  and  off  Greenwich, 
or  Saw  Pits,  7 miles. 

This  Sound,  as  far  as  Hurl  Gate, 
is  navigable  for  vessels  of  any  bur- 
then, and  the  passage  to  and.  from 
the  sea  round  Montauk,  is  remark- 
ably easy  at  any  time  of  tide,  and 
in  all  weather.  See  Judith  Point. 

Hurl  Gate,  sometimes  called  Hell 
Gate,  but  properly  Horll  Gatt, 
a Dutch  term,  signifying  a whirl- 
pool, is  a narrow  strait  of  difficult 
passage  between  Long  and  New 
York  Islands.  At  half  tide  the 
current  runs  7 or  8 miles  an  hour. 
It  contains  numerous  whirlpools,  is 
rocky  and  bears  a threatening  as- 
pect ; but  good  pilots-  navigate  it 
with  ease  when  the  tide  is  favora- 
ble. Steam-boats  press  through  at 
all  times  of  tide.  Through  this 
passage  a vast  amount  of  the  pro- 
ductions of  Connecticut  and  Rhode 
Island  pass  to  New  York  market. 

A survey  for  a ship  canal,  uniting 
these  waters  and  Narraganset  bay 
with  Boston  harbor,  was  commenc- 
ed by  the  government  of  the  Uni- 
ted States  in  1827.  From  a tide 
lock  at  Braintree,  in  Boston  harbor, 
to  a tide  lock  at  Somerset,  Mass., 
on  Taunton  river,  the  distance  is  36 
miles.  The  summit  level  is  at 
Randolph,  Mass.,  134  feet  above 
high  water  mark  at  Boston.  A ship 
canal  in  this  direction,  or  one  across 
Cape  Cod,  at  Sandwich,  would  save 
many  lives,  and  avast  amount  of 
property. 

Some  of  the  distances  from  Prov- 
idence, and  along  the  northern  coast 
of  this  Sound,  to  the  city  of  New 
York,  are  here  given. 

From  Providence  to  Newport,  30 
miles: — to  Judith  Point,  11 — 41 : — 
to  the  mouth  of  Stonington  har- 


bor, 27 — 68  : — to  the  mouth  of  New 
London  harbor,  8—76 : — to  the  mouth 
of  Connecticut  river,  13 — 89  : — to 
the  mouth  of  New  Haven  harbor, 
27 — 116: — to  Stratford  Point,  10 — 
126  : — to  the  mouth  of  Fairfield  har- 
bor, 6 — 132  ; — to  Norwalk,  8 — 140  : 
— to  Greenwich,  or  Saw  Pits,  15 — 
155  : — toThrog’s  Point,  14 — 169  : — 
to  Hurl  Gate,  6 — 175: — to  New 
York,  8 miles,  making  the  distance 
from  Providence  to  New  York,  by 
water,  183  miles. 

As  the  rail-road  from  Boston  to 
Albany,  although  in  good  progress, 
is  not  completed;  and  as  many  of 
our  friends  at  the  north  visiting  the 
interior  of  the  state  of  New  York 
find  it  more  agreeable  to  pass 
through  the  city  of  New  York  and 
up  the  Hudson  river,  rather  than 
cross  the  country,  we  think  it  may 
be  useful  to  give  some  of  the  dis- 
tances on  that  noble  river,  from  the 
city  of  New  York  to  the  city  of 
Troy. 

Note. — w.  denotes  west  side,  e. 
east  side. 

From  New  York  to  Hoboken,  w. 
2 miles  : — to  Manhattanville,  e.  6 — 
8 : — to  Fort  Lee,  w.  2 — 10  : — to 
King’s  Bridge,  3 — 13: — (The  Palis- 
adoes,  perpendicular  cliffs  of  great 
elevation,  on  the  west  bank  of  the 
river,  commence  at  Hoboken,  and 
extend  20  miles  to  Tappan  bay)  to 
Fort  Independence,  e.  2 — 15: — to 
Tarrytown,  e.  12 — 27  : — to  Sing 
Sing,  e.  5 — 32  : — to  Stony  Point 
light-house,  w.  8 — 40  : — to  Fort 
Fayette,  Verplanck’s  Point,  e.  1 — 
41 : — to  Dunderburgh  Mountain, 
w.  and  Peekskill,  e.  2 — 43  : — (Here 
we  enter  the  justly  celebrated 
Highlands,  pronounced  by  every 
honest  Yankee  to  be  equal  if  not 
superior  to  any  scenery  of  the  kind 
in  his  own  country)  to  St.  Antho- 
ny’s Nose,  e.  and  Forts  Montgome- 
ry and  Clinton,  w.  3 — 46: — to  But- 
tfrmilk  Falls,  w.  4 — 50: — to  West 
Point — Fort  Putnam,  w.  2 — 52: — 
to  West  Mountain,  w.  and  Cold 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Spring,  e.  4 — 56  : — to  Newburgh, 
w.  5 — 61 : — to  Hamburgh,  e.  7 — 
68  : — to  Poughkeepsie,  e.  4 — 72  : — 
to  Hyde  Park,  e.  9 — 81 : — to  Lew- 
is’ Landing,  e.  and  Esopus,  w.  5 — 
86  : — to  Kingston  Landing,  w.  and 
Rhinebeck  Landing,  e.  4 — 90  : — 
to  Upper  Red  Hook  Landing,  e.  and 
Ulster,  w.  11 — 101  : — to  Catskill 
Landing,  w.  9 — 110: — to  Hudson, 
e.  and  Athens,  w.  6 — 116: — to 
Coxsackie  Landing,  w.  8 — 124  : — 
to  Kinderhook  Landing,  e.3 — 127: — 
to  Coemans,  w.  5—132  : — to  the 
Overslaugh,  (sand  bars)  9 — 141 : — 
to  Albany,  w.  3 — 144  : — to  Troy,e. 
6 — 150.  The  whole  distance  from 
Boston  to  Troy,  by  this  route,  is  S57 
miles. 

At  Catskill  Landing,  visitors  to 
the  Catskill  mountains  stop.  Pine 
Orchard  Hotel,  a splendid  building, 
is  12  miles  distant.  This  Mountain 
House  is  2,274  feet  above  the  tide 
of  the  Hudson.  A few  years  ago 
this  enchanting  spot  was  a wilder- 
ness. 

“ From  this  lofty  eminence  all 
inequalities  of  surface  are  overlook- 
ed. A seemingly  endless  succes- 
sion of  woods  and  waters — farms 
and  villages,  towns  and  cities,  are 
spread  out  as  upon  a boundless  map. 
Far  beyond  rise  the  Tagkannuc 
mountains,  and  the  highlands  of 
Connecticut  and  Massachusetts.  To 
the  left,  and  at  a still  greater  dis- 
tance, the  Green  mountains  of  Ver- 
mont stretch  away  to  the  north,  and 
their  blue  summits  and  the  blue  sky 
mingle  together.  The  beautiful 
Hudson,  studded  with  islands,  ap- 
pears narrowed  in  the  distance, 
with  steam-boats  almost  constantly 
in  sight;  while  vessels  of  every 
description,  spreading  their  white 
canvas  to  the  breeze,  are  moving 
rapidly  over  its  surface,  or  idly 
loitering  in  the  calm.  These  may 
be  traced  to  the  distance  of  nearly 
seventy  miles  with  the  naked  eye  ; 
and  again  at  times  all  below  is  en- 
veloped in  dark  clouds  and  rolling 

19 


mist,  which,  driven  about  by  the 
wind,  is  constantly  assuming  new, 
wild,  and  fantastic  forms.  From 
the  Pine  Orchard  a ride  or  walk  of 
a mile  or  two  brings  you  to  the 
Kauterskill  falls.  Here  the  outlet 
of  two  small  lakes  leaps  down  a 
perpendicular  fall  of  130  feet — then 
glides  away  through  a channel 
worn  in  the  rock,  to  a second  fall 
of  80  feet.  Below  this  it  is  lost  in 
the  dark  ravine  through  which  it 
finds  its  way  to  the  valley  of  the 
Catskill.” 

Troy  is  a beautiful  city.  It  lies 
on  the  east  side  of  Hudson  river, 
in  the  county  of  Rensselaer,  New 
York,  at  the  head  of  navigation, 
and  at  the  junction  of  the  northern 
and  western  canals  with  that  noble 
river.  The  city  is  on  an  elevated 
plain,  regularly  laid  out : the  streets 
are  wide  and  well  shaded  : the 
buildings  are  uniformly  neat,  and 
many  of  them  in  a style  of  superior 
elegance.  St.  Paul’s  church,  and 
the  new  Presbyterian,  are  splendid 
edifices,  and  display  great  taste  in 
their  construction. 

The  city  of  Troy  is  abundantly 
supplied  with  excellent  water  from 
the  neighboring  hills,  at  an  expense 
of  $150,000.  The  source  of  the 
water  is  75  feet  above  the  level  of 
the  city.  At  the  corner  of  every 
street  are  hydrants,  and  a hose  plac- 
ed^on  these  sends  the  water  up 
higher  and  with  greater  force  than 
a fire  engine. 

The  squares  and  private  gardens 
are  ornamented  with  perpetual  wa- 
ter fountains. 

In  TVashington  Square  is  an  Ital- 
ian marble  fountain,  chaste  and  clas- 
sic in  its  construction,  in  the  centre 
of  the  city.  It  sends  up  the  water 
ten  or  fifteen  feet,  and  in  its  descent 
resembles  the  weeping  willow. — 
This  significant  emblem  of  purity 
gives  this  beautiful  square  an  addi- 
tional charm. 

Two  streams,  affording  immense 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


water  facilities,  empty  into  the 
Hudson  within  the  limits  of  the 
city,  and  one  of  them  rolls  down  a 
beautiful  cascade,  a short  distance 
from  Washington  square;  an  ob- 
ject worthy  of  a visit  from  the  curi- 
ous traveler.  These  .streams  move 
the  machinery  of  numerous  mills. 

About  a quarter  of  a mile  from 
the  centre  of  the  city,  Mount  Ida 
rears  its  head  three  or  four  hundred 
feet  in  height,  from  whose  summit 
every  building  in  the  city,  the 
windings  of  the  canals  and  river, 
the  foaming  of  the  Mohawk,  and 
the  neighboring  towns  of  Albany, 
Waterford,  and  Lansingburgh,  are 
distinctly  seen. 

Troy  was  incorporated  as  a vil- 
lage in  1801.  It  then  had  a popu- 
lation of  2,000.  Population,  1810, 
3,895.  In  1816  it  became  a city. 
Population,  1820,  5,264;  1825, 

7,875;  1830,  11,405;  1836,  18,000. 

Troy  has  risen  to  its  present  state 
of  opulence  and  population  by  its 
favorable  position  for  trade,  but 
more  especially  the  enterprize  and 
economical  habits  of  its  people. — 
Many  of  the  first  settlers  of  Troy 
came  from  New  England  in  humble 
circumstances.  Some  of  those  who 
thus  came  have  amassed  princely 
fortunes,  and  acquired  a name  more 
valuable  than  gold.  A recent 
Mayor  of  the  city  came  from  the 
east  as  a day  laborer.  The  late 
chief  magistrate  of  the  justly  styled 
“ Empire  State,”  a New  Englander, 
was  found  in  1822  soliciting  the 
patronage  of  the  Trojans  as  an  at- 
torney at  law.  Troy  was  formerly 
called  Vanderheyden,  in  honor  of 
a worthy  Dutchman  whose  farm 
comprised  the  most  compact  part  of 
the  city. 

A notice  of  Mrs. Willard’s  Fe- 
male Seminary  must  not  be  omitted 
in  this  brief  account  of  the  “Foun- 
tain City,”  as  it  is  an  institution  of 
rare  excellence,  conducted  by  a 
lady  of  extraordinary  attainments. 

This  school  was  commenced  at 


Troy  in  1821,  since  which  time  a 
commodious  building,  on  a pleas- 
ant site,  has  been  erected,  130  feet 
by  40.  The  number  of  scholars 
varies  from  200  to  275.  They  come 
from  every  state  in  the  union,  the 
Canadas,  the  West  Indies,  and  even 
from  Europe,  but  chiefly  from  the 
state  of  New  York  and  New  Eng- 
land. Mrs.  Willard’s  plan  of  edu- 
cation has  received  the  approbation 
of  some  of  the  wisest  men  in  Eu- 
rope. Dr.  Combe  quotes  it,  in  his 
essay  on  education,  with  unqualifi- 
ed approbation.  This  institution  is 
conducted  almost  entirely  by  fe- 
males : it  is,  in  fact,  a female  col- 
lege, and  many  are  the  degrees  of 
usefulness  conferred  by  its  learned 
principal  on  its  numerous  and  love- 
ly graduates. 

The  institution  is  incorporated, 
and  it  cannot  fail  of  receiving  the 
best  wishes  of  the  community. — 
May  no  event  occur  to  mar  its  pros- 
perity and  usefulness. 

The  traveler  will  visit  the  “Foun- 
tain City  ” again,  on  his  way  from 
Champlain  Lake.  See  Burlington , 
Vt.,  in  the  Register. 

I. on"  Meadow,  Mass. 

Hampden  co.  This  is  a beauti- 
ful town  with  a fine  soil,  on  the  E. 
side  of  Connecticut  river,  97  miles 
S.  W.  by  W.  from  Boston,  5 S.  from 
Springfield,  and  22  N.  from  Hart- 
ford, Ct.  Incorporated,  1783.  Pop- 
ulation, 1S37,  1,251.  There  are 
several  tanneries  in  the  town,  and 
some  other  manufactures*,  but  the 
inhabitants  are  generally  engaged 
in  cultivating  the  soil.  The  Indian 
name  of  the  place  was  Massacsick. 

Long  Lake,  Me. 

This  is  a sheet  of  water  at  the 
northern  part  of  Piscataquis  county, 
about  15  miles  in  length  and  2 in 
width,  which  empties  by  Namjam- 
skillecook  river  into  Temiscouata 
lake,  the  head  waters  of  Madawas- 
ka  river.  It  lies  about  210  miles 
N.  by  E.  from  Augusta. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Long  Pond,  Me. 

See  Bridgeton. 

Loudon,  N.  II. 

Merrimack  co.  Soucook  river 
passes  from  Gilmanton  S.  through 
Loudon,  furnishing  valuable  mill 
privileges.  There  is  some  good  in- 
tervale on  its  borders.  Loudon  was 
originally  a part  of  Canterbury ; 
was  incorporated,  1773.  Loudon 
lies  7 miles  N.  E.  from  Concord. 
Population,  1830,  1,642. 

Lovell,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  This  town  embraces 
Kezer  pond,  a large  sheet  of  water, 
and  other  ponds  whose  outlet  is  into 
the  Saco,  at  Fryeburgh.  Lovell 
lies  10  miles  N.  from  Fryeburgh, 
20  W.  S.  W-  from  Paris,  and  67  W. 
S.  W.  from  Augusta.  Incorpora- 
ted, 1800.  Population,  1837,  S76. 

“ In  this  town  are  Lovell’s  Falls, 
which  are  an  object  of  great  natu- 
ral curiosity.  Where  the  water 
makes  over  into  the  tremendous  ba- 
sin below,  it  falls  perpendicularly 
40  feet.  Above  the  falls,  there  is 
a chain  of  eight  ponds,  partly  in 
Lovell  and  partly  in  Waterford,  con- 
nected by  small  natural  dams  one 
or  two  rods  in  width,  through  which 
there  are  sluiceways,  which  will 
admit  the  passage  of  a common  sail 
boat.  The  scenery  of  the  moun- 
tains and  ascending  lands  in  the  vi- 
cinity is  rural  and  beautiful.” 

Lowell,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  Formerly  called 
Huntressville.  Incorporated  by  its 
present  name  in  1838.  “ See  Down 
East.” 

Lowell,  Vt. 

Orleans  co.  This  town  was  first 
settled  in  1806,  and  was  called  Kel- 
leyvale  for  a number  of  years.  It 
lies  36  miles  N.  from  Montpelier, 
and  10  S.  W.  from  Irasburgh.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  314.  This  township 
is  mountainous,  and  the  fountain 
head  of  Missisque  river. 


Lowell,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  County  town. — 
This  city,  the  American  Manches- 
ter, is  remarkable  for  the  extent  of 
its  water  power,  its  rapid  growth, 
and  the  height  to  which  it  has  rais- 
ed the  American  character,  by  the 
perfection  of  its  manufactures. 

Lowell  has  risen  to  eminence  by 
the  remarkable  energy  and  skill  of 
a few  individuals ; among  whom 
Patrick  T.  Jacsson,  Esq.  of 
Boston,  and  the  late  Kirk  Boot, 
Esq.  were  distinguished. 

It  lies  on  the  S.  side  of  Merri- 
mack river,  below  Pawtucket  Falls, 
and  at  the  union  of  Concord  river 
with  the  Merrimack. 

In  1815,  the  site  where  the  city 
stands  was  a wilderness,  with  the 
exception  of  a few  lonely  dwell- 
ings. In  1824,  Lowell,  then  apart 
of  Chelmsford,  was  incorporated  as 
a town.  In  1835,  it  became  a city. 
Lowell  is  situated  25  miles  N.  from 
Boston,  14  N.  N.  E.  from  Concord, 
37  N.  E.  from  Worcester,  and  38  S. 
S.  E.  from  Concord,  N.  H.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  6,474;  1837,  18,010. 

The  hydraulic  power  of  this  place 
is  produced  by  a canal,  of  a mile 
and  a half  in  length,  60  feet  in 
width,  and  8 feet  in  depth,  extend- 
ing from  the  head  of  Pawtucket 
Falls  to  Concord  river.  This  canal 
has  locks  at  its  outlet  into  Concord 
river;  it  also  serves  for  the  passage 
of  boats  up  and  down  the  Merri- 
mack. From  this  canal,  the  water 
is  conveyed  by  lateral  canals  to  va- 
rious places  where  it  is  wanted  for 
use,  and  then  discharged,  either  in- 
to the  Merrimack  or  Concord. 

The  canal  is  owned  by  “ The 
Proprietors  of  the  Locks  and  Canals 
on  Merrimack  river.”  This  com- 
pany was  incorporated  in  1792,  and 
have  a capital  of  $600,000.  They 
dispose  of  lands  and  mill  privileges, 
and  own  the  machine  shop,  and 
carry  on  the  manufacture  of  ma- 
chinery. The  first  cotton  mill  at 
this  place  was  erected  in  1822. 

The  whole  fall  of  the  Merrimack 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


at  this  place  is  30  feet,  and  the 
quantity  of  water  never  falls  short 
of  2,000  cubic  feet  per  second, 
and  is  very  rarely  so  low  as  that. 
This  quantity  of  water  is  estimated 
to  carry  286,000  spindles,  with  all 
the  preparatory  machinery.  There 
is  therefore  an  unimproved  water 
power  at  this  place  sufficient  to 
carry  eleven  mills  of  the  usual  size, 
making  the  whole  number  of  mills 
39,  when  all  the  water  is  improved. 

There  are  10  corporations,  with  a 
capital  stock  of  $8,250,000  : 28  mills 
besides  machine  shops,  print  works, 
&c.,  all  warmed  in  cold  weather  by 
hot  air  or  steam. 

There  are  150,404  spindles,  and 
4,861  looms.  There  are  51,147,200 
yards  of  cloth  manufactured  per  an- 
num ; 12,220,000  yards  dyed  and 
printed,  and  16,161,600  lbs.  of  cot- 
ton used  annually,  besides  a large 
quantity  of  wool. 

There  are  annually  used  in  these 
manufactories,  11,000  tons  of  An- 
thracite coal,  4,810  cords  of  wood, 
500,000  bushels  of  charcoal,  63,489 
gallons  of  oil,  510,000  pounds  of 
starch,  and  3,800  barrels  of  flour 
for  starch  in  the  print  works  and 
bleachery. 

The  number  of  females  employ- 
ed in  the  mills,  is  6,295  : number  of 
males,  2,047.  Total  number  of 
hands,  8,342.  The  average  wages 
of  females  per  week,  clear  of  board, 
is  $1,75;  of  males,  80  cents  per 
day,  clear  of  board.  The  average 
amount  of  wages  paid  per  month 
is  $106,000. 

The  goods  manufactured  in  these 
mills  consist  of  sheetings,  shirtings, 
drillings,  calicoes,  broadcloths,  cas- 
simeres,  carpets,  rugs,  negro  cloth  ; 
machinery  for  mills,  and  for  en- 
gines and  cars  for  rail-roads.  The 
quality  of  these  goods  is  general- 
ly superior  to  those  imported.  The 
annual  amount  of  goods  manu- 
factured by  these  mills  is  about 
$8,000,000. 

The  mills  are  built  of  brick,  and 
are  about  157  feet  in  length,  45  in 


breadth,  and  from  4 to  7 stories  in 
height. 

The  Locks  and  Canals  Machine 
Shop,  included  among  the  28  mills, 
can  furnish  machinery  complete  for 
a mill  of  5,000  spindles  in  four 
months,  and  lumber  and  materials 
are  always  at  command,  with  which 
to  build  or  rebuild  a mill  in  that 
time,  if  required.  When  building 
mills,  the  Locks  and  Canals  Com- 
pany employ  directly  and  indirect- 
ly from  a thousand  to  twelve  hun- 
dred hands. 

There  are  also  in  Lowell  10 
powder  mills,  a flour  mill,  glass 
works,  the  Lowell  bleachery,  flan- 
nel mills, and  manufactories  of  cards, 
whips,  planing  and  reed  machines, 
boots,  shoes;  brass,  copper  and  tin 
wares,  carriages,  harnesses,  iron 
castings,  &c.  &c. ; the  annual  pro- 
ceeds of  which  amount  to  about 
$500,000,  employing  about  200 
hands. 

Lowell  is  finely  situated  in  regard 
to  health:  it  is  surrounded  by  pleas- 
ant hills  and  Valleys,  and  seated  on 
a rapid  stream.  WTe  are  enabled  to 
state  on  good  authority  that  6 of 
the  females  out  of  10  enjoy  better 
health  than  before  being  employed 
in  the  mills,  and  that  one  half  of  the 
males  derive  the  same  advantage. 

Lowell  is  very  handsomely  locat- 
ed : it  is  laid  out  into  wide  streets ; 
all  the  buildings  are  of  recent  con- 
struction, and  in  a style  of  neatness 
and  elegance. 

With  regard  to  the  future  pros- 
perity of  this  interesting  city,  noth- 
ing need  be  said  to  those  who  know 
that  it  was  founded,  and  is  princi- 
pally sustained,  by  the  most  emi- 
nent capitalists  of  Boston ; a city 
renowned  for  its  enterprize,  wealth, 
and  public  spirit. 

To  strangers  we  would  say — visit 
it.  It  is  a pleasant  ride  of  about  an 
hour  from  Boston,  by  the  rail-road. 
Foreigners  view  Lowell  with  ad- 
miration ; and  every  American  who 
sees  it  feels  proud  that  such  a city 
exists  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Lnbec,  Me. 

Washington  co.  Lubec  compris- 
es a township  of  good  land,  lying 
at  the  northeasterly  corner  of  the 
state,  and  contains  a point  of  land 
extending  easterly  on  which  West 
Quoddy  Head  light-house  is  situa- 
ted, at  the  western  entrance  into 
Passamaquoddy  bay.  This  place 
possesses  an  admirable  harbor  for 
vessels  of  any  draught  of  water ; it 
is  easy  of  access  and  never  obstruct- 
ed by  ice.  There  are  also  within 
the  town  a number  of  bays,  coves, 
and  several  islands.  Grand  Menan 
stretches  off  the  mouth  of  the  har- 
bor on  the  E.  5 or  6 miles  distant, 
and  Campo  Ballo,  another  English 
island,  lies  very  near  and  protects 
the  harbor  on  the  north.  This 
town  was  taken  from  Eastport  in 
1811,  and  contained  3S0  inhabit- 
ants. Population,  1820, 1430 ; 1830, 
2,081 ; 1837,  4,161. 

Lubec,  in  common  with  Eastport, 
enjoys  a very  extensive  trade  with 
the  Bay  of  Fundy  and  the  great 
waters  of  Passamaquoddy  bay. 
The  village,  or  principal  place  of 
business,  is  beautifully  located  on  a 
point  of  land  jutting  out  into  the 
harbor;  it  makes  a fine  appearance, 
commands  an  active  trade,  and  is 
flourishing  in  its  navigation  and 
fishery.  It  lies  3 miles  S.  from 
Eastport,  30  E.  from  Machias,  173 
E.  by  N.  from  Augusta,  and  31  S. 
E.  from  Calais,  at  the  head  of  navi- 
gation on  the  St  Croix  river. 

Ludlow,  Vt. 

Windsor  co.  Black  and  Williams’ 
rivers  give  this  town  a good  water 
power.  It  is  likewise  watered  by 
a number  of  large  ponds  well  stor- 
ed with  fish.  Ludlow  was  first  set- 
tled in  1784.  It  lies  61  miles  S. 
from  Montpelier,  and  18  S.  W.  from 
Windsor.  Population,  1830,  1,227. 

The  town  is  mountainous,  but 
contains  good  land  for  the  grazing 
of  sheep  and  other  cattle.  The 
village  is  very  pleasant,  and  the 
centre  of  considerable  trade  with 

19* 


the  surrounding  country.  Some 
valuable  minerals  have  been  discov- 
ered here. 

Ludlow,  Mass. 

Hampden  co.  This  town  lies  N. 
of  Wilbraham,  and  is  separated  from 
it  by  Chickopee  river.  It  is  84 
miles  W.  by  S.  from  Boston,  and  10 
N.  E.  from  Springfield.  Incorpo- 
rated, 1774.  The  Chickopee  here 
is  a large  stream,  and  adds  much  to 
the  beauty  of  the  place.  There 
are  two  cotton  mills  in  the  town, 
and  manufactures  of  palm-leaf  hats 
and  ploughs : total  value,  in  one 
year,  $160,850.  Population,  1837, 
1,329. 

Luuenbargh,  Vt. 

Essex  co.  On  the  west  side  of 
Connecticut  river,  and  watered  by 
Neal’s  branch  and  pond,  and  Cat- 
bow  branch  ; — good  mill  streams. 
Some  of  the  land  is  very  good,  but 
the  most  of  it  is  stony,  appearently 
of  diluvial  formation,  consisting  of 
rounded  masses  of  granite  embed- 
ded in  clay  and  gravel.  This  is  a 
good  grazing  town,  and  produces 
some  cattle,  and  butter  and  cheese 
for  market.  First  settled  about 
1770.  Population,  in  1830,  1,054. 
Lunenburgh  lies  45  miles  E.  N. 
E.  from  Montpelier,  and  8 S.  from 
Guildhall. 

Lunenburg]!,  Mass. 

“Worcester  co.  The  soil  of  this 
town  is  good,  the  surface  uneven 
and  watered  by  some  branches  of 
N ashua  river.  Considerable  amount 
of  books  are  printed  and  bound  in 
this  town,  and  there  are  some  man- 
ufactures of  palm-leaf  hats,  chairs, 
cabinet  ware,  leather,  boots  and 
shoes.  Lunenburgh  is  a very  pleas- 
ant town:  42  miles  N.  W.  from 
Boston,  and  24  N.  from  Worcester. 
Incorporated,  1728.  Population, 
1837,  1,250. 

Lyman,  Me. 

York  co.  This  is  a pleasant 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


town,  watered  by  several  ponds 
which  empty,  some  into  the  Saco, 
and  others  into  the  Kennebunk  and 
Mousum.  It  lies  87  miles  S.  W. 
from  Augusta,  5 E.  from  Alfred  and 
6 N.  N.  W.  from  Kennebunk.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  1,528. 

Lyman,  N.  H. 

Grafton  co.  On  Connecticut  riv- 
er. This  town  is  13  miles  above 
Haverhill,  90  miles  N.  N.  W.  from 
Concord.  There  is  one  considera- 
ble elevation,  called  Lyman’s  moun- 
tain. The  N.  W.  branch  of  Burn- 
ham’s river  has  its  source  from  this 
mountain.  There  are  several  ponds 
in  the  E.  part  of  Lyman,  through 
the  largest  of  which  Burnham’s 
river  has  its  course.  The  lower  bar 
of  the  Fifteen  Mile  falls  is  in  this 
town.  Carleton’s  falls  are  several 
miles  below,  and  below  these  is 
Stevens’  ferry,  which  communi- 
cates with  Barnet.  Lyman  was 
granted  in  1761.  Population,  in 
1830,  1,321. 

Lyme,  N.  H. 

Grafton  co.  This  town  is  6 miles 
S.  from  Orford,  and  54  N.  W.  from 
Concord.  The  soil  here  is  similar 
to  that  of  other  towns  on  Connecti- 
cut river,  with  this  difference,  that 
there  is  a less  proportion  of  inter- 
vale, and  a less  difference  between 
that  directly  adjoining  the  river  and 
the  other  parts  of  the  town.  There 
are  three  small  streams  passing 
through  Lyme  and  emptying  into 
Connecticut  river.  There  are  two 
small  ponds,  the  largest  of  which  is 
called  Ports  pond.  There  is  a moun- 
tain, called  Smart’s  mountain,  lying 
in  the  N.  E.  part  of  the  town. — 
Lyme  was  granted  1761.  The  town 
was  settled  1764.  Population,  in 
1830,  1,804. 

Lyme,  CL 

New  London  co.  Lyme  is  situ- 
ated at  the  mouth  of  Connecticut 
river,  on  the  east  side,  opposite  to 
Saybrook.  It  is  a pleasant  town. 


generally  of  good  soil,  but  greatly 
diversified  in  regard  to  surface : 
some  parts  are  mountainous  and 
rocky,  while  others  are  level,  with 
large  tracts  of  salt  meadow.  The 
town  is  watered  by  several  streams 
and  ponds,  and  the  shores  on  the 
sound  and  river  are  indented  by 
small  bays  and  harbors,  which  af- 
ford the  town  some  navigable  privi- 
leges. There  are  several  neat  vil- 
lages in  the  town,  a cotton  mill, 
2 woolen  factories,  and  about 6,000 
sheep.  Lyme  was  first  settled  in 
1664.  Incorporated,  1667.  It  lies 
40  miles  S.  E.  from  Hartford,  and  40 
E.  from  New  Haven.  Population, 
1830,  4,084.  Its  Indian  name  was 
Nehantic. 

Among  the  first  settlers  was 
Matthew  Griswold,  the  ances- 
tor of  two  governors,  and  of  a nu- 
merous and  highly  respected  family 
in  the  state. 

A tract  of  land,  once  an  Indian 
reservation,  was  for  some  time  in 
dispute  between  the  towns  of  Lyme 
and  New  London.  It  was  finally 
agreed  to  .settle  their  respective  ti- 
tles to  the  land  in  controversy,  by  a 
combat  between  two  champions,  to 
be  chosen  by  each  for  that  purpose. 
The  combatants  were  chosen,  and 
on  a day  mutually  appointed,  the 
champions  appeared  in  the  field, 
and  fought  with  their  fists  till  vic- 
tory declared  in  favor  of  each  of  the 
Lyme  combatants.  Lyme  then  qui- 
etly took  possession  of  the  contro- 
verted tract,  and  has  .held  it  un- 
disputed, to  the  present  day. 

Deacon  Marvin,  a large  land 
holder  and  an  exemplary  man,  was 
exceedingly  eccentric  in  some  of 
his  notions.  His  courtship,  it  is 
said,  was  as  follows: — Having  one 
day  mounted  his  horse,  with  only  a 
sheep  skin  for  a saddle,  he  rode  in 
front  of  the  house  where  Betty  Lee 
lived,  and  without  dismounting  re- 
quested Betty  to  come  to  him ; on 
her  coming,  he  told  her  that  the 
Lord  had  sent  him  there  to  marry 
her.  Betty,  without  much  hesi- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


tation,  replied.  The  Lord’s  will  be 
done. 

The  following  is  on  the  Deacon’s 
monument  in  the  grave  yard,  dated, 
October  18,  1737. 

This  Deacon  aged  68  : 

Is  freed  on  earth  from  serving 
May  for  a crown  no  longer  Wait : 

Lyme’s  Captain  Reynold  Marvin. 

Lyndeborougli,  N.  H. 

Hillsborough  co.  This  town  is 
10  miles  W.  N.  W.  from  Amherst, 
and  35  S.  S.  W.  from  Concord.  It 
is  an  elevated  township,  having  a 
considerable  mountain  which  di- 
vides it  from  E.  to  W.  There  is,  in 
the  N.  E.  part  of  the  town,  below 
the  mountain,  a plain,  where  there 
is  a small  village,  pleasantly  situat- 
ed near  Piscataquog  river.  The 
soil  of  this  town,  though  stony,  is 
deep  and  strong.  For  grazing  it  is, 
perhaps,  not  exceeded  by  any  town 
in  the  county.  The  streams  are 
small,  originating  principally  from 
sources  in  the  town,  and  running 
N.  and  S.  from  the  mountain. — 
Lyndeborough  was  originally  grant- 
ed in  1690.  In  1753,  Benjamin 
Lynde,  Esq.  of  Salem,  purchased  a 
considerable  part  of  the  township, 
and  adjoining  lands.  From  him, 
the  place,  when  it  was  incorporated 
in  1764,  took  the  name  of  Lyndebo- 
rough. It  was  settled  as  early  as 
1750.  On  the  15th  of  Nov.,  1809, 
three  children  were  burnt  in  a barn, 
while  their  parents  were  attending 
an  installation  at  Mont  Vernon. — 
Population,  in  1830,  1,147. 

Lyndon,  Vt. 

Caledonia  co.  First  settled,  1788. 
It  lies  34  miles  N.  E.  from  Mont- 
pelier, and  10  N.  N.  E.  from  Dan- 
ville. Population,  1830,  1,822. 
Lyndon  is  one  of  the  best  townships 
in  the  state  : its  surface  is  undulat- 
ing, with  a soil  of  rich  loam,  free 
from  stone,  easy  to  cultivate,  and 
very  productive  of  wool,  cattle, 
pork,  butter  and  cheese.  It  is  ad- 
mirably well  watered  by  the  Pas- 


sumpsic  and  some  of  its  tributaries. 
Two  important  falls  of  that  river 
are  in  the  town,  one  of  65  feet  in 
the  distance  of  30  rods  ; the  other 
of  18  feet.  These  are  called  Great 
and  Little  Falls,  and  afford  a water 
power  of  great  extent.  Agaric 
mineral,  used  for  chalk,  and  a good 
substitute  for  Spanish  white,  is  found 
here.  The  principal  village  is  very 
pleasant  and  the  seat  of  considera- 
ble business.  The  scenery  about 
the  town  is  picturesque  and  inter- 
esting. There  is  probably  no  inte- 
rior town  in  the  state  that  contains 
more  valuable  water  privileges  than 
Lyndon. 

Lynn,  Mass. 

Essex  co.  Lynn  is  one  of  the 
most  flourishing  and  beautiful  towns 
in  the  state.  It  lies  on  a plain,  sur- 
rounded by  rising  ground,  except 
on  the  east,  where  it  opens  to  Lynn 
bay,  embracing  the  romantic  pen- 
insula of  JVahant,  with  its  beauti- 
ful beach,  and  Phillips’  Point,  both 
highly  esteemed  resorts  for  all  class- 
es of  people  ; — the  sick,  the  serious, 
and  the  gay.  The  soil  of  the  town 
is  fertile  and  well  cultivated.  It  is 
watered  by  the  river  Saugus,  the 
Indian  name  of  the  place.  The 
town  is  neatly  built  on  wide  and 
pleasant  streets,  and  contains  a pop- 
ulation of  about  10,000.  It  lies  9 
miles  N.  E.  from  Boston,  and  5 S. 
W.  from  Salem. 

Lynn  has  risen  to  wealth  and 
importance  by  the  enterprise  and 
industry  of  its  people,  in  the  manu- 
facture of  shoes,  particularly  for 
which,  more  than  any  other  town 
in  the  country,  it  is  justly  celebra- 
ted. The  manufacture  of  ladies’ 
shoes  was  commenced  here  before 
the  revolutionary  war,  and  it  is  cu- 
rious to  observe  the  great  changes 
that  have  occurred  in  the  fashion 
and  manufacture  of  that  article. 

“ In  olden  times,”  says  the  New- 
buryport  Herald,  “ladies’  shoes 
were  made  in  Lynn  of  common 
woolen  cloth,  or  coarse  curried 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


leather;  afterwards  of  stuffs  such 
as  cassimere,  everlasting,  shalloon 
and  russet ; some  of  satin  and  da- 
mask,others  of  satin  lasting  andflor- 
entine.  They  were  generally  cut 
with  straps,  for  large  buckles, 
which  were  worn  in  those  days  by 
women  as  well  as  men.  Ladies’ 
shoes,  70  years  ago,  were  made 
mostly  with  white  and  russet  rands, 
and  stitched  very  fine  on  the  rand 
with  white-waxed  thread.  Some 
were  made  turn  pumps  and  channel 
pumps,  all  having  wooden  heels, 
called  cross-cut , common, and  court 
heels.  Then  the  cork,  plug,  and 
wedge  or  spring  heels,  came  into 
use.  The  sole-leather  was  all 
worked  with  the  flesh  side  out. 

“ Previous  to  the  war  of  the  revo- 
lution, the  market  for  Lynn  shoes 
was  principally  confined  to  New 
England  ; some  few,  however, 
were  exported  to  Philadelphia. 
Many  individuals  with  small  capi- 
tal carried  on  the  business  in  their 
own  families.  Fathers,  sons,  ap- 
prentices, and  one  or  two  journey- 
men, all  in  one  small  shop,  with  a 
chimney  in  one  corner,  formed  the 
whole  establishment. 

“After  the  revolution,  the  business 
assumed  a different  aspect.  Enter- 
prising individuals  embarked  in  the 
business  in  good  earnest;  hired 
a great  number  of  journeymen ; 
built  large  shops,  took  apprentices, 
and  drove  the  business.  Master 
workmen  shipped  their  shoes  to 
the  south,  so  that  Lynn  shoes  took 
the  place  of  English  and  other  im- 
ported shoes.  Morocco  and  kid 
leather,  suitable  for  shoes,  began 
to  be  imported  from  England,  which 
soon  took  the  place  of  stuffs.  Roan 
shoes  were  now  little  called  for; 
and  the  improvement  of  working 
the  sole-leather  grain  side  out,  was 
now  generally  adopted,  making 
what  is  called  duff  bottoms.  About 
the  year  1794,  wooden  heels  began 
to  go  out  of  use,  by  the  introduc- 
tion of  leather  spring  heels.  This 
improvement  progressed  gradually, 


until  the  heel  making,  which  was 
once  a good  business,  was  totally 
ruined.” 

In  the  year  ending  April  1, 1837, 
there  were  manufactured  in  Lynn 
2,543,929  pairs  of  shoes,  and  2,220 
pairs  of  boots,  valued  at  $1,689,793. 
In  this  manufacture, -2,631  males 
and  2,554  females  were  employed  ; 
total  number,  5,185.  During  that 
time  the  manufacture  of  vessels, 
cordage,  tin  ware,  oil  casks,  moroc- 
co leather  and  shoe  boxes  amounted 
to  $188,409.  During  the  same  pe- 
riod there  were  5 vessels  employed 
in  the  whale  and  14  in  the  cod  and 
mackerel  fishery.  Besides  this, 
4,608,000  pounds  of  cod,  haddock, 
halibut  and  other  fish  were  tak- 
en in  boats  and  sold  fresh.  The  to- 
tal value  of  the  fisheries  amounted 
to  $170,320.  Total  value  of  the 
manufactures  and  fisheries  of  Lynn, 
in  one  year,  $2,048,522.  Lynn 
was  first  settled  in  1629  Incorpo- 
rated, 1637. 

Lynnlield,  Mass. 

Essex  co.  The.  surface  of  this 
town  is  uneven,  and  the  soil  rather 
hard  and  unproductive.  It  contains 
some  good  farms,  a number  of  pleas- 
ant ponds,  and  is  watered  by  Ips- 
wich river  on  the  north.  There  is 
a woolen  mill  in  the  town,  and  man- 
ufactures of  bar  iron,  ploughs,  boots 
and  shoes ; annual  value  about 
$50,000.  Incorporated,  1782. — 
Population,  1837,  674.  Lynnfield 
is  12  miles  N.  from  Boston,  and  9 
W.  by  N.  from  Salem. 

Macliias  Rivers  and  Bay,  Me. 

The  river  in  Washington  County 
is  formed  of  two  branches,  which 
receive  their  head  waters  from  sev- 
eral ponds,  at  the  distance  of  about 
40  miles,  in  a N.  W.  direction. — 
The  eastern  branch  passes  through 
East  Machias.  These  branches 
unite  near  the  line  of  Machias  and 
Maehias  Port,  and  in  their  course 
produce  a great  and  valuable  hy- 
draulic power. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Machias  and  Little  Machias  riv - I 
ers,  in  Penobscot  county,  are  im-  i 
portant  tributaries  to  the  Aroostook,  j 
Their  course  is  easterly,  and  their  | 
mouths  meet  near  each  other  about  j 
30  miles  W.  N.  W.  from  Mars  Hill.  | 

Grachias  Bay  sets  up  from  the 
sea  about  10  miles  and  meets  Ma- 
chias Port.  This  bay  is  4 or  5 miles 
in  width  at  its  mouth,  and  contains 
in  its  bosom  several  coves,  harbors, 
and  beautiful  islands  : Cross  island 
lying  at  its  mouth  is  the  largest, 
being  about  3 miles  by  2. 

Macliias,  Me. 

Washington  co.  County  town.  I 
This  was  a famous  lodgement  of  the  | 
Indians.  First  settled,  1762.  It 
was  incorporated  in  1784,  and  was 
the  first  corporate  town  between 
Penobscot  and  St.  Croix  rivers.  It 
formerly  comprised  East  Machias  | 
and  Machias  Port.  The  village  is  j 
situated  on  the  east  side  of  tne 
west  branch,  and  near  the  mouth 
of  Middle  river.  It  contains  the 
county  building,  numerous  saw 
mills,  and  has  an  extensive  trade, 
particularly  in  lumber.  Machias 
lies  143  miles  E.  N.  E.  from  Augus- 
ta. Population,  1837,  1,239.  This 
is  a pleasant  and  interesting  town. 

Macliias  Port,  Me. 

Washington  co.  Incorporated 
in  1826.  It  is  the  southern  part  of 
Old  Machias,  and  extends  north- 
ward to  the  union  of  the  branches 
of  Machias  river.  It  has  a great 
number  of  mills,  and  is  very  exten-  I 
sively  engaged  in  the  lumber  trade.  I 
It  is  a port  of  entry  : — it  has  an  j 
excellent  harbor,  and  considerable 
navigation  in  the  coasting  and  fish-  j 
ing  business.  The  tonnage  of  the  I 
district  in  1837,  was  8,360  tons.  In 
this  part  of  Old  Machias  the  Ply-  : 
mouth  Colony  established  a trading 
house  in  1630.  It  was  subsequent-  j 
ly  occupied  by  the  French  for  sev-  j 
eral  years.  Machias  Port  lies  146 
miles  E.  N.  E.  from  Augusta,  and  j 


3 S.  from  Machias.  Population, 
1837,  821. 

Madaxniscontis  River,  Me., 

Rises  in  a large  pond,  and  emp- 
ties, from  the  N.  W.  into  Penobscot 
river,  about  45  miles  above  Ban- 
gor. 

Madawaska  River,  Me. 

This  river  is  in  the  county  of  Pe- 
nobscot, and  is  the  outlet  of  Temis- 
couata  lake,  and  other  large  bodies 
of  water  in  the  northern  part  of  the 
county  bordering  on  the  line  of 
Lower  Canada.  This  river  and 
these  lakes,  with  their  numerous 
tributaries,  water  a country  of  great 
extent,  and  which  is  said  to  equal 
any  country  in  the  world  in  fertili- 
ty, even  fhe  luxuriant  prairies  of  the 
“ boundless  west.”  The  course  of 
these  waters  is  N.  W.  and  traverse  a 
distance  of  more  than  100  miles, 
r rom  ilie  uiuuin  of  Madawaska  in- 
to the  St.  John’s  to  Augusta  is  about 
240  miles  N.  N.  E. 

Madawaska,  Me. 

W ashington  co.  This  town  was 
incorporated  in  1831 , and  comprises 
the  territory  marked  F.  and  K.  on 
GreenleaTs  map.  It  is  bounded  E. 
by  the  British  Province  of  New 
Brunswick,  N.  near  the  passage  of 
St.  John’s,  across  the  line  of  the 
state ; and  W.  and  S.  by  a vast  and 
fertile  territory  between  the  Aroos- 
took and  St.  John’s  rivers  ; at  pres- 
ent but  thinly  inhabited.  This  town 
was  the  place  where  the  land  agents 
of  Maine  were  taken,  by  order  of 
the  British  government,  and  impris- 
oned at  Frederickton,  N.  B.  In 
1837,  Madawaska  was  supposed  to 
contain  a population  of  2,487.  It 
lies  about  220  miles  N.  E.  by  N. 
from  Augusta,  and  130  N.  W.  from 
Frederickton,  N.  B. 

Madbiuy,  N.  II., 

Strafford  co.,  is  bounded  N.  E. 
by  Dover,  S.  W.  by  Durham  and 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Lee,  N.  W.  by  Barrington.  The 
soil  of  this  town  is  generally  pro- 
ductive. In  some  parts  of  the  town, 
hog  iron  . ore  has  been  dug  up  in 
considerable  quantities,  and  in  some 
instances  red  and  yellow  ochre. — 
Bellamay  bank  ’river  is  the  only 
stream  of  any  magnitude,  and  Bar- 
badoes  pond  the  only  considerable 
body  of  water.  This  pond  lies  be- 
tween Dover  and  Madbury,  and  is 
120  rods  long,  50  wide.  Madbury 
formerly  constituted  a part  of  the 
ancient  town  of  Dover;  but  was  set 
off  and  incorporated  May  31,  1755, 
by  its  present  name.  Population, 
in  1830,  510. 

Madison,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  This  township  lies 
on  the  E.  side  of  Kennebec  river, 
34  miles  N.  from  Augusta  and 
bounded  S.  by  Norridgewock.  It 
was  incorporated  in  1804.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  1,272  ; 1837,  1,608.  It 
is  watered  by  a beautiful  pond,  the 
outlet  of  which  is  at  Skowhegan. 
There  are  three  pleasant  villages  in 
the  town  : — the  people  are  general- 
ly husbandmen.  The  best  compli- 
ment that  can  be  paid  to  the  soil  is, 
that  it  produced,  without  any  extra- 
ordinary effort,  10,188  bushels  of 
wheat,  in  1837. 

Madison,  Ct. 

New  Haven  co.  This  town  was 
taken  from  Guilford  in  1826.  It  lies 
on  Long  Island  Sound,  and  embra- 
ces what  is  called  Hammonasset 
Point.  This  town  lies  IS  miles  E. 
by  S.  from  New  Haven,  and  33  S. 
from  Hartford.  Population,  1830, 
1,809.  The  soil  of  the  town  is 
stony,  and  naturally  hard  to  culti- 
vate ; but  it  is  made  quite  produc- 
tive of  corn,  rye  and  potatoes  by  the 
use  of  white  fish,  ploughed  in. — 
These  fish  appear  in  the  sound  about 
the  1st  of  June,  and  continue  3 or 
4 months.  They  are  taken  in  great 
quantities  and  are  considered  an  ex- 
cellent manure.  They  were  first 
thus  used  about  the  year  179S. — 


About  10,000  of  these  fish  are  con- 
side  red  a good  dressing  for  an  acre 
of  land. 

This  place  has  a small  harbor  and 
some  navigation.  Ship  building  is 
the  most  important  mechanical  pur- 
suit. 

The  Hon.  Thomas  Chitten- 
den, for  many  years  governor  of 
Vermont,  and  his  brother  Ebene- 
zer  Chittenden,  a gentleman 
of  great  mechanical  genius,  were 
natives  of  this  town.  The  former 
was  born  in  1730,  and  died  in  1797. 

The  following  is  the  inscription 
on  a monument  in  the  grave  yard, 
in  memory  of  an  old  sea  captain. 

Though  Boreas’  blasts  and  Neptune’s 
waves 

Have  toss’d  me  to  and  fro, 

In  spite  of  both  by  God’s  decree 

I harbor  here  below, 

Where  I do  at  anchor  ride 

With  many  of  our  fleet ; 

Yet  once  again  I must  set  sail 

Our  Admiral,  Christ,  to  meet. 

Mad  Rivers. 

Mad  River  in  JV.  H.,  rises 
among  the  mountains  in  the  N.  E. 
part  of  Grafton  county  ; it  crosses 
the  S.  E.  part  of  Thornton  and  falls 
into  the  Pemigewasset  at  Campton. 

Mad  River,  Vt.  A rapid  stream, 
rises  in  the  high  lands  S.  of  War- 
ren, and  after  passing  through 
Waitsfield,  it  falls  into  Onion  riv- 
er at  Moretown. 

Madrid,  Me. 

Franklin  co.  This  township  was 
incorporated  in  1836.  It  is  watered 
by  some  of  the  head  branches  of 
Sandy  river  and  contains  a part  of 
Saddleback  mountain.  The  soil  is 
excellent  and  yielded,  in  1837, 
3,387  bushels  of  wheat.  Popula- 
tion same  year,  351.  It  lies  25 
miles  N.  W.  from  Farmington  and 
about  105  N.  W.  from  Augusta. 

Madimlkceuiik  River,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  A tributary  of 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


the  Penobscot  on  the  W.  side,  about 
6 miles  above  the  Madamiscontis. 

Maidstone,  Vt. 

Essex  co.  This  mountainous 
township  lies  on  the  W.  side  of 
Connecticut  river  : it  is  watered  by 


a pleasant  pond  and  by  Paul’s 
stream.  It  has  some  good  land,  but 
most,  of  it  is  poor.  First  settled, 
1770.  Population,  1830,  236.  It 
lies  54  miles  N.  E.  from  Montpelier, 
and  8 N.  from  Guildhall 


MAINE. 


This  State  was  originally  granted  by  James  I.  to  the  Plymouth  Compa- 
ny, in  1606,  by  whom  it  was  transferred  to  Mason  and  Gorges  in  1624. 
This  grant  comprised  all  the  territory  between  Merrimack  river  and  Sa- 
gadahock.  The  territory  was  afterwards  purchased  by  Massachusetts  for 
d£l,250,  who  obtained  a confirmation  of  the  charter  in  1691,  with  the  ad- 
dition of  the  residue  of  Maine  and  Nova  Scotia,  including  what  is  now 
called  the  Province  of  New  Brunswick. 

This  state,  formerly  the  District  of  Maine,  became  independent  of 
Massachusetts  in  1820.  By  the  Constitution,  the  legislative  power  is 
vested  in  a Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  elected  annually  by 
the  people,  on  the  second  Monday  in  September.  The  number  of  Sen- 
ators cannot  be  less  than  20,  nor  more  than  31.  The  number  of  Repre- 
sentatives cannot  be  less  than  100,  nor  more  than  200.  No  town  or  city 
is  entitled  to  more  than  seven  Representatives. 

The  executive  power  is  vested  in  a Governor,  who  is  chosen  annually 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


by  the  people,  on  the  second  Monday  in  September  : — His  official  term' 
commences  on  the  first  Wednesday  in  January. 

The  Legislature  meets  at  Augusta,  on  the  first  Wednesday  in  Janu- 
ary, annually,  on  which  day  seven  Counsellors  are  elected,  by  joint  bal- 
lot of  both  Houses,  to  advise  the  Governor  in  his  executive  duties. 

The  judicial  power  of  the  state  is  vested  in  a Supreme  Judicial  Court, 
and  such  other  courts  as  the  Legislature  may,  from  time  to  time,  estab- 
lish. The  Judges  are  appointed  by  the  Governor  and  Council,  and  hold 
their  offices  during  good  behavior,  but  not  beyond  the  age  of  70  years. 

The  state  of  Maine  is  bounded  northwest  and  north  by  Lower  Canada, 
east  by  New  Brunswick,  south  by  the  Atlantic  ocean,  and  west  by  New 
Hampshire.  It  is  situated  between  43°  5',  and  48°  3'  N.  lat.  and  70° 
65',  and  66°  47'  W.  Ion.  It  contains  an  area  of  about  33,000  square  miles. 

The  surface  of  the  state  is  diversified  by  hills  and  valleys.  A tract  on 
the  west  side  east  of  the  white  mountains,  and  a part  of  the  north  bound- 
ary is  mountainous,  though  not  of  extraordinary  elevations.  The  high- 
est mountains  lie  in  detached  groups,  but  they  are  not  numerous. 

The  range  of  high  land  which  crosses  Vermont  and  New  Hampshire, 
enters  the  northwest  corner  of  Maine,  passing  round  Chaudiere  river 
and  the  head  waters  of  Megantic  lake,  in  Canada,  and  running  nearly 
parallel  with  the  St.  Lawrence  river,  at  the  distance  of  about  twenty 
miles,  terminates  on  the  gulph  of  St.  Lawrence,  near  Cape  Rosier. — 
This  is  the  “ Height  of  Land”  or  the  “ North  East  Ridge,”  spoken  of  in 
the  treaty  of  17S3,  between  Great  Britain  and  the  United  States,  and 
which  was  never  called  in  question  until  1814,  when  the  British  pleni- 
potentiaries at  Ghent  proposed  to  the  American  Commissioners  to  discuss 
and  revise  the  boundary,  so  as  to  prevent  future  uncertainty  and  dispute. 
They  stated  that  they  desired  a direct  communication  between  Quebe-c 
and  Halifax,  and  left  it  to  the  Americans  to  demand  an  equivalent.  This 
proposition  was  refused  by  the  Americans,  on  the  ground  that  there  was 
no  question  in  regard  to  the  limits  of  their  territory.  The  “ disputed  ter- 
ritory,” so  called,  includes  most  of  the  country  north  of  latitude  46°,  in- 
cluding a part  of  New  Hampshire,  and  most  of  that  large  and  valuable 
portion  of  Maine  watered  by  the  Madawaska,  St.  John’s,  Walloostook, 
Aroostook,  and  other  rivers.  This  question  involves  nearly  a third  part  of 
the  territory  of  the  state. 

In  the  2d  article  of  that  treaty  are  the  following  words  : — “ And  that 
all  disputes  which  might  arise  in  future,  on  the  subject  of  boundaries 
of  the  United  States , may  be  prevented,  it  is  hereby  agreed  and  declar- 
ed that  the  following  are,  and  shall  be,  their  boundaries,  viz  : from  the 
northwest  angle  of  Arova  Scotia,  (New  Brunswick)  viz:  that  angle 
which  is  formed  by  a line  drawn  due  north  from  the  source  of  St.  Croix 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


river  to  the  highlands  ; along  the  said  highlands  which  divide  those  riv- 
ers that  empty  themselves  into  the  river  St.  Lawrence  from  those  which 
fall  into  the  Atlantic  ocean,  to  the  northvvesternmost  head  of  the  Connec- 
ticut river.” 

**  Our  commissioners  at  Ghent,  having  successfully  resisted  every  attempt 
for  the  dismemberment  of  Maine,  agreed  upon  an  article  with  the  British 
commissioners,  not  to  revise  or  to  change  the  ancient  treaty  boundary, 
but  to  run  and  establish  upon  the  ground  that  very  boundary,  without 
any  alteration,  and  to  ascertain  “ the  northwest  angle  of  Nova  Scotia 
its  place  of  beginning.  This  article  is  the  fifth  in  the  treaty.  Under  it, 
each  party  appointed  a commissioner.  These  commissioners  disagreed. 
According  to  the  treaty,  the  question  was  then  referred  to  the  King  of  the 
Netherlands,  as  umpire,  whose  award  was  rejected  by  the  United  States, 
because  it  did  not  even  profess  to  decide  the  controversy  according  to  the 
terms  o-f  the  submission,  but  proposed  p.  compromise,  by  a division  of  the 
disputed  territory  between  the  parties.  Great  Britian  has  also  since  an- 
nounced her  abandonment  of  this  award;  and  now,  at  the  end  of  more 
than  half  a century  after  the  conclusion  of  the  treaty  of  1783,  the  ques- 
tion not  only  remains  unsettled,  but  threatens  to  involve  the  two  nations  in 
a dangerous  dispute. 

c<  The  northwest  angle  of  Nova  Scotia  was  a well  known  point,  capa- 
ble of  being  easily  ascertained,  ever  since  the  proclamation  of  1763,  by 
simply  running  a due  north  line  from  the  source  of  the  St.  Croix,  to  in- 
tersect the  southern  line  of  the  Province  of  Quebec,  which  consists  of 
the  highlands  running  from  the  western  extremity  of  the  bay  of  Chaleur, 
to  the  head  of  Connecticut  river,  and  dividing  those  rivers  that  empty 
themselves  into  the  river  St.  Lawrence  from  those  which  fall  into  the 
Atlantic  ocean.  It  is  certain  as  the  laws  of  nature,  that  these  highlands, 
from  which  we  know  that  streams  do  flow  in  opposite  directions,  can  be 
found  on  the  face  of  the  country. 

“ The  whole  argument  of  the  British  government  rests  upon  the  assump- 
tion that  the  St.  John’s  is  not  a river  falling  into  the  Atlantic  ocean,  be- 
cause it  has  its  mouth  in  the  Bay  of  Fundy.  What  is  the  Bay  of  Fundy, 
if  it  be  not  a part  of  the  Atlantic  ocean  ? A bay  is  a mere  opening  of 
the  main  ocean  into  the  land — a mere  interruption  of  the  uniformity  of 
the  sea  coast  by  an  indentation  of  water.  These  portions  of  the  ocean 
have  received  the  name  of  bays,  solely  to  distinguish  them  from  the 
remainder  of  the  vast  deep  to  which  they  belong.  Would  it  not  be  the 
merest  special  pleading  to  contend  that  the  bay  of  Naples  was  not  a por- 
tion of  the  Mediterranean,  or  that  the  Bay  of  Biscay  was  not  a part  of 
the  Atlantic  ocean  ? 

“ Again,  the  description  of  the  treaty  is.  “ rivers  which  fall  into  the 

20 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Atlantic  ocean.”  Can  it  be  said,  with  any  propriety,  that  a river  does 
not  fall  into  the  Atlantic,  because  in  reaching  the  main  ocean  it  may 
pass  through  a bay  ? And  yet  this  is  the  British  argument.  The  Dela- 
ware does  not  fall  into  the  Atlantic,  because  it  flows  into  it  through  the 
bay  of  Delaware;  and,  for  the  same  reason,  the  St.  John’s  does  not  fall 
into  the  Atlantic,  because  it  flows  into  it  through  the  bay  of  Fundy.” 

It  is  ardently  wished  that  this  perplexing  controversy  may  soon  be  ami- 
cably settled  between  two  friendly  powers,  whose  interests  are  so  closely 
united.  This  will  probably  be  the  event.  Maine  is  determined  to  vin- 
dicate her  rights,  and  the  whole  country  stands  ready  to  sustain  them. 

Maine  is  divided  into  the  twelve  following  counties:  York,  Cumber- 
land, Lincoln,  Kennebec,  Waldo,  Hancock,  Oxford,  Somerset,  Penobscot, 
Washington,  Franklin,  and  Piscataquis. 

Succession  of  Governors. 

William  King,  1820.  Albion  K.  Parris,  1821 — 1S25.  E.  Lincoln, 

1826 — 1829.  Jonathan  G.  Hunton,  1830.  Samuel  E.  Smith,  1831 — 
1833.  Robert  P.  Dunlap,  1834 — 1837.  Edward  Kent,  1838.  John 

Fairfield,  1839 — 


Succession  of  Chief  Justices. 

Prentiss  Mellen,  1820 — 1834.  Nathan  Weston,  1834 — 

The  soil  of  Maine  is  various.  For  some  miles  from  the  sea  coast  it  is 
rocky,  sandy  or  clayey,  with  some  fertile  portions ; generally  this  is  the 
least  productive  part  of  the  state.  Advancing  into  the  interior,  the  soil 
increases  in  fertility.  The  average  quality  of  the  soil  is  considered  to  be 
equal  if  not  superior  to  any  other  portion  of  New  England.  In  some 
parts  it  is  not  exceeded  in  fertility  by  any  section  of  the  Union.  Some 
of  the  most  fertile  parts  of  Maine  are  now  almost  a wilderness. 

The  ability  of  the  soil  of  Maine  to  furnish  an  ample  supply  of  bread 
stuffs,  was  fully  tested  in  1837,  by  the  production  of  more  than  a million 
bushels  of  wheat,  besides  vast  quantities  of  rye  and  corn. 

The  natural  productions  in  the  state,  already  known  to  exist  in  ex- 
haustless quantities,  are  pine  and  hemlock  timber ; granite,  slate,  lime, 
iron,  and  all  the  materials  in  the  composition  of  glass.  Of  the  first 
report  of  the  learned  and  indefatigable  Dr.  Jackson,  on  the  geology  of 
Maine,  the  celebrated  professor  Silliman  thus  speaks  : 

“ Maine  is  a country  chiefly  of  primary  rocks,  with  a large  division 
cf  those  of  transition,  and  towards  New  Brunswick  it  has  an  important 
region  of  the  lower  secondary.  Every  where  it  has  alluvial  and  diluvial 
deposits,  and  vast  igneous  formations,  not  only  in  the  interior,  but  form- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ing  a barrier  against  the  ocean  surge  along  a considerable  part  of  an  im- 
mense sea  coast,  indented  as  it  is  by  bays  and  estuaries  almost  beyond 
example.  Among  the  mineral  formations  of  Maine,  are  granite,  gneiss, 
mica  and  talcose,  and  other  slates,  including  roofing  slate  and  alum 
slate ; also,  soapstone,  limestone  and  marble,  sandstones  and  brecciated 
rocks  of  many  varieties ; jasper,  including  the  beautiful  greenstone, 
trap  and  its  varieties,  and  porphyry.  The  trap  dykes  are  numerous  and 
exceedingly  distinct:  They  cut  through  most  of  the  other  rocks,  and  pro- 
duce ugon  them,  most  distinctly,  those  peculiar  effects,  which  to  a de- 
monstration prove  their  igneous  origin.  Scientific  geology  is  greatly 
indebted  to  this  survey  for  some  of  the  most  lucid  and  convincing  facts 
on  this  head  ; while  the  diluvial  deposits,  the  boulders  and  ruins,  the  dilu- 
vial furrows  in  the  rocks,  the  sea  shells  now  adhering  to  and  inherent  in 
rocks  which  once'  formed  the  sea  coast,  although  elevated  twenty-six 
feet  above  the  sea  board,  a salt  spring  at  Lubec,  and  many  other  topics 
equally  illustrate  other  parts  of  scientific  geology. 

Dr.  Jackson  is  entirely  master  of  his  subject,  as  well  as  of  the  kindred 
sciences  of  mineralogy  and  chemistry,  and  his  report  is  remarkable  for 
its  lucid  clearness  and  its  attractive  style.” 

The  sea  coast  of  Maine,  extending  more  than  230  miles,  indented  by 
an  almost  countless  number  of  bays,  harbors  and  islands  of  romantic  beau- 
ty, presents  facilities  for  navigation  unrivalled  by  any  portion  of  the  globe. 
The  great  rivers,  St.  Croix,  Penobscot,  Kennebec,  Androscoggin,  and 
Saco,  with  their  numerous  tributaries  piercing  the  interior,  give  to  the 
farmer  and  mechanic  a cheap  and  easy  mode  of  transportation.  These 
rivers,  and  thousands  of  ponds  and  other  streams,  dispersed  throughout 
the  state,  afford  a water  power  of  vast  extent  and  usefulness. 

The  celebrated  John  Smith  made  an  unsuccessful  attempt  to  settle 
this  part  of  the  country  as  early  as  1614.  The  first  permanent  lodgment 
of  the  whites  in  the  state  was  made  from  the  Plymouth  colony,  at  York, 
in  1630. 

The  first  settlers  of  Maine  were  a race  of  men  of  good  minds,  stout 
hearts  and  strong  arms.  By  them  and  their  sons  the  stately  forests  were 
converted  into  an  article  of  commerce,  of  immense  value ; thus  prepar- 
ing the  soil  for  its  ultimate  staples,  wheat,  beef,  and  wool.  See 
Register. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Malden,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  A bridge  over 
Mystic  river,  2,420  feet  in  lepgth, 
connects  this  town  with  Charles- 
town. It  lies  5 miles  N.  from  Bos- 
ton, and  16  E.  by  S.  from  Concord. 
First  settled,  1643.  Incorporated, 
1649.  Population,  1S30,  2,010 ; 
1837,  2,303.  It  contains  a large 
tract  of  salt  meadow,  and  consider- 
able  timber.  The  uplands  are 
rough  and  uneven.  The  manufac- 
tures of  Malden  consist  of  leather, 
boots,  shoes,  block  tin,  tin  ware, 
twine,  lasts,  and  manufactures  of 
iron  and  dye-wood  : total  amount, 
the  year  ending  April  1,  1S37, 
$351,160. 

Manchester,  X.  II., 

Hillsborough  co.,  lies  on  the  east 
side  of  Merrimack  river,  by  which 
it  is  bounded  on  the  W.  for  8 miles; 
on  the  N.  and  E.  it  is  bounded  by 
Chester,  S.  by  Londonderry  and 
Litchfield.  There  are  several 
streams  which  have  their  origin  in 
this  town,  and  which  discharge 
themselves  into  the  Merrimack. — 
Cohass  brook,  issuing  from  Massa- 
besick  pond,  is  the  largest.  It  re- 
ceives two  other  small  streams  from 
the  S.,  and  empties  itself  at  the  S. 
W.  angle  of  the  town.  Massabe- 
sick  is  a large  pond,  at  the  E.  side 
of  the  town,  and  partly  within  its 
limits.  There  are  several  smaller 
ponds. 

The  soil  of  a considerable  part  of 
the  town  is  light  and  sandy.  The 
intervales  on  the  river  are  easy  of 
cultivation,  and  productive. 

The  canal  by  Amoskeag  falls  is 
in  this  town,  and  was  projected  and 
constructed  by  the  ingenuity  and 
perseverance  of  the  late  Samuel 
Blodget,  Esq.  At  these  falls  are  the 
works  of  the  Amoskeag  Manufac- 
turing Company,  where  the  founda- 
tions of  another  Lowell  are  being 
laid.  The  water  power  is  im- 
mense. 

This  town  was  formed  of  a part 


of  Londonderry,  a part  of  Chester, 
and  a tract  of  land  called  Harry- 
town,  and  incorporated  Sept.  3, 
1751,  by  the  name  of  Derryfield. 
This  name  it  retained  until  1S10, 
when  it  was  changed  to  Manches- 
ter, by  an  act  of  the  legislature. 

The  venerable  general  Johiv 
Stakk.  had  his  residence  in  this 
town,  where  he  died  May  8,  1822, 
at  the  great  age  of  93  years  S months 
and  24  days.  He  was  born  at 
Londonderry,  August  28,  1728 ; 
was  taken  prisoner  by  the  Indians, 
while  hunting  near  Baker’s  river, 
in  Rumney,  April  28,  1752.  In 
1775,  he  was  appointed  a colonel  of 
one  of  the  three  regiments  raised 
in  New  Hampshire  ; was  engaged 
on  the  heights  of  Charlestown,  June 
17, 1775  ; was  at  the  battle  of  Tren- 
ton, in  1776 ; captured  Col.  Baum 
and  1,000  of  the  British  at  Benning- 
ton, August  16,  1777.  This  event, 
in  the  language  of  president  Jeffer- 
son, was  “ the  first  link  in  the  chain 
of  successes  which  issued  in  the 
surrender  of  Saratoga.”  He  was 
soon  after  appointed  a brigadier- 
general  of  the  United  States  army, 
and,  at  the  time  of  his  death,  was 
the  only  surviving  American  gen- 
eral officer  of  the  revolution.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  887. 

Manchester,  Vt. 

Bennington  co.  One  of  the 
county  towns.  Situated  between 
the  Green  mountains  on  the  E.,  and 
Equinox  mountain  on  the  W.  The 
latter  is  3,706  feet  above  the  sea. 
There  are  two  neat  villages  in  this 
valley ; the  county  buildings  are 
in  the  south  village.  The  scene- 
ry here  is  very  beautiful.  The 
town  is  watered  by  the  Battenkill 
and  its  branches,  and  affords  good 
mill  sites.  The  soil  along  the  wa- 
ter courses  is  good,  but  the  princi- 
pal part  of  the  town  is  better  for 
grazing  than  tillage.  Here  are 
large  quarries  of  beautiful  marble, 
some  manufactures,  a curious  cav- 
ern, and  about  6,000  sheep.  Man- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Chester  lies  22  miles  N.  by  E.  from 
Bennington,  and  about  40  W.  from 
Bellows  Falls,  across  the  moun- 
tains. First  settled,  1764.  Popu- 
lation, 1S30,  1,525. 

Manchester,  Mass. 

Essex  co.  This  is  a flourishing 
fishing  town  on  Massachusetts  bay, 
26  miles  N.  E.  from  Boston,  and  5 
S.  W.  from  Gloucester.  It  was 
taken  from  Salem  in  1645.  Popu- 
lation, 1837,  1,346.  There  are  a 
number  of  vessels  belonging  to  the 
town  employed  in  the  fishing  and 
coasting  business.  The  value  of 
the  fishery,  the  year  ending  April 
1,  1837,  amounted  to  $12,800.  The 
value  of  the  articles  manufactur- 
ed was  $96,473.  Those  articles 
consisted  of  vessels,  hoots,  shoes, 
leather,  chairs,  cabinet  ware,  palm- 
leaf  hats,  and  ships’  wheels.  The 
village  is  very  pleasant,  and  com- 
mands fine  prospects.  Although 
Manchester  is  a rocky,  rough 
township,  it  can  boast  a rare  native 
production  in  this  climate, — the 
magnolia,  a beautiful  flowerirg 
tree. 

Manchester,  Ct. 

Hartford  co.  An  important  man- 
ufacturing town  on  the  Hockanum, 
a valuable  mill  stream,  10  miles  E. 
from  Hartford.  The  first  cotton 
mill  in  this  state  was  built  here  in 
1794.  There  are  three  pleasant 
villages,  six  or  seven  paper  mills, 
two  powder  mills,  woolen  and  other 
manufactures.  The  face  of  the 
town  is  uneven,  but  the  soil,  a sandy 
and  gravelly  loam,  is  quite  produc- 
tive. It  was  called  Orford,  a par- 
ish in  East  Hartford,  until  its  incor- 
poration, in  1823.  Population, 
1830,  1,576. 

Manhegin  Island,  Me. 

This  island  lies  off  Muscongus 
bay,  Lincoln  couijty.  There  is  a 
light-house  on  it,  the  tower  of  which 
is  30  feet  high.  It  bears  S.  from 
. 20* 


the  mouth  of  St.  George’s  river, 
about  12  miles. 

Mansfield,  Vt. 

Lamoille  co.  There  is  some 
good  land  in  this  town,  on  Brown’s 
river  and  the  branches  of  Water- 
bury  river,  but  in  general  it  is  too 
mountainous  even  for  grazing.  It 
lies  20  miles  N.  W.  from  Montpe- 
lier, 20  E.  by  N.  from  Burlington, 
and  13  S.  W.  from  Hyde  Park. — 
Population,  1830,  279.  First  set- 
tled, 1799. 

Mansfield  Mountains  extend 
through  the  town  of  Mansfield  from 
N.  to  S.  They  belong  to  the  Green 
mountain  range,  and  the  nose  and 
chin,  so  called,  from  their  resem- 
blance to  the  face  of  a man  lying 
on  his  back,  exhibits  some  of  the 
loftiest  summits  in  the  state.  The 
nose  is  3,933  feet  above  tide  water ; 
the  chin,  4,279. 

Mansfield,  Mass. 

Bristol  co.  This  town  lies  26 
miles  S.  S.  W.  from  Boston,  18  N. 
E.  from  Providence,  and  11  N.  N. 
W.  from  Taunton.  It  was  taken 
from  Norton  in  1770,  and  is  watered 
by  several  branches  of  Taunton  riv- 
er. The  soil  is  thin  and  the  sur- 
face level.  Population,  1837,1,444. 
There  are '6  cottou  and  1 woolen 
mills  in  the  town,  and  2 nail  facto- 
ues.  The  manufactures  consist  of 
cotton  and  woolen  goods,  nails, 
straw  bonnets,  palm-leaf  hats,  and 
baskets  : total  annual  amount,  about 
$110,000. 

A mine  of  anthracite  coal  was 
discovered  in  this  town  a few  years 
since,  near  the  Boston  and  Provi- 
dence rail  road,  which  promises  to 
be  of  inestimable  value  to  the  com- 
munity. It  was  discovered  in  dig- 
ging a well.  An  incorporated  com- 
pany has  purchased  the  right  of 
mining  on  that  and  several  adjoin- 
ing farms.  They  sunk  a shaft  which 
struck  a vein  five  feet  in  thickness, 
at  the  depth  of  20  feet,  running  N. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


E.  and  S.W.,  and  dipping  to  the  N. 
W.  52°.  The  shaft  was  continued 
44  feet  further,  to  another  vein, 
which  exceeded  5 feet  in  thickness, 
and  which  afforded  coal  of  a better 
quality  than  that  found  above. — 
Subsequent  operations  have  shown 
that  the  veins  are  numerous,  and 
the  quantity  inexhaustible.  The 
coal  is  of  an  excellent  quality,  more 
easily  broken  than  the  Pennsylvani- 
an, and  has  less  polish  on  its  surface. 

Mansfield,  Ct. 

Tolland  co.  Mansfield,  the  In- 
dian JYawbesetuck , was  taken  from 
Windham  in  1703.  It  lies  27  miles 
E.  from  Hartford,  12  S.  E.  from  Tol- 
land, and  19  N.  N.  W.  from  Nor- 
wich. Population,  1830,  2,661. — 
The  face  of  the  town  is  uneven,  and 
some  of  the  hills  have  considerable 
elevation.  The  town  is  watered  by 
Willimantic  river,  and  the  Nat- 
chaug  and  its  tributaries — Mount 
Hope  and  Fenton. 

A larger  quantity  of  silk  is  man- 
ufactured here  than  in  any  other 
place  in  the  United  States.  This 
branch  of  industry  was  introduced 
into  the  country  by  Dr.  Aspinwall, 
of  this  place,  above  seventy  years 
since,  who  established  the  raising 
of  silk  worms  in  New  Haven,  Long 
Island  and  Philadelphia.  Atthis  pe- 
riod half  an  ounce  of  mulberry  seed 
was  sent  to  every  parish  in  Con- 
necticut, and  the  legislature  for  a 
time  offered  a bounty  on  mulberry 
trees  and  raw  silk : 265  lbs.  were 
raised  in  1793,  and  the  quantity  has 
been  increasing  ever  since.  In 
1830,  3,200  lbs.  were  raised.  Two 
small  silk  factories  have  been  es- 
tablished in  this  town  by  an  English 
manufacturer,  with  swifts  for  wind- 
ing hard  silk  ; 32  spindles  for  doub- 
ling ; seven  dozens  of  spindles  for 
throwing ; 32  spindles  for  soft  silk 
winding  ; and  2 broad  and  one  fringe 
silk  looms.  There  is  machinery 
enough  to  keep  30  broad  silk  looms 
and  fifty  hands  in  operation.  There 


are  in  the  town  two  cotton  factories. 
Screw  augers  and  steelyards  are 
manufactured  here. 

Marblehead,  Mass. 

Essex  co.  This  is  a noted  fishing 
town,  on  a rocky  point  of  land  ex- 
tending into  Massachusetts  bay, 
with  a hardy  and  intrepid  crew  of 
fishermen  and  sailors.  The  harbor 
is  commodious  and  easy  of  access. 
The  quantity  of  fish  exported  from 
this  place  in  1794  amounted  tp 
$184,532.  Since  that  time  the  fish- 
ing business  has  greatly  increased, 
and  this  place  has  now  become  one 
of  the  largest  fishing  ports  on  the 
American  coast.  There  belong  to 
this  place  from  90  to  100  sail  of 
fishing,  coasting  and  merchant  ves- 
sels. Tonnage  of  the  district,  in 
1837,  10,037.  First  settled,  1631. 
Incorporated,  1G49.  Population, 
1837,  5,549.  It  lies  14  miles  N.  E. 
from  Boston,  and  4 S.  E.  from  Sa- 
lem. The  value  of  the  cod  and 
mackerel  fishery  the  year  ending 
April  1,  1837,  was  $153,487  ; em- 
ploying 500  hands.  The  manufac- 
tures of  Marblehead,  the  same 
year,  amounted  to  $398,565.  The 
articles  manufactured  consisted  of 
boots,  shoes,  bar  iron,  chairs,  cabi- 
net and  tin  wares,  vessels,  soap, 
glue,  cards  and  wheels.  This  is  a 
romantic  place  ; nearly  allied  to  its 
neighbor,  Nahant; — only  6 miles 
across  the  bay. 

Margallaway  River,  N.  H., 

Has  its  source  among  the  high- 
lands which  separate  Maine  from 
Lower  Canada,  in  the  N.  E.  ex- 
tremity of  New  Hampshire,  about 
30  miles  N.  from  Errol.  After  a S. 
course  of  nearly  20  miles  on  the 
western  border  of  Maine,  it  enters 
New  Hampshire  at  the  S.  E.  part 
of  the  2d  grant  to  Dartmouth  col- 
lege, where  it  forms  a junction  with 
the  united  streams  of  Dead  and 
Diamond  rivers.  Thence,  after  a S. 
course  of  about  6 miles  to  Errol,  it 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


receives  the  waters  of  Umbagog 
lake.  After  this  junction  the  main 
stream  is  the  Androscoggin  river. 

Maria  ville,  Me. 

Hancock  co.  This  is  a townsnip 
of  good  land,  finely  located  on  the 
E.  side  of  Union  river,  8 miles  N.  by 
E.  from  Ellsworth,  and  89  E.  N.  E. 
from  Augusta.  This  town  has  an 
extensive  water  power  and  many 
saw  mills.  It  was  incorporated  in 
1836.  Population,  1837,  257. 

Marion,  Me. 

Washington  co.  This  township 
is  bounded  E.  by  Edmonds,  and  S. 
by  Whiting.  Population,  245. — 
Incorporated,  1834.  See  “ Down 
East.” 

Marlborough,  ?I.  II., 

Cheshire  co.,  is  bounded  N.'by 
Roxbury,  E.  by  Dublin  and  Jaffrey, 
S.  by  Troy,  W.  by  Swanzey  and 
part  of  Keene.  It  is  6 miles  S.  E. 
from  Keene,  and  55  S.  W.  from 
Concord.  There  are  several  ponds 
which  are  the  sources  of  some  of 
the  branches  of  Ashuelot  river. — 
The  soil  is  rocky,  but  good  for  graz- 
ing. Marlborough  was  granted, 
1751.  The  first  settlement  com- 
menced about  1760.  Incorporated 
Dec.  13,  1776.  Population,  in  1830, 
822. 

Marlborough,  Vt. 

Windham  co.  First  settled,  1763. 
It  lies  8 miles  S.  from  New  fane, 
and  24  E.  from  Bennington.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,,  1,218.  Mrs.  Whitte- 
more,  the  wife  of  one  of  the  first 
settlers,  spent  the  winter  of  1764-5 
in  this  then  wilderness,  alone,  her 
husband  being  absent  in  the  pursuit 
of  his  calling,  as  a tinker.  During 
this  winter  she  saw  no  human  be- 
ing, except  her  little  daughter  and 
some  hunters  who  happened  acci- 
dentally to  pass  that  way.  She  cut 
down  timber  and  furnished  browse 
for  their  cattle,  and  thus  kept  them 
alive  through  the  winter.  Mrs.  W. 


was  very  useful  to  the  settlers,  both 
as  a nurse  and  a midwife.  She  pos- 
sessed a vigorous  constitution,  and 
frequently  travelled  through  the 
woods  upon  snow  shoes  from  one 
part  of  the  town  to  another,  both  by 
night  and  day,  to  relieve  the  dis- 
tressed. She  lived  to  the  age  of  87 
years,  officiated  as  midwife  at  more 
than  2,000  births,  and  never  lost  a 
patient. 

The  town  is  well  watered  by  the 
W.  branch  of  West  river,  Whet- 
stone brook,  and  Green  river.  It 
has  a good  soil,  and  is  very  produc- 
tive in  wheat,  rye,  and  other  grain, 
fruit  and  potatoes.  Here  is  a pleas- 
ant village,  several  fine  trout  ponds, 
various  kinds  of  minerals  and  me- 
dicinal springs.  Marlborough  suf- 
fered some  by  the  Indians,  and  did 
much  for  the  cause  of  independ- 
ence. 

Marlborough,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  This  is  a large 
farming  town,  with  a soil  of  great 
fertility  and  undulating  surface. — 
The  inhabitants  are  principally  de- 
voted to  agricultural  pursuits,  and 
by  their  industry  and  skill,  have  ac- 
quired a great  degree  of  independ- 
ence. Among  the  productions  of 
the  town,  are  fat  cattle,  pork,  fruit, 
and  all  the  varieties  of  the  dairy  ; a 
large  amount  of  which  is  annually 
sent  to  Boston  market.  A branch 
o£^  Concord  river,  and  a number  of 
beautiful  ponds,  water  the  town. — 
The  manufactures  consist  of  boots, 
shoes,  straw  bonnets,  leather,  chairs 
and  cabinet  ware  : annual  amount,, 
about  $75,000.  Marlborough,  the 
Indian  Okamakamesit,  was  first 
settled  in  1654.  It  was  taken  from 
Sudbury  in  1660  ; it  suffered  much 
during  the  Indian  wars,  and  was 
for  many  years  the  residence  of  a 
number  of  Indians  who  had  em- 
braced the  Christian  religion.  The 
villages  are  very  pleasant : the 

richness  of  the  soil,  and  surround- 
ing scenery  ; its  excellent  roads  and 
convenient  access  to  Boston  by  the 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


rail  road,  renders  Marlborough  a 
desirable  residence.  It  is  2S  miles 
W.  from  Boston,  14  S.  W.  from  Con- 
cord, and  16  E.  from  Worcester. — 
Population,  1837,  2,089. 

Marlborough.  Ct. 

Hartford  co.  Marlborough  was 
taken  from  three  towns  which  be- 
longed to  three  different  counties, 
in  1803.  It  lies  14  miles  S.  E. 
from  Hartford.  The  surface  of  the 
town  is  hilly  and  stony,  and  the 
lands  best  adapted  for  grazing.  It 
has  a cotton  factory,  a bed  of  black 
lead,  and  a good  fish  pond.  Dark 
hollow,  in  the  western  part  of  the 
town,  presents  some  wild  scenery 
of  more  terror  than  beauty.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  704. 

Marlow,  N.  H. 

Cheshire  co.  It  is  15  miles  N. 
from  Keene,  and  45  W.  by  S.  from 
Concord.  Ashuelot  river  passes 
through  almost  the  whole  length  of 
the  town.  There  are  no  ponds  of 
note,  nor  any  mountains.  Marlow 
was  chartered,  1761.  Population, 
1830,  645. 

Marshfield,  Vt. 

Washington  co.  This  town,  con- 
taining 23,040  acres,  was  granted 
to  the  Stockbridge  Indians  in  1782, 
and  sold  by  them  to  Isaac  Marsh, 
in  1789,  for  £140.  A part  of  the 
soil  is  good  and  a part  wet  and  stony. 
The  town  produces  considerable 
wool,  and  some  cattle  are  reared 
for  market.  It  has  a pleasant  pond, 
and  Onion  river  passes  through  it. 
It  lies  12  miles  N.  E.  from  Mont- 
pelier. First  settled,  1790.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  1,271. 

Marshfield,  Mass. 

Plymouth  co.  A pleasant  town 
on  Massachusetts  bay,  25  miles  S. 
E.  from  Boston,  and  15  N.  by  W. 
from  Plymouth.  It  is  watered  by 
North  and  South  rivers,  has  a toler- 
able harbor,  and  some  navigation. 
Ship  building  is  an  important  branch 


of  business  in  the  town.  Here  are 
two  cotton  mills,  an  air  and  cupola 
furnace,  a nail  factory,  and  manu- 
factures of  cotton  and  satinet  warp. 

Peregrine  White,  the  first  Eng- 
lish child  born  in  New  England, 
died  here  in  1704,  aged  83.  Incor- 
porated, 1640.  Population,  1837, 
1,660. 

Mars  Hill,  Me. 

This  celebrated  mountain  is  situ- 
ated about  a mile  west  from  the  east 
boundary  of  the  United  States; — 
200  miles  N.  N.  E.  from  Augusta, 
and  80  N.  W.  from  Frederickton, 
New  Brunswick. 

The  British  Queen  seems  desir- 
ous of  annexing  this  portion  of  the 
territory  of  the  United  States  to 
her  wide  and  fair  possessions.  This 
notion  of  the  pretty  maiden  is  alto- 
gether preposterous  : when  she  has 
maturely  considered  the  treaty  made 
by  her  grandfather  and  the  United 
States,  at  Paris,  in  1783,  we  trust 
her  good  sense  will  deter  her  from 
urging  the  claim. 

The  approach  to  this  mountain  is 
difficult : its  sides  are  rugged,  and 
its  summit  bold.  It  has  two  spurs ; 
one  of  which  is  1,506,  the  other 
1,363  feet  above  the  waters  of 
Goosequill  river,  in  New  Bruns- 
wick. 

Marslipee,  Mass. 

Barnstable  co.  An  ancient  In- 
dian territory,  and  an  incorporated 
district  of  10,500  acres,  or  about  16 
square  miles.  It  lies  12  miles  S. 
E.  from  Barnstable,  8 S.  S.  E.  from 
Sandwich,  and  8 E.  from  Falmouth. 
It  is  bounded  on  the  S.  by  the  ocean. 
There  are  350  colored  inhabitants 
on  this  territory,  and  some  whites. 
There  now  remain  only  seven  in- 
habitants, of  pure  blood  of  the  fath- 
ers of  the  forest.  Their  land  is 
good  for  grain  of  all  sorts,  and  is 
well  wooded.  The  territory  is  pleas- 
ant, and  some  parts  of  it  afford  beau- 
tiful scenery.  The  Marshpee  and 
Quashmet  are  considerable  streams, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


which,  with  numerous  ponds  and 
the  ocean,  afford  an  abundant  sup- 
ply of  fish  of  various  kinds.  These 
people  lire  by  agricultural  pursuits, 
the  manufacture  of  various  articles 
of  Indian  ware,  by  the  sale  of  then- 
wood,  and  by  fishing,  fowling,  and 
taking  deer.  They  are  docile  and 
hospitable ; they  appear  to  relish 
moral  and  religious  instruction  ; and, 
under  the  superintendence  of  a hu- 
mane and  intelligent  commissioner, 
appointed  by  the  state,  they  are 
prosperous  and  happy.  This  is  the 
largest  remnant  of  all  the  tribes  of 
red  men  west  of  Penobscot  river, 
who,  218  years  ago,  were  fee  sim- 
ple proprietors  of  the  whole  terri- 
tory of  New  England! 

Martha’s  Vineyard,  Mass. 

The  principal  of  a cluster  of  isl- 
ands lying  off  and  S.  of  Barnstable 
county  and  Buzzard’s  bay,  compris- 
ing the  towns  of  Edgarton,  Tisbu- 
ry  and  Chilmark.  See  Dukes 
county. 

Mason,  N.  II. 

Hillsborough  co.  It  is  15  miles 
6.  W.  from  Amherst,  43  S.  S.  W. 


from  Concord,  and  50  N.  W.  from 
Boston.  The  surface  is  uneven ; 
the  hills  are  chiefly  large  swells, 
with  narrow  valleys  between  them. 
The  streams  are  rapid.  There  are 
no  natural  ponds.  The  principal 
meadows  were  formerly  beaver 
ponds.  Souhegan  is  the  principal 
stream,  affording  many  fine  mill 
seats.  The. small  streams  run  into 
Nashua  river,  and  into  Tanapus,  or 
Potanipo  pond,  in  Brookline.  The 
soil  in  the  E.  part  is  rather  light. 
The  W.  part  is  mostly  a strong  deep 
soil,  red  or  dark  loam,  but  stony. 
It  is  good  for  grass  and  grain.  In 
Mason  village,  on  the  Souhegan, 
are  cotton  and  woolen  manufacto- 
ries, and  other  machinery.  Mason 
was  granted  by  charter,  Aug.  26, 
1768.  It  was  formerly  known  by 
the  name  of  JVd.  1.  The  first  ef- 
fort to  settle  this  place  was  in  1751, 
and  the  next  year  a permanent  set- 
tlement was  made  by  Enoch  Law- 
rence, from  Pepperell,  Mass.  Pop- 
ulation, in  1830,  1,433. 

MassaDesicIt  Pond,  N.  II. 

See  Chester. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


MASSACHUSETTS. 


This  ancient  commonwealth,  the  mother  of  New  England  colonies,  of 
free  states,  and  of  American  liberty,  was  first  permanently  settled  by 
Europeans,  at  Plymouth,  on  the  22d  of  December,  1620. 

The  history  of  this  state  is  deeply  interesting;  it  is  interwoven  with 
every  political  and  moral  event  of  important  occurrence  in  the  settle- 
ment and  progress  of  the  whole  of  North  America,  which  preceded  or 
was  connected  with  the  revolution  of  1775. 

The  name  of  this  state  probably  arose  from  the  name  of  a tribe  of  In- 
dians formerly  at  Barnstable  ; or  from  two  Indian  words — Mos  and  We- 
tuset ; the  former  signifying  an  Indian  arrow's  head , the  latter.  Hill. 
It  is  stated  that  the  Sachem  who  governed  in  this  region  about  the  time 
of  the  landing  of  our  forefathers,  lived  on  a hill  in  the  form  of  an  Indian 
arrow’s  head,  a few  miles  south  of  Boston,  and  was  called  by  the  Indians 
— Mostvetuset. 

Massachusetts  is  bounded  east,  southeast,  and  south  by  the  Atlantic 
ocean.  It  ha3,  exclusive  of  the  island  counties  of  Dukes  and  Nantuck- 
et, a sea-coast  of  about  250  miles.  It  is  bounded  south  and  west  by  the 
state  of  Rhode  Island,  about  68  miles ; south  by  the  state  of  Connecticut, 
87  miles ; west  by  the  state  of  New  York,  50  miles ; north  by  the  state  of 
Vermont,  42  miles;  and  north  by  the  state  of  New  Hampshire, 87  miles. 
It  lies  between  41°  31',  and  42°  53'  N.  lat.,  and  69°  48',  and  73°  17'  W.  Ion. 
from  Greenwich.  Its  area  is  about  7,800  square  miles,  or  4,992,000  acres. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


The  state  comprises  14  counties,  to  wit : Barnstable,  Berkshire,  Bris- 
tol, Dukes,  Essex,  Franklin,  Hampden,  Hampshire,  Middlesex,  Norfolk, 
Nantucket,  Plymouth,  Suffolk,  and  Worcester. 

The  legislative  power  of  this  State  is  vested  in  a Senate  and  House  of 
Representatives.  The  Senate  consists  of  40  members,  and  are  chosen 
by  districts. 

The  executive  power  is  vested  in  a Governor,  Lieutenant  Governor, 
and  a Council  of  9 members.  The  Council  is  elected  b y the  joint  ballot 
of  the  Senators  and  Representatives,  from  the  Senators ; and  in  case  the 
Council  thus  elected  or  any  of  them  decline,  the  deficiency  is  supplied 
from  among  the  people. 

By  the  Constitution  as  amended  in  1837,  each  town  or  city,  having  300 
ratable  polls,  at  the  last  preceding  decennial  census  of  polls,  may  elect 
one  representative ; and  for  every  450  ratable  polls,  in  addition  to  the 
first  300,  one  representative  more. 

Any  town  having  less  than  300  ratable  polls,  shall  be  represented 
thus : — The  whole  number  of  ratable  polls,  at  the  last  preceding  valua- 
tion census  of  polls,  shall  be  multiplied  by  10,  and  the  product  divided  by 
300,  and  such  town  may  elect  one  representative,  as  many  years  within 
ten  years,  as  300  is  contained  in  the  product  aforesaid. 

Any  city  or  town,  having  ratable  polls  enough  to  elect  one  or  more 
representatives,  with  any  number  of  polls  beyond  the  necessary  number, 
may  be  represented  as  to  that  surplus  number,  by  multiplying  such  sur- 
plus number  by  10,  and  dividing  the  product  by  450;  and  such  city  or 
town  may  elect  one  additional  representative,” as  many  years  within  the 
ten  years,  as  450  is  contained  in  the  product  aforesaid. 

Representation. 

Number  of  Representatives  to  which  each  town  is  entitled  for\Q  years, 

from  1837,  according  to  the  Constitution,  as  amended  in  1837. 


The  column  in  the  following  table  marked  tenths,  shows  how  many  years  in  10 
the  respective  towns  are  entitled  to  an  additional  Representative. 


Towns. 

| Tenths. 

Toums. 

| Repre. 

Tenths. 

Towns. 

Repre. 

Tenths. 

Barnstable. 

Provincetown, 

1 

8 

Alford, 

4 

Barnstable, 

2 

7 

Sandwich, 

2 

4 

Becket, 

8 

Brewster, 

1 

1 

Truro, 

1 

4 

Cheshire, 

7 

Chatham, 

1 

6 

Wellfleet, 

1 

6 

Clarksburgh, 

3 

Dennis, 

1 

9 

Yarmouth, 

1 

8 

Dalton, 

7 

Eastham, 

8 

— 

Egremont, 

8 

Falmouth, 

1 

8 

14 

81 

Florida, 

3 

iHarwich, 

1 

8 

Berkshire. 

G.  Barrington, 

1 

6 

jOrleans, 

1 

4 

Adams, 

2 

6 

Hancock, 

1 

NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Tovons. 

X. 

Towns. 

cu 

V. 

& 

«© 

! 

Towns. 

i 

1 

£ 

gV 

m 

Hinsdale, 

7 

Danvers, 

3 

5 

Chester, 

i 

1 

Lanesborough, 

1 

Essex, 

Georgetown, 

1 

1 

Granville, 

i 

2 

Lee, 

1 

5 

Holland, 

4 

Lenox, 

1 

Gloucester, 

6 

Longmeadow, 

i 

M’t.  Washington, 

3 

Hamilton, 

C 

Ludlow-, 

9 

New  Ashford, 

9 

Haverhill, 

3 

4 

Monson, 

i 

3 

New  Marlboro’ 

1 

1 

Ipswich, 

2 

Montgomery, 

i 

4 

Otis, 

9 

Lynn, 

6 

2 

Palmer, 

3 

Peru, 

6 

Lynnfield, 

5 

Russell, 

5 

Pittsfield, 

■ 2 

4 

Manchester, 

1 

2 

Southw-ick, 

i 

1 

Richmond, 

7 

Marblehead, 

3 

5 

Springfield, 

5 

"7 

Sandisfield, 

1 

2 

Methuen, 

1 

9 

Tolland, 

5 

Savoy, 

7 

Middleton, 

6 

Wales, 

6 

Sheffield, 

1 

6 

Newbury, 

2 

4 

Westfield, 

W.  Springfield, 

2 

1 

Stock  bridge, 

1 

5 

Newburyport, 

3 

9 

2 

2 

Tyringham, 

1 

Rowley, 

2 

Wilbraham, 

1 

b 

Washington, 

W.  Stockbridge, 

6 

Salem, 

8 

5 

— 

— 

1 

1 

Salisbury, 

1 

9 

18 

60 

Williamstown, 

1 

4 

Saugus, 

1 

Windsor, 

7 

Topsfield, 

1 

Hampshire. 

16 

134 

Wenham, 

West  Newbury, 

1 

7 

3 

Amherst, 

Belchertown, 

1 

1 

o 

Bristol. 

' — 

— 

Chesterfield, 

7 

Attleborough, 

2 

1 

53 

116 

Cummington, 

1 

Berkley. 

8 

Franklin. 

Easthampton, 

5 

Dartmouth, 

2 

41 

Ashtield, 

1 

3 

Enfield, 

1 

Dighton, 

1 

Bernardston, 

7 

Goshen, 

5 

Easton, 

1 

5 

Buckland, 

8* 

Granby, 

8 

Fairhaven, 

2 

6 

Charlemont, 

9 

Greenwich, 

7 

F all  River, 

3 

6 

Cpleraine, 

1 

4 

Hadley, 

1 

4 

Freetown, 

Mansfield, 

1 

4 

Conway, 

I 

1 

Hatfield, 

8 

1 

I 

Deerfield, 

1 

4 

Middlefield, 

Northampton, 

6 

New  Bedford, 

9 

Erving, 

2 

4 

]\  orton, 

1 

2 

Gill, 

5 

Norwich, 

5 

Pawtucket, 

1 

5 

Greenfield, 

1 

3 

Pelham, 

7 

Raynham, 

Rehoboth, 

1 

2 

Hawley, 

9 

Plainfield, 

7 

1 

5 

Heath, 

6 

Prescott, 

6 

Seekonk, 

1 

5 

Leverett, 

7 

S.  Hadley, 

1 

1 

Somerset, 

9 

Leyden, 

5 

Southampton, 

1 

Swanzey, 

1 

2 

Monroe, 

1 

Ware, 

] 

6 

Taunton, 

4 

9 

Montague, 

1 

Westhampton, 

7 

Westport, 

1 

3| 

New  Salem, 

1 

Williamsburgh, 

1 

— 

— 

Northfield, 

1 

2 

Worthington, 

9 

33 

81 

Orange, 

1 

2 

— 

— 

Ddkes. 

Rowe, 

6 

11 

117 

Chilmark, 

7 

Shelburne, 

& 

Edgartown, 

1 

4 

jShutesbury, 

7 

Middlesex. 

Tisbury, 

1 

1 

Sunderland, 

, .7 

Acton, 

Ashby, 

9 

— 

1 Warwick, 

8 

] 

2 

\~U 

Wendell, 

7 

Bedford, 

8 

Essex. 

J Whalely, 

9 

Billerica, 

1 

1 

Amesbury, 

1 

8 

— 

— 

Boxborough, 

3 

Andover, 

3 

2 

1 

9 

128 

Brighton, 

1 

2 

Beverly, 

3 

Hamtden. 

Burlington, 

5 

Boxford,  1 

8 

jBlanford, 

1 

1 

Cambridge, 

5 

Bradford,  | 1 

5 

|Brimfield, 

1 

1 

Carlisle, 

5 

NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER, 


Towns. 

GO 

£ 

Towns. 

Towns. 

- 

£ 

c 

£ 

os 

£ 

£ 

Charlestown, 

6 

3 

Milton, 

1 

5 

Berlin, 

6 

Chelmsford, 

1 

4 

Needham, 

1 

1 

Bolton, 

1 

Concord, 

1 

4 

| Quincy, 

2 

5 

Boylston, 

7 

Dracut, 

1 

3 

Randolph, 

2 

3 

Brookfield, 

1 

9 

Dunstable, 

5 

Roxbury, 

5 

Charlton, 

2 

3 

F ramingham, 

1 

9 

Sharon, 

9 

Dana, 

5 

Groton, 

1 

5 

Stoughton, 

1 

6 

Douglas, 

1 

3 

Holliston, 

1 

5 

Walpole, 

1 

2 

Dudley, 

1 

2 

Hopkinton, 

1 

7 

Weymouth, 

2 

4 

Fitchburgh, 

1 

9 

Lexington, 

1 

3 

Wrentham, 

1 

8 

Gardner, 

1 

1 

Lincoln, 

6 

— 

— 

Grafton, 

2 

1 

Littleton, 

8 

28 

91 

Hardwick, 

1 

2 

Lowell, 

9 

Harvard, 

1 

2 

Malden, 

1 

9 

Nantucket. 

Holden, 

1 

3 

Marlborough, 

1 

5 

Nantucket, 

6 

Hubbardston, 

1 

4 

Medford, 

1 

7 

Lancaster, 

1 

3 

Natick, 

1 

6 

Leicester, 

1 

6 

Newton, 

2 

2 

Plymouth. 

Leominster, 

1 

4 

Pepperell, 

1 

4 

Abington, 

2 

2 

Lunenburgh, 

9 

Reading, 

1 

8 

Bridgewater, 

1 

6 

Mendon, 

2 

5 

Sherburne, 

1 

|Carver, 

9 

Milford, 

1 

3 

Shirley, 

8 

Duxbury, 

2 

Millbury, 

1 

8 

South  Reading, 

1 

3 

E,  Bridgewater, 

1 

5 

New  Braintree, 

7 

Stoneham, 

1 

Halifax, 

7 

Northborough, 

9 

Stow, 

1 

Hanover, 

1 

1 

Northbridge, 

1 

1 

Sudbury, 

1 

1 

1 Hanson, 

8 

N:  Brookfield, 

1 

3 

Tewksbury, 

7 

Hingham, 

2 

4 

Oakham, 

9 

Townsend, 

1 

2 

Hull, 

1 

Oxford, 

1 

7 

Tyngsborough, 

Waltham, 

1 

8 

6 

Kingston, 

Marshfield, 

1 

1 

1 

2 

Paxton, 

Petersham, 

1 

6 

3 

Watertown, 

1 

4 

iMiddleborough, 

3 

4 

Phillipston, 

8 

Wayland, 

7 

IN.  Bridgewater, 

1 

8 

Princeton, 

1 

W.  Cambridge, 

1 

2 

Pembroke, 

1 

Royalston, 

1 

2 

Westford, 

1 

Plymouth, 

3 

3 

Rutland, 

1 

Weston, 

1 

jPlympton, 

7 

Shrewsbury, 

1 

3 

Wilmington, 

7 

i Rochester, 

2 

3 

Southborough, 

1 

Woburn, 

2 

1 

Scituate, 

2 

6 

Southbridge, 

1 

4 

— 

Wareham, 

1 

7 

Spencer, 

1 

2 

52 

187 

W.  Bridgewater, 

9 

Sterling, 

1 

2 

— 

— 

Sturbridge, 

1 

5 

Norfolk. 

24 

93 

Sutton, 

1 

8 

Bellingham, 

1 

Templeton, 

1 

4 

Braintree, 

1 

8 

Suffolk. 

Upton, 

1 

2 

Brookline, 

1 

Boston, 

56 

6 

Uxbridge, 

1 

7 

Canton, 

1 

7 

Chelsea, 

1 

5 

Warren, 

1 

Cohasset, 

1 

— 

— 

Webster, 

9 

Dedham, 

2 

6 

57 

11 

Westborough, 

1 

3 

Dorchester, 

2 

7 

W.  Boylston, 

1 

1 

Dover, 

4 

Worcester. 

Westminster, 

1 

3 

Foxborough, 

1 

1 

Ashburnham, 

1 

4 

Winchendon, 

1 

3 

Franklin, 

1 

3 

Athol, 

1 

2 

Worcester. 

5 

2 

Medfield, 

7 

Auburn, 

1 

5 



— 

Medway, 

1 

5 

1 Barre, 

1 

9l 

52 

228 

The  whole  number  of  towns  in  the  state  may  send  375  Representatives  every 
year,  without  counting  the  fractions.  The  fractions  give  an  annual  increase, 
on  an  average  of  10  years  of  133  and  9-10ths  ; making  the  average  number  of 
Representatives  for  the  next  10  years,  508  9-10ths. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


The  Governor,  Lieutenant  Governor,  Senators,  and  Representatives, 
are  chosen  annually  by  the  people,  on  the  2d  Monday  of  November,  and 
meet  at  Boston  on  the  1st  Wednesday  of  January. 

The  Judiciary  power  is  vested  in  a Supreme  Court,  a Court  of  Com- 
mon Pleas,  and  such  other  courts  as  the  Legislature  may,  from  time  to 
time,  establish.  The  Judges  are  appointed  by  the  Governor  and  Coun- 
cil, and  hold  their  offices  during  good  behavior. 

Succession  of  Governors. 

John  Hancock,  1780 — 1784.  James  Bowdoin,  1785,  1786.  John 

Hancock,  1787 — 1793.  Samuel  Adams,  1794 — 1796.  Increase  Sumner, 
1797—1799.  Caleb  Strong,  1800,  1806.  James  Sullivan,  1807,  1808. 
Christopher  Gore,  1809.  Elbridge  Gerry,  1810,  1811.  Caleb  Strong, 
1812 — 1815.  John  Brooks,  1816 — 1822.  William  Eustis,  1823,  1824. 

Levi  Lincoln,  1825 — 1833.  John  Davis,  1834,  1835.  Edward  Everett, 
1835- 

Succession  of  Chief  Justices  of  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court. 

William  Cushing,  1776 — 1789.  Nathaniel  Peaslee  Sargent,  1789 — 
1791.  Francis  Dana,  1791 — 1806.  Theophilus  Parsons,  1806 — 1814. 
Samuel  Sewall,  1814.  Isaac  Parker,  1814 — 1830.  Lemuel  Shaw, 

1830— 

The  foundation  of  a school  fund  was  laid  by  legislative  enactment,  in 
1834,  by  appropriating  “ all  moneys  remaining  in  the  treasury  on  the  1st 
day  of  January,  1835,  arising  from  the  sale  of  public  lands,  and  from  pay- 
ments made  to  this  commonwealth  by  the  United  States,  on  account  of  the 
claim  for  military  services  and  disbursements  during  the  late  war,  to- 
gether with  one  half  of  all  future  proceeds  of  the  sales  of  public  lands, 
as  a permanent  fund  for  the  encouragement  and  support  of  common 
schools,  which  fund  is  never  to  exceed  one  million  of  dollars.” 

A trigonometrical  and  astronomical  survey  of  the  state,  by  order  of  the 
general  court,  for  the  purpose  of  a new  map,  was  commenced  in  1830, 
and  will  soon  be  completed.  Surveys  of  the  mineralogy,  botany,  zoolo- 
gy, and  agriculture  of  the  state  have  been  commenced ; some  favorable 
reports  have  been  made,  and  the  researches  of  scientific  men  are  con- 
tinued, and  promise  great  public  usefulness. 

The  surface  of  the  state  is  generally  undulating.  The  most  level 
parts  are  found  in  the  counties  of  Plymouth,  Barnstable,  and  Bristol. 
The  Green  and  Taughkannic  ranges  of  mountains  pass  through  the  west- 
ern counties,  but  in  few  places  are  they  remarkable  for  their  elevation. 

The  soil  of  the  state  is  well  adapted  to  the  growth  of  all  the  grasses, 
grains,  fruits  and  vegetables  common  to  a temperate  climate.  In  no  part 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


of  our  country  is  agriculture  more  honored,  or  better  understood  and  re- 
warded. 

The  resources  of  Massachusetts  in  its  commerce,  navigation,  manufac- 
tures and  fisheries  are  immense : they  are  stated  under  the  counties  and 
towns,  and  will  be  given  summarily,  with  other  statistics  of  New  Eng- 
land, in  the  Register. 

Although  Massachusetts  cannot  boast  of  her  navigable  rivers  and  ca- 
nals, to  facilitate  the  commerce  of  her  capital ; yet  she  can  boast  of  the 
most  beautiful  hay  on  the  map  of  the  western  world ; of  her  noble 
streams  for  water  power;  of  her  luxuriant  vales,  of  her  granite  hills,  of 
her  ships,  and  the  material  for  building  them ; and  of  her  gallant  sailors 
who  traverse  every  sea,  and  who  well  understand  the  uses  of  the  hook, 
harpoon  and  cannon. 


Massachusetts  Bay. 

The  whole  of  this  bay  is  within 
the  limits  of  Massachusetts.  The 
exterior  bounds  of  this  celebrated 
bay  are  Capes  Cod  and  Ann.  The 
former  is  in  N.  lat.  42°  6',  and  W. 
long.  70°  7'.  The  latter  in  N.  lat. 
42°  45',  and  W.  Ion.  70°  17'.  Cape 
Ann  bears  from  Cape  Cod,  N.  N. 
W.,  about  40  miles. 

The  length  of  this  bay  is  about 
G2  miles,  from  N.  W.  to  S.  E. : its 
breadth  is  about  25  miles.  Numer- 
ous bays  and  rivers  of  various  sizes 
set  in  from  this  bay,  and  its  whole 
coast  is  lined  with  commodious 
harbors,  and  pleasant  ' commercial 
towns. 

This  bay  is  noted  for  its  delight- 
ful scenery,  and  as  containing  the 
first  settlements  of  the  Pilgrim 
Fathers  of  New  England. 

Matawamkeag  River,  Me. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  important 
tributaries  to  the  Penobscot.  It 
unites  with  that  river  at  the  Indian 
township  from  the  E.,  about  60  miles 
N.  by  E.  above  Bangor. 

Matawamkeag  Plantation,  on 
this  river,  lies  128  miles  N.  E.  from 
Augusta. 

Matiuicus  Islands,  Me. 

A cluster  of  islands  at  the  en- 


trance of  Penobscot  bay.  The 
principal,  or  Marshall’s  island,  is  a 
plantation  attached  to  the  county  of 
Hancock.  The  light  on  Matinicus 
bears  about  S.  by  E.  from  Thomas- 
ton,  15  miles. 

Maxiielil,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  This  town  was 
incorporated  in  1824.  It  is  water- 
ed by  Piscataquis  river  and  Seboois 
stream.  It  lies  111  miles  N.  N.  W. 
from  Augusta,  and  25  E.  by  N. 
from  Dover.  Population,  1837,  215. 
Wheat  crop,  same  year,  1,304  bush- 
els. 

Mayfield,  Me. 

— Somerset  co.  On  the  E.  side  of 
Kennebec  river  and  about  10  miles 
from  it.  It  is  58  miles  N.  from 
Augusta,  and  about  29  N.  by  E. 
from  Norridgewock.  Incorporated, 

1836.  Population,  1837,  224. 

Medfield,  Mass. 

Norfolk  co.  This  town  is  water- 
ed by  Charles  and  Stop  rivers.  It 
is  17  miles  S.  S.  W.  from  Boston, 
and  8 S.  by  W.  from  Dedham. 

During  the  year  ending  April  1,  * 

1837,  there  were  manufactured  at 
Medfield,  124,000  straw  bonnets, 
the  value  of  which  was  $135,000. 
There  are  also  manufactures  of 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


boots,  shoes,  leather,  cutlery,  and 
brushes.  Medfield  was  taken  from 
Dedham,  in  1651. 

During  king  Philip’s  war,  in 
1765,  the  town  was  burnt,  and  ma- 
ny of  the  inhabitants  murdered  by 
the  Narragansets.  Philip  rode  on 
an  elegant  horse,  and  directed  the 
massacre.  Population,  1837,  899. 

Medford,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  This  beautiful 
town  is  situated  at  the  head  of  nav- 
igation on  Mystic  river,  5 miles  N. 
W.  from  Boston,  and  14  E.by  S.  from 
Concord.  The  Boston  and  Lowell 
rail-road,  and  Middlesex  canal  pass 
through  the  town.  The  finest  ships 
that  float  on  the  ocean,  are  built 
here  : during  the  five  years  preced- 
ing April  1,  1837,  sixty  vessels 
were  built,  the  tonnage  of  which 
was  24,195  tons  : value  $1,112,970. 
There  are  also  manufactures  of 
leather,  spirits,  linseed  oil,  bricks, 
boots,  shoes,  ploughs,  hats  and  hat 
bodies.  The  soil  of  the  town  is 
very  fertile,  and  in  a high  state  of 
cultivation.  The  business  of  the 
town  is  much  associated  with  the 
city,  and  many  delightful  country 
seats  are  scattered  over  and  deco- 
rate the  grounds  improved  as  a farm 
by  Governor  Winthrop  in  1633. 

Winter  Hill,  memorable  as  the 
place  of  encampment  of  General 
Burgoyne  and  his  army,  after  their 
capture  at  Saratoga,  is  in  this  town. 
It  is  125  feet  above  tide  water,  and 
presents  a view  of  great  extent  and 
beauty.  Medford  was  incorporated 
in  1630.  Population,  1830,  1,755  ; 
1837,  2,072. 

In  the  old  burying  ground,  a beau- 
tiful granite  monument  is  erected, 
bearing  the  following  inscription  : 

Sacred  to  the  memory  of 
JOHN  BROOKS, 

Who  was  born  in  Medford,  in  the 
month  of  May,  1752,  and  educated  at 
the  Town  School.  He  took  up  arms 
for  his  country  on  the  19th  April, 
1775.  He  commanded  the  regiment 
which  first  entered  the  enemy's  lines 


at  Saratoga,  and  served  with  honor  to 
the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  ap- 
pointed Marshal  of  the  District  of 
Massachusetts  by  President  Washing- 
ton, and  after  filling  several  important 
civil  and  military  offices,  he  was  in  the 
year  1816,  chosen  Governor  of  the 
Commonwealth ; and  discharged  the 
duties  of  that  station  for  seven  suc- 
cessive years,  to  general  acceptance. 
He  was  a kind  and  skilful  physician,  a 
brave  and  prudent  officer,  a wise,  firm, 
and  impartial  magistrate,  a true  patri- 
ot, a good  citizen,  and  a faithful  friend. 
In  manners  he  was  a gentleman,  in 
morals  pure,  and  in  profession  and 
practice  a consistant  Christian.  He 
departed  this  life  in  peace  on  the  first  of 
March,  1825,  aged  73.  This  monu- 
ment to  his  honored  memory  was 
erected  by  several  of  his  fellew  citi- 
zens and  friends  in  the  year  1838. 

Medway,  Mass. 

Norfolk  co.  Medway  was  taken 
from  Medfield,  in  1713.  Charles 
river  affords  this  town  an  excellent 
water  power.  There  are  6 cotton, 
and  2 woolen  mills  in  the  town,  2 
cotton  wadding  factories,  and  a bell 
foundry.  The  manufactures  of  cot- 
ton and  woolen  goods,  boots,  shoes, 
scythes,  chairs,  cabinet  ware, 
ploughs,  cotton  wadding,  and  straw 
bonnets,  the  year  ending  April  1, 
1837,  amounted  to  $330,630.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  2,050.  Medway  lies 
22  miles  S.  W.  from  Boston,  and  12 
S.  W.  from  Dedham. 

Megunticook  River  and  Pond. 

This  river  rises  in  a pond  of  the 
same  name,  in  Lincolnville,  Waldo 
county.  The  pond  is  about  9 miles 
in  length,  crooked  and  very  hand- 
some. It  affords  an  excellent  mill 
stream,  which  falls  into  Penobscot 
bay  at  Camden. 

Memphremagog  Lake,  Vt. 

This  lake  is  about  30  miles  in 
length,  and  two  or  three  miles  in 
width.  About  seven  miles  of  it  lies 
in  the  county  of  Orleans,  the  resi- 
due in  Canada.  It  receives  the  wa- 
ters of  Barton,  Black,  Clyde  and 
other  smaller  streams  in  Vermont, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


and  discharges  into  the  St.  Francis, 
in  Canada.  On  an  island  in  this 
lake  is  a quarry  of  Novaculite,  or 
the  “ Magog  Oil  Stone.”  This  ma- 
terial is  transported  and  manufac- 
tured. See  Burke , Vt. 

Menan  Islands. 

Grand  Menan  belongs  to  the 
British,  and  lies  off  the  mouth  of 
St.  Croix  river,  and  Passamaquoddy 
bay.  It  is  16  miles  in  length,  and 
its  average  breadth  is  about  5.  On 
the  south  side  are  a number  of  isl- 
ands, and  several  small  harbors. 
The  inhabitants  are  principally  fish- 
ermen. 

Little  Menan,  or  “Petit  Menan,” 
in  Washington  county,  Me.  lies  off 
the  harbors  of  Goldsborough  and 
Steuben.  It  has  a light  house,  with 
a tower  25  feet  in  height.  It  lies 
about  3 miles  S.  S.  E.  from  Golds- 
borough harbor. 

Hendon,  Vt. 

Rutland  co.  This  was  formerly 
called  Parkerstown,and  lies  47  miles 
S.  S.  W.  from  Montpelier,  and  8 E. 
from  Rutland.  There  is  some  good 
land  in  the  town,  but  it  is  generally 
too  high  up  the  Green  mountains  for 
cultivation.  Population,  1830, 432. 

Mendon,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  The  Indian  name 
of  this  town  was  Quanshipauge. 
It  was  first  settled  by  people  from 
Roxbury,  about  the  year  1647.  In- 
corporated, 1667.  Mendon  is  a 
township  of  variegated  surface,  ex- 
cellent soil,  and  in  a good  state  of 
cultivation.  The  products  of  the 
dairy  are  large  and  valuable. — 
Blackstone  river  and  canal  pass  its 
southwestern  border,  and  Mill  river 
traverses  its  whole  extent.  These 
streams  afford  an  excellent  hydrau- 
lic power.  There  are  8 cotton  and 
4 woolen  mills  in  the  town,  and 
manufactures  of  boots,  shoes,  iron 
castings,  scythes,  ploughs,  straw 
bonnets,  palm-leaf  hats,  machinery, 
wagons  and  harnesses ; total  value, 
21* 


the  year  ending  April  1,  1837, — 
$629,282.  This  very  pleasant  and 
flourishing  town  lies  32  miles  S.  W. 
from  Boston,  18  S.  E.  from  Worces- 
ter, and  22  N.  from  Providence. 
Population, 1830,  3,153;  1837,3,657. 

Mercer,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  Mercer  has  a fine 
soil,  and  is  watered  by  a beautiful 
pond.  It  lies  32  miles  N.  N.  W. 
from  Augusta,  and  6 S.  W.  from 
Norridgewock.  Incorporated,  1804. 
The  village  near  the  pond  is  beau 
tifully  located.  Wheat  crop,  1837, 
6,868  bushels.  Population,  same 
year,  1,525. 

Meredith,  N.  II., 

Strafford  co.,  is  bounded  N.  by 
Centre  Harbor  and  Winnepisiogee 
lake,  N.  E.  and  E.  by  said  lake  and 
river,  S.  E.  by  Great  bay,  S.  and  S. 
W.  by  Sanbornton,  W.  and  N.  W.  by 
New  Hampton  and  Centre  Harbor. 
This  town  was  incorporated,  in 
1767,  and  was  first  called  New  Sa- 
lem. It  lies  29  miles  N.  from  Con- 
cord, and  8 N.  W.  from  Gilford. 
There  is  in  this  town  a pond  adjoin- 
ing Centre  Harbor,  about  2 miles 
long  and  one  wide,  emptying  into 
the  lake,  near  the  village;  be- 
sides this  there  are  several  smaller 
ponds.  There  is  probably  no  town 
in  the  country  more  pleasantly  and 
advantageously  situated,  or  of  a bet- 
ter soil,  than  Meredith.  The  wa- 
fers of  the  Winnepisiogee  washing 
the  boundaries  of  a great  part  of  the 
town,  convey  many  heavy  mercan- 
tile articles  to  and  from  almost  the 
doors  of  several  of  the  inhabitants 
in  the  summer  ; and  in  the  winter, 
the  ice  serves  as  a level  and  easy 
road.  Near  the  upper  or  N.  W. 
part  of  the  town,  the  traveler  pass- 
ing along  the  road,  is  presented 
with  a very  beautiful  landscape.  On 
the  E.  and  S.  E.  the  placid  Winne- 
pisiogee, the  largest  lake  in  New 
Hampshire,  with  its  numerous  isl- 
ands, arrests  the  eye,  and  bounds 
the  circle  of  vision  in  a S.  E.  di- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


rection.  On  the  N.  E.,  Ossipee 
mountain  rises  boldly  to  view.  On 
the  N.,  the  prospect  is  intercepted 
by  Red  Hill,  a pleasant  and  noted 
eminence  in  Moultonborough,  only 
a few  miles  distant.  At  Meredith 
Bridge  is  a handsome  and  flourish- 
ing village,  and  the  seat  of  much 
business.  Here  are  2 cotton  mills, 
an  extensive  tannery,  oil  mill,  &c., 
in  another  village  are  also  some  im- 
portant manufactures.  The  water 
power  of  Meredith  is  immense. 
It  is  connected  with  the  principal 
village  of  Gilford  by  a bridge  over 
the  Winnepisiogee. 

Hon.  Ebejvezer  Smith,  moved 
into  this  town  at  an  early  period  of 
its  settlement,  and  was  as  a father  to 
the  new  settlers  for  many  years. 
He  died  Aug.  22,  1807,  aged  73. 
Population,  in  1830,  2,683. 

Meriden,  Ct. 

New  Haven  co.  This  hilly  and 
somewhat  mountainous  township 
has,  in  general,  a fertile  soil,  and  is 
watered  by  Quinnepiac  river.  It 
lies  17  miles  S.  E.  from  Hartford, 
and  17  N.  W.  from  New  Haven. 
It  was  formerly  a part  of  Walling- 
ford, and  incorporated  in  1806. — 
Population,  1830,  1,708. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  flourish- 
ing and  enterprising  manufacturing 
towns  in  the  state.  There  is  a con- 
siderable variety  of  manufactures 
here,  forming  the  chief  employment 
of  the  inhabitants.  The  following 
is  a list  of  the  manufactories,  viz  : 

2 for  patent  augers  and  auger  bits, 

3 for  ivory  combs,  6 for  tin  ware,  4 
for  Britannia  ware,  2 iron  foundries, 
1 manufactory  for  coffee  mills,  1 for 
clocks,  1 for  Norfolk  door  latches,  3 
for  block  tin  spoons,  1 for  wood 
combs,  1 for  skates  and  iron  rakes, 
and  1 for  gridirons.  The  value 
of  articles  manufactured  yearly,  has 
been  estimated  from  800,000  to 
1,000,000  of  dollars. 

About  thirty  years  since  a road 
was  constructed  from  the  north- 
western part  of  Meriden  to  Berlin, 


through  a narrow  and  romantic 
glen,  between  two  ridges  of  the 
Blue  mountains;  this  pass,  which 
is  more  than  a mile  in  extent,  is 
called  the  Cat  Hole.  In  some  parts 
of  this  glen  there  is  but  barely  room 
for  a path  ; small  angular  fragments 
of  rocks  rise  on  each  side,  at  about 
an  angle  of  forty  five  degrees : 
these  rocks  have  been  beaten  down 
and  covered  with  earth,  which  must 
have  been  brought  here  for  the 
purpose.  A few  yards  south  of  this 
place,  elevated  perpendicular  rocks 
appear  on  the  left,  one  of  which  has 
very  much  the  appearance  of  a pro- 
file of  the  human  face,  and  it  is 
thought  by  some  to  resemble  in  a 
slight  degree  the  profile  of  Wash- 
ington. Following  the  foot  of  the 
mountain  on  the  right,  for  about  a 
mile,  you  will  find  large  pieces  of 
rocks  lying  upon  each  other  in  great 
disorder,  which  have  evidently  fal- 
len from  the  precipitous  heights 
above.  Underneath  these  rocks  ice 
may  be  found  in  almost  every  month 
in  the  year.  A spring  issues  from 
between  them,  called  the  Cold 
Spring , and  is  a place  of  resort  for 
parties  in  summer. 

Merrimack  River,  Ji.  H., 

One  of  the  principal  rivers  of 
New  England,  is  formed  of  two 
branches.  The  N.  branch  called 
Pemigewasset,  rises  near  the  Notch 
of  the  White  mountains,  and  passes 
southwardly  through  the  corner  of 
Franconia,  Lincoln, Peeling,  Thorn- 
ton and  Campton, forming  the  bound- 
ary between  Plymouth  and  Holder- 
ness,  and  also  the  boundary  line  be- 
tween the  counties  of  Strafford  and 
Grafton  from  the  S.  corner  of  Hol- 
derness  to  near  its  junction  with  the 
Winnepisiogee.  It  receives  several 
considerable  branches  in  its  course; 
Mad  river  in  Campton,  Baker’s  in 
Plymouth ; and  streams  flowing 
from  Squam  and  Newfound  lakes, 
with  numerous  small  tributaries. — 
The  E.  branch  is  the  Winnepisio- 
gee, through  which  pass  the  waters 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


of  the  lake  of  that  name.  The  de- 
scent of  this  branch  from  the  lake  to 
its  junction  with  the  Pemigewasset, 
is  232  feet.  The  confluent  stream 
hears  the  name  of  Merrimack,  and 
pursues  a S.  course,  78  miles,  to 
Chelmsford,  Mass. ; thence  an  E. 
course,  35  miles,  to  the  sea  at  New- 
bury port.  On  the  N.  line  of  Con- 
cord, the  Contoocook  discharges  its 
waters  into  the  Merrimack.  The 
Soucook  becomes  a tributary  in 
Pembroke,  and  the  Suncook  be- 
tween Pembroke  and  Allenstown. 
The  Piscataquog  unites  in  Bedford  ; 
the  Souhegan  in  Merrimack,  and  a 
beautiful  river  called  Nashua  in 
Nashua.  The  principal  tributaries 
are  on  the  W.  side  of  the  river, 
mostly  rising  in  the  highlands  be- 
tween the  Connecticut  and  Merri- 
mack. There  are  numerous  falls 
in  this  river,  the  most  noted  of 
which  are  Garven’s,  in  Concord, 
the  falls  in  Hooksett,  and  Amos- 
keag  in  Goffstown  and  Manchester. 
These  falls  are  all  rendered  passa- 
ble by  locks,  and  boat  navigation 
has  for  several  years  been  extended 
as  far  as  Concord.  There  are  sev- 
eral bridges  over  the  Merrimack, 
and  its  principal  branches,  besides 
a number  of  ferries.  The  Merri- 
mack, whose  fountains  are  nearly 
on  a level  with  the  Connecticut, 
being  much  shorter  in  its  course, 
has  a far  more  rapid  descent  to  the 
sea  than  the  latter  river.  Hence  the 
intervales  on  its  borders  are  less  ex- 
tensive, and  the  scenery  less  beau- 
tiful, than  on  the  Connecticut.  It 
is,  however,  a majestic  river ; its 
waters  are  generally  pure  and  heal- 
thy ; and  on  its  borders  are  situated 
some  of  the  most  flourishing  towns 
in  the  state.  The  name  of  this  riv- 
er was  originally  written  Merra- 
macke  and  Monnomake,  which  in 
the  Indian  language  signified  a 
sturgeon.  Its  width  varies  from  50 
to  120  rods ; and  at  its  mouth  it  pre- 
sents a beautiful  sheet  of  half  a 
mile  in  width. 


Merrimack  County,  Iff.  II. 

Concord  is  the  county  town. 
The  county  of  Merrimack  is  bound- 
ed N.  E.  by  the  county  of  Straf- 
ford, S.  E.  by  the  county  of  Rock- 
ingham, S.  W.  by  the  county  of 
Hillsborough,  and  N.  W.  by  the 
counties  of  Sullivan  and  Grafton. 

Its  greatest  length  is  38  miles ; 
its  breadth  at  the  broadest  part  is 
26  miles.  It  contains  an  area  of 
506,000  acres.  The  surface  is  un- 
even, and  in  some  parts  rugged 
and  mountainous;  but  its  general 
fertility,  is  perhaps  equal  to  either 
of  the  other  counties  in  the  state. 
In  the  towns  of  Hopkinton,  Henni- 
ker,  Boscawen,  Salisbury,  Canter- 
bury, Concord,  &c.,  are  seen  many 
extensive  and  well  cultivated  farms. 
The  northerly  part  of  the  county  is 
rough  and  mountainous.  Kearsarge 
is  the  highest  mountain,  its  summit 
being  2,461  feet  above  the  level  of 
the  sea.  It  is  composed  of  a range 
of  hills,  running  north  and  south 
about  six  miles  ; its  general  aspect 
is  rugged  and  craggy,  excepting 
when  its  roughness  is  shaded  by 
the  woody  covering  that  darkens  its 
sides.  The  Ragged  mountains,  so 
called,  from  their  appearance,  lie 
northeast  of  Kearsarge,  and  be- 
tween Andover  and  Hill.  These 
are  nearly  2,000  feet  high  at  the 
north  points  of  the  range.  Bear’s 
Hill,  in  Northfield,  Sunapee  moun- 
tain, in  Newbury,  Catamount,  in 
Pittsfield,  and  the  peak  in  Hook- 
sett,  are  the  other  most  considerable 
elevations.  A part  of  lake  Suna- 
pee  lies  in  Newbury ; and  there 
are  numerous  ponds  interspersed 
throughout  the  whole  territory. 

The  Merrimack  river  meanders 
through  nearly  the  centre  of  the 
county,  and  forms  the  boundary 
some  distance  at  the  northeastern 
part.  It  receives  from  the  west  the 
Black  water  and  Contoocook  rivers, 
and  from  the  east,  Soucook  and  Sun- 
cook,  and  other  smaller  streams. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


This  county  was  constituted  by 
an  act  of  the  legislature,  1 July, 
1S23 — being  taken  from  the  coun- 
ties of  Rockingham  and  Hillsbo- 
borough,  ten  towns  being  separated 
from  the  former,  and  thirteen  from 
the  latter.  Population,'  1820,  82,- 
843  ; 1830,  34,619.  Twenty  four 
towns,  44  inhabitants  to  a square 
mile.  In  1837,  there  were  66,152 
sheep  in  this  county 

Merrimack,  N.  II., 

Hillsborough  co.,  is  bounded  N. 
by  Bedford,  E.  by  Litchfield,  S.  by 
Nashua,  and  W.  by  Amherst. — 
It  is  6 miles  S.  E.  from  Amherst, 
and  27  S.  from  Concord.  Merri- 
mack river  waters  its  E.  border 
through  its  whole  extent,  opening 
a communication  by  water  from 
this  place  to  Boston.  Souhegan  en- 
ters this  town  from  Amherst,  pur- 
sues a winding  course  to  the  Mer- 
rimack, where  it  discharges  itself 
one  mile  above  Thornton’s  ferry. 
There  are  fine  water  privileges  on 
this  stream.  Babboosuck  brook, 
issuing  from  Babboosuck  pond  in 
Amherst,  empties  into  Souhegan 
river,  and  Penichook  brook  from  a 
pond  in  Hollis,  forms  the  southern 
boundary.  The  soil  in  various  pla- 
ces is  very  fertile,  but  a considera- 
ble portion  of  the  land  is  plain. 
There  are  some  fine  intervales  on 
the  Merrimack.  Some  of  the  best 
and  most  extensive  water  privileges 
the  county  affords,  about  1 1-2  mile 
from  the  Merrimack,  on  Souhegan 
river,  lie  unimproved. 

This  town  claims  the  first  discove- 
ry in  this  region  of  making  what 
are  called  leghorn  bonnets.  They 
were  first  made  several  years  since, 
by  the  Misses  Burnaps.  Some  of 
their  bonnets  were  sold  at  auction 
in  Boston  for  $50. 

This  town  was  formerly  called 
Souhegan  East.  It  was  incorpo- 
rated, 1746,  having  been  settled 
about  13  years. 

The  first  house  in  this  town  was 
erected  on  the  margin  of  the  river 


for  a house  of  traffic  with  the  In- 
dians. For  some  time  one  Crom- 
well carried  on  a lucrative  trade 
with  the  Indians,  weighing  their 
furs  with  his  foot,  till,  enraged  at 
his  supposed  or  real  deception, 
they  formed  the  resolution  to  mur- 
der him.  This  intention  was  com- 
municated to  Cromwell,  who  buried 
his  wealth  and  made  his  escape. 
Within  a few  hours  after  his  flight, 
a party  of  the  Penacook  tribe  arriv- 
ed, and  not  finding  the  object  of 
their  resentment,  they  burnt  his 
habitation. 

Hon.  Matthew  Thornton, 
one  of  the  signers  of  the  Declara- 
tion of  American  Independence, 
resided  many  years  in  this  town. 
He  died  in  1803,  at  the  age  of  89. 
Population,  1830,  1,191. 

Merry-meeting  Bays. 

Merrymeeting  .Bay, .in  Maine,  is 
at  the  junction  of  the  Androscoggin 
with  the  Kennebec,  about  5 miles 
above  Bath.  It  is  a large  expanse 
of  water,  and  contains  Swan  and 
other  islands.  The  passage  through 
this  bay,  of  10  or  12  miles  in  length, 
is  delightful. 

Merrymeeting  Bay,  in  New 
Hampshire,  is  an  arm  of  Winne- 
pisiogee  lake,  extending  about  1,800 
rods  into  the  town  of  Alton,  and  is 
27  miles  from  the  navigable  waters 
of  Piscataqua  river. 

Methuen,  Mass. 

Essex  co.  In  this  town  is  a beau- 
tiful water  fall  of  30  feet,  on  Spick- 
et  river,  which  furnishes  an  excel- 
lent hydraulic  power.  Methuen 
lies  on  the  N.  bank  of  Merrimack 
river,  and  is  25  miles  N.  by  W.  from 
Boston,  and  20  N.  W.  by  N.  from 
Salem.  It  was  taken  from  Haver- 
hill in  1725.  Population,  1830, 
2,011  ; 1837,  2,463.  There  are  2 
cotton,  and  2 paper  mills  in  the 
town,  and  manufactures  of  leather, 
shoes,  hats,  ploughs,  segars,  essen- 
ces, chaises,  harnesses,  chairs,  tin 
and  cabinet  wares,  and  piano-forte 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


frames : value,  for  the  year  ending 
April  1,  1837,  $462,525.  An  ex- 
cellent bed  of  peat  has  recently 
been  discovered.  It  is  14  feet  in 
depth,  and  very  extensive.  The 
soil  of  Methuen  is  very  good,  the 
village  is  pleasant,  and  the  scenery 
around  it,  romantic  and  beautiful. 

Mexico,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  This  town  lies  on  the 
north  side  of  Androscoggin  river, 
and  is  watered  by  two  of  its  tribu- 
taries. It  has  a good  soil  and  a good 
water  power.  It  lies  47  miles  W. 
N.  W.  from  Augusta,  and  20  N. 
from  Paris.  Incorporated,  1818. 
Population,  1837, 447.  Wheat  crop, 
same  year,  1,552  bushels. 

Middleborough,  Mass. 

Plymouth  co.  This  is  the  Indian 
JVamasket ; formerly  thickly  popu- 
lated by  the  people  of  that  tribe, 
and  governed  by  the  noted  sachem 
Tispacan.  On  the  rocks,  in  this 
town,  are  the  prints  of  naked  hands 
and  feet,  supposed  to  he  the  work 
of  the  Indians.  Here  are  numer- 
ous ponds,  several  kinds  of  fish,  and 
large  quantities  of  iron  ore  is  found 
in  the  ponds.  These  ponds,  of  which 
the  Assawamset  and  Long  pond  are 
the  largest,  empty  into  Taunton 
river,  and  produce  an  extensive  wa- 
ter power 

This  town  lies  34  miles  S.  by  E. 
from  Boston,  14  S.  S.  W.  from  Ply- 
mouth, and  10  S.  E.  from  Taunton 
Incorporated,  1660.  Population, 
1837,  5,005.  This  is  probably  the 
largest  town  in  the  state  : it  is  15 
miles  in  length,  and  about  9 aver- 
age breadth : it  has  several  pleasant 
villages.  There  are  2 cotton  mills, 
2 forges,  an  air  and  cupola  furnace, 
a nail  factory,  and  manufactures  of 
leather,  shovels,  spades,  forks, 
ploughs,  wrought  nails,  chairs,  cab- 
inet ware,  tacks,  straw  bonnets,  and 
various  other  articles  : total  value, 
in  one  year,  $200,000. 

In  1763,  Shubael  Thompson  found 
a land  turtle,  marked  on  the  shell 


J.  W.,  1747.  Thompson  marked  it 
and  let  it  go.  Elijah  Clapp  found 
it  in  1773 ; William  Shaw  found  it 
in  1775;  Jonathan  Soule  found  it  in 
1784;  Joseph  Soule  found  it  in  1790, 
and  Zenas  Smith,  in  1791 : each 
marked  it  with  his  initials.  Wheth- 
er the  critter  is  dead  or  gone  to  the 
west,  we  have  no  account. 

Middlebury,  Vt. 

Addison  co.  Chief  town.  This  is 
a large  and  flourishing  town  on  both 
sides  of  Otter  creek,  31  miles  S.  W. 
from  Montpelier,  and  33  S.  S.  E. 
from  Burlington.  The  fathers  of 
this  town  were  Col.  John  Chipman 
and  the  Hon.  Gamaliel  Painter,  who 
came  here  and  settled  in  1773.  The 
settlement  advanced  but  slowly  un- 
til after  the  revolutionary  war;  it 
then  began  to  increase  and  is  now 
one  of  the  most  important  towns  in 
the  state.  In  1791  it  became  the 
shire  town  of  the  county,  and  in 
1800  Middlebury  college  was  found- 
ed. The  surface  of  the  town  is 
generally  level.  Chipman’s  hill, 
439  feet  above  Otter  creek,  is  the 
highest  elevation.  The  soil  is  fer- 
tile and  productive,  and  furnishes 
large  quantities  of  wool,  beef,  pork, 
butter  and  cheese.  The  town  is 
admirably  watered  by  Otter  creek 
and  Middlebury  river.  At  the  falls 
on  Otter  creek,  the  site  of  the  flour- 
ishing village,  are  extensive  manu- 
facturing establishments ; and  large 
quantities  of  white  and  variega- 
ted marble,  with  which  the  town 
abounds,  are  sawed  and  polished 
for  various  uses  and  transported  to 
market.  Middlebury  is  a very 
beautiful  town,  and  the  mart  of  a 
large  inland  trade.  Population,  in 
1830,  3,468.  See  Register. 

Middlebury  River  rises  in  Han- 
cock, and  passing  through  Ripton 
falls  into  Otter  creek  at  Middlebury. 
This  mountain  stream  is  about  14 
miles  in  length,  affords  a fine  wa- 
ter power,  and  is  very  romantic  in 
its  course.  It  passes  some  distance 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


along  the  road  from  Windsor  to 
Vergennes,  and  presents  some  de- 
lightful scenery. 

Middlelrary,  Ct. 

New  Haven  co.  The  surface  of 
this  town  is  hilly  and  rocky ; the 
soil  a coarse,  gravelly  loam,  fit  for 
grazing  and  the  growth  of  rye.  It 
lies  36  miles  W.  S.  W.  from  Hart- 
ford, and  22  N.  W.  from  New  Ha- 
ven. Incorporated,  1807.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  816.  The  town  is 
watered  by  Quasepaugpond,  which 
empties  into  the  Housatonick,  and 
furnishes  a water  power  for  a satin- 
et factory,  and  other  machinery. 

Middlefield,  Mass. 

Hampshire  co.  This  is  an  eleva- 
ted agricultural  township,  watered 
by  a branch  of  Westfield  river.  It 
lies  110  miles  W.  from  Boston,  24 
W.  from  Northampton,  and  17  S.  E. 
from  Pittsfield.  Incorporated,  1783. 
Population,  1S37,  710.  There  are 
2 woolen  mills  in  the  town,  and  2 
tanneries.  Annual  value  of  goods 
manufactured,  about  $75,000. — 
Among  the  productions  of  the  soil, 
there  were,  in  1837,  9,724  fleeces 
of  saxony  wool,  which  weighed 
26,741  pounds,  value,  $17,382. 

Middlesex,  Vt. 

W~ ashington  co.  Onion  river  and 
other  streams  give  this  town  a good 
water  power.  It  has  numerous 
manufacturing  concerns,  and  a very 
pleasant  village.  The  soil  along 
the  streams  is  good,  and  that  of  the 
uplands,  generally,  is  adapted  for 
grazing.  It  lies  30  miles  E.  S.  E. 
from  Burlington,  and  is  bounded  by 
Montpelier  on  the  S.  E.  First  set- 
tled, in  1781.  Population,  1830, 
1,156. 

There  is  a curious  chasm  in  Mid- 
dlesex, on  Onion  river,  near  More- 
town.  The  river  has  worn  a pas- 
sage through  rocks  30  feet  in  depth, 
60  feet  in  width,  and  about  80  rods 
in  length.  The  walls  on  each  side 
are  very  smooth, over  which  abridge 


is  thrown.  This  place  is  worthy  of 
a visit. 

Middlesex  County,  Mass. 

Concord,  Cambridge , and  Low- 
ell, are  the  shire  towns.  The  sur- 
face of  this  county  is  uneven  and 
the  soil  various.  It  presents  a great 
variety  for  the  admiration  of  the 
patriot,  scholar,  farmer,  mechanic, 
and  the  painter.  It  is  bounded  N. 
by  New  Hampshire ; N.  E.  by  the 
county  of  Essex ; S.  E.  by  Charles 
river,  Boston  harbor,  and  Norfolk 
county ; and  W.  by  the  county  of 
Worcester.  Area,  800  square  miles: 
population,  in  1820,  61,476 ; 1830, 
7r,968;  1837,98,565.  Population 
to  a square  mile,  123.  The  princi- 
pal rivers  in  this  county,  are  the 
Merrimack,  Charles,  Mystic,  Sud- 
bury, Concord,  and  Nashua.  The 
Middlesex  Canal  passes  through 
its  northeastern  section.  In  1837 
there  were  5,166  sheep  in  the  coun- 
ty. The  value  of  manufactures  for 
the  year  ending  April  1,  1S37, 
amounted  to  $15,008,028.  Fishery, 
same  year,  $33,000. 

Middlesex  County,  Ct. 

Shire  towns — Middletown  and 
Haddam.  This  county  is  bounded 
N.  by  Hartford  county,  E.  by  Hart- 
ford and  New  London  counties,  S. 
by  Long  Island  Sound,  and  W.  by 
New  Haven  county.  The  general 
surface  of  the  county  is  uneven. 
The  soil  is  generally  good,  particu- 
larly adjacent  to  Connecticut  river. 
There  are  many  small  streams 
which  afford  mill  privileges,  fertil- 
izing the  soil  and  giving  beauty  to 
the  county.  The  waters  of  the 
Connecticut  afford  it  an  important 
business  in  navigation,  especially 
in  the  coasting  trade.  The  tonnage 
of  the  district  of  Middletown,  in 
1837,  was  13,133  tons.  There  are 
numerous  manufacturing  establish- 
ments in  the  county ; large  quanti- 
ties of  freestone  are  quarried  and  car- 
ried to  market,  and  the  shad  fishery 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


gives  employment  to  many  of  its 
people. 

Middlesex  county  contains  an 
area  of  342  square  miles.  Popula- 
tion, 1S20,  22,405;  1830,  24,845, 
containing  a population  of  73  in- 
habitants to  a square  mile.  Con- 
siderable amounts  of  the  productions 
of  the  soil  are  exported,  and  in 
1837,  there  were  in  the  county 
12,401  sheep. 

Middleton,  Iff.  H. 

Strafford  co.  This  is  a very  lev- 
el township,  having  no  high  ground 
except  a part  of  Moose  mountain, 
which  separates  it  from  Brookfield. 
There  are  no  rivers  nor  ponds,  and 
the  soil  is  rocky.  It  lies  25  miles 
N.  W.  from  Dover.  Middleton  was 
incorporated  in  1778.  Population, 
1830,  562. 

Middleton,  Mass. 

Essex  co.  A pleasant  town  on 
both  sides  of  Ipswich  river,  19  miles 
N.  from  Boston,  and  7 N.  W.  from 
Salem.  This  place  contains  a large 
and  expensive  paper  mill.  This  is 
the  principal  manufacturing  con- 
cern in  the  town.  Incorporated, 
1728.  Population,  1837,  671. 

Middletown,  Vt. 

Rutland  co.  This  town  lies  be- 
tween two  mountains,  is  watered 
by  Poultney  river,  and  has  a good 
soil  for  grazing.  It  keeps,  among 
other  cattle,  about  4,000  sheep.  It 
lies  14  miles  S.  W.  from  Rutland. 
It  has  a neat  and  flourishing  vil- 
lage, a woolen  factory,  marble  fac- 
tory, and  other  manufactures. — 
Population,  1830,  919. 

Middletown,  Ct. 

Chief  town  of  Middlesex  co. — 
Middletown  City,  and  port  of 
entry,  lies  on  the  W.  bank  of  Con- 
necticut river,  30  miles  from  its 
mouth,  15  S.  from  Hartford,  24  N. 
E.  from  New  Haven,  35  N.  W. 
from  New  London.  Lat.  41°  34' 
N.,  long.  72°  39'  W.  The  city  is 


very  pleasantly  situated  on  ground 
rising  gradually  from  the  river. 
The  principal  street,  called  Main 
street , runs  parallel  with  the  river. 
This  and  other  streets,  are  inter- 
sected by  cross  streets,  leading  to 
the  river. 

The  wharves  are  commodious  for 
shipping,  there  being  ten  feet  of 
water  for  all  vessels  that  can  cross 
the  bar  at  the  mouth  of  the  river. 

Two  high  wharves  are  appropria- 
ted for  two  lines  of  steam-boats,  of  a 
large  class,  which  afford  a daily  com- 
munication with  the  cities  of  New 
York  and  Hartford. 

The  streets  and  side-walks  are 
pleasantly  shaded  with  trees,  and 
the  side- walks  are  remarkably  well 
paved. 

The  population  of  the  city,  is 
about  3,500 ; of  the  town,  above 
7,000. 

The  public  edifices  are  a court- 
house in  the  Grecian  style  of  arch- 
itecture, built  in  1832 ; a custom- 
house handsomely  built  of  Chatham 
freestone ; 2 banks,  and  a savings 
bank,  &c.  The  places  of  public 
worship  in  the  city,  and  the  princi- 
pal houses  and  stores  are  of  brick, 
many  of  which  are  built  with  great 
taste. 

The  Wesleyan  University, 
under  the  patronage  of  the  Metho- 
dist Episcopal  church,  was  founded 
in  1831,  and  is  very  rapidly  acquir- 
ing a high  standing.  It  has  now 
160  students.  Its  officers  are  a 
president  and  5 professors. 

The  college  buildings  command 
an  extensive  view  of  the  surround- 
ing country,  as  well  as  of  the  val- 
ley of  the  Connecticut,  so  justly 
famed  for  its  beauty. 

The  college  library,  with  those 
belonging  to  the  societies,  comprises 
about  10,000  volumes.  It  has  ma- 
ny rare  and  choice  works,  an  entire 
set  of  the  Latin  Classics,  and  most  of 
the  Greek,  a set  of  the  Philosophical 
Transactions,  and  all  of  the  most 
important  lat$r  scientific  works  of 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


France.  There  is  also  a collection 
of  bibles  and  testaments  in  81  lan- 
guages and  dialects,  oriental,  &c., 
into  which  the  bible  has  been  trans- 
lated. 

The  philosophical  and  astronomi- 
cal apparatus,  has  been  lately  in- 
creased at  great  expense.  There 
is  a telescope,  with  a six  inch  object 
glass,  a splendid  altitude  and  Azi- 
muth instrument,  so  constructed  as 
to  be  used  for  meridian  transits. 
Russell’s  magnificent  Orrery,  an 
unrivalled  instrument,  and  the  only 
one  of  the  kind.  There  is  a noble 
Plate  Electrical  machine,  with  two 
plates  36  inches  in  diameter,  &c. 

The  chemical  department  has  a 
good  laboratory  and  apparatus. — 
The  cabinet  of  minerals  is  becom- 
ing extensive.  In  geology,  besides 
specimens,  there  are  several  valu- 
able charts  to  illustrate  the  different 
states,  and  many  districts  of  Eng- 
land. 

In  botany,  there  are  several  of  the 
best  standard  works,  and  for  the 
preservation  of  the  science,  the 
richness  in  species  of  the  native 
plants  about  Middletown,  is  not 
surpassed  by  any  location  in  New 
England.  The  place  is  also  remark- 
able for  the  variety  and  abundance 
of  its  rare  minerals. 

The  rising  reputation  of  its  uni- 
versity, the  great  salubrity  of  its 
atmosphere,  and  the  activity  of  its 
manufacturing  capital,  render  Mid- 
dletown equally  attractive  to  the 
traveler,  the  man  of  science,  or  of 
business.  There  are  besides  in  this 
city,  several  fine  cabinets  of  shells, 
insects,  minerals,  &c.,  and  an  Her- 
barium of  considerable  extent,  of 
North  American  as  well  as  of  Eu- 
ropean plants,  also  several  choice 
private  libraries. 

The  library  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Jar- 
vis, contains  13,000  volumes  of  ex- 
ceeding choice  books,  collected  by 
him,  during  a residence  of  sev- 
eral years  in  Europe,  and  his  gal- 
lery of  about  120  paintings,  is  re- 
garded as  being  very  valuable. — 


About  70  of  these  pictures  formed 
the  gallery  of  the  Archbishop  of 
Tarento  at  Naples,  and  are  of  the 
old  masters — Titian,  Rubens,  Tin- 
toretto, Salvator  Rosa,  Carlo  Dolce, 
Lueca,  Giordano,  Jordens,  Spagno- 
letto,  &c.  There  is  also  in  another 
collection  some  very  fine  paintings 
of  the  old  masters,  and  an  exqui- 
site piece  of  statuary  by  the  Cheva- 
lier P.  Marchesi  of  Milan,  repre- 
senting Christ  when  12  years  of 
age  ! This  is  the  only  work  of  the 
distinguished  sculptor,  that  has  yet 
arrived  in  this  country. 

The  township  from  N.  to  S.  is 
about  9 miles  long,  its  breadth  va- 
rying from  4 to  10  miles  at  its  great- 
est area,  or  about  43,520  acres. — 
The  Indian  name  of  the  town  was 
Mattabesett.  The  town  is  divided 
into  4 societies  or  parishes. 

There  is  in  the  city  a prepara- 
tory school  connected  with  the  uni- 
versity, as  well  as  several  flourish- 
ing private  schools. 

The  public  records  of  this  town 
commenced  in  1654.  The  city  was 
incorporated  in  1784. 

The  burial  grounds  contain  many 
cuzdous,  as  well  as  antique  monu- 
ments of  its  earliest  settlers. 

The  burial  ground  at  the  N.  part 
of  the  city,  and  by  the  river,  was 
laid  out  in  1650. 

Middletown  meadows,  north  of  the 
city,  contain  about  640  acres.  The 
height  of  the  base  of  the  village  is 
160  feet  above  the  river,  and  is 
from  it,  five  eighths  of  a mile.  Main 
street  is  from  40  to  50  feet  above  the 
river. 

The  Connecticut  river  is  here 
generally  closed  with  ice  about  the 
middle  of  December,  and  opens 
about  the  end  of  the  third  week  in 
March. 

The  manufactures  in  this  city, 
are  3 establishments  on  a large 
scale  for  the  manufacture  of  arms, 
for  the  United  States  service  ; 
broadcloths  and  cotton  goods,  brit- 
annia  and  tin  wares,  stoves,  combs, 
tubs,  machinery,  steam  engines. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER 


cotton  machinery,  paper,  powder, 
jewelry,  brass  ware,  steel  pens, 
buttons,  looking-glasses,  carriages, 
carpenter’s  tools  and  locks,  besides 
many  manufactures  of  minor  im- 
portance. 

Geology.  Middletown  rests  on 
secondary  red  sandstone  : within  2 
miles  of  the  city,  south,  there  is  a 
granite  ridge,  here  known  by  the 
name  of  the  White  rocks.  It  runs 
N.  N.  E.,  and  forms  the  straits  of 
the  Connecticut  river.  This  granite 
ridge  is  from  400  to  600  feet  above 
the  tide  water.  Here  occurs  an  in- 
exhaustible quantity  of  the  linest 
feldspar , the  material  used  for  the 
glaze  of  porcelain.  This  was  first 
brought  into  notice  in  1833,  at  the 
recommendation  of  Dr.  Barrett.  A 
large  quantity  of  it  has  been  sent  to 
Europe,  as  well  as  being  used  in 
this  country,  and  it  has  been  proved 
to  be  of  the  best  quality. 

The  feldspar  is  often  so  pure  at 
the  quarry  opened  on  the  Haddarn 
road,  that  masses  of  several  hun- 
dred weight  occur  without  any  ad- 
mixture of  quartz  and  mica. 

Middletown,  R.  I. 

Newport  co.  This  is  the  middle 
township  on  the  island  of  Rhode 
Island.  It  lies  2 miles  N.  E.  from 
Newport,  and  28  S.  by  E.  from 
Providence.  The  surface  of  the 
town  is  undulating,  and  affords  ma- 
ny interesting  and  beautiful  land- 
scapes. The  soil  is  a rich  loam, 
very  productive  and  under  a high 
state  of  cultivation  ; the  lands  are 
highly  valued  and  command  a great 
price.  The  inhabitants  of  the  town 
are  principally  farmers;  they  are 
distinguished  for  their  habits  of  in- 
dustry and  economy,  and  for  the 
uniformity,  plainness,  and  simplici- 
ty of  their  manner  of  living.  The 
products  of  the  town  consist  of 
corn,  barley,  hay,  and  great  varie- 
ties of  fruits  and  vegetables  for 
Newport  market.  Incorporated, 
1743.  Population,  1830,  915. 


Milan,  N.  II., 

Coos  co.,  is  139  miles  N.  by  E. 
from  Concord,  and  about  22  N.  E. 
from  Lancaster.  This  tract  waa 
granted  in  1771,  and  was  called 
Paulsburgh , until  1824.  The  Up- 
per Amonoosuck  and  Androscoggin 
rivers  pass  through  this  town. — 
There  are  several  ponds,  and  some 
considerable  mountains.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  57. 

Milford,  Me. 

Penobscot  county.  See  “ Down 
East.” 

Milford,  N.  H., 

Hillsborough  co.,  is  bounded  E. 
by  Amherst,  and  is  31  miles  S.  by 
W.  from  Concord.  Milford  lies  on 
both  sides  of  Souhegan  river,  which 
runs  through  the  town  from  W.  to 
E.,  forming  a rich  meadow  or  inter- 
vale, from  1-4  to  1-2  a mile  wide. 
The  banks  of  this  river  are  annual- 
ly overflowed,  by  which  means, 
the  soil,  which  is  black  and  deep,  is 
much  enriched.  This  town  has  ex- 
cellent water  privileges,  and  there 
is  a valuable  factory  in  the  village 
Population,  1830,  1,303. 

Milford,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  town,  the 
Indian  TVopoivage,  is  well  watered 
by  Charles  and  Mill  rivers.  It  lies 
28  miles  S. W.  by  W.  from  Boston, and 
18  S.  E.  from  Worcester.  Incorpora- 
ted, 1780.  Population,  1837,  1,637. 
The  soil  is  generally  fertile,  and 
the  surface  pleasantly  diversified. 
The  manufactures  of  the  town,  for 
The  year  ending  April  1,  1837, 
amounted  to  $257,671.  They  con- 
sisted of  cotton  goods,  leather,  boots, 
shoes,  chairs,  tin  and  cabinet  wares, 
straw  bonnets,  varnish,  clothing, 
shoe  pegs,  wagon  irons,  and  whips. 

Milford,  Ct. 

New  Haven  co.  This  is  one  of 
the  towns  which  composed  the 
“ Old  Jurisdiction  of  New  Haven.” 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER, 


The  settlement  commenced  in  1639. 
The  first  purchase  of  land  was  made 
of  the  Indians,  for  the  considera- 
tion of  “ 6 coats,  10  blankets,  1 
kettle,  besides  a number  of  hoes, 
knives,  hatchets,  and  glasses.”  The 
Indians  made  a reservation  of  20 
acres  in  the  town,  which  was  sold 
by  them,  in  1661,  for  6 coats,  2 
blankets,  and  a pair  of  breeches. 

Milford  is  bounded  W.  by  Housa- 
tonick  river,  and  S.  E.  by  Long 
Island  Sound.  The  Indian  name 
of  the  place  was  Wepawaug.  The 
town  is  generally  level,  and  the 
soil  productive.  There  is  a quarry 
of  beautiful  serpentine  marble  in 
the  town,  and  a harbor  for  small 
vessels. 

Poconock  or  Milford  point  is  a 
noted  place,  where  are  a number  of 
huts  on  the  beach,  occupied  by 
persons  engaged  in  the  oyster  and 
clam  business. 

Milford  village  is  very  pleasant, 
and  the  scenery  variegated  and  in- 
teresting. Population,  1837,  about 
2,800. 

Millbury,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  Millbury  was 
taken  from  Sutton,  in  1813.  It  lies 
42  miles  W.  S.  W.  from  Boston, 
and  6 S.E.  from  Worcester.  Branch- 
es of  the  Blackstone  river  rise  in 
the  town,  and  the  Blackstone  canal 
passes  through  it.  It  is  a very 
pleasant  manufacturing  place,  with 
a valuable  water  power.  There 
are  1 paper,  6 woolen,  and  1 cotton 
mills ; and  manufactures  of  boots, 
shoes,  leather,  hats,  scythes,  spades, 
forks,  hoes,  ploughs,  muskets, trying 
squares,  levels,  trowels,  machinery, 
black  lead,  tin  ware,  sashes  and 
blinds  : total  value,  the  year  ending 
April  1,  1837,  $566,150.  Popula- 
tion, 1837,  2,153. 

Miller’s  Rivers. 

Miller's  River,  in  Vermont,  rises 
in  Sheffield,  Caledonia  county,  and 
passing  through  a part  of  Wheelock 


falls  into  the  Passumpsick  at  Lyn- 
don. 

Miller's  River,  in  Massachusetts , 
rises  in  ponds  in  Ashburnham, 
and  Winchendon  ; it  has  many  trib- 
utaries, and  passes  through  Athol, 
Orange,  and  Wendell,  and  falls  into 
the  Connecticut  at  Erving.  This 
is  a noble  mill  stream. 

Millinoket  Lnke,  Me. 

This  is  a large  body  of  water  in 
the  county  of  Penobscot,  the  re- 
cipient of  many  rivers.  It  is  an 
important  source  of  the  west  branch 
of  Penobscot  river.  Its  outlet  is  a 
river  of  the  same  name,  and  unites 
with  the  waters  of  Pemadumcook 
lake,  near  the  Great  falls  at  the  out- 
let of  the  Pemadumcook. 

Mill  River,  Mass. 

See  Springfield. 

Millsfield,  N.  II., 

Coos  co.,  is  7 miles  W.  from  Um- 
bagog  lake,  and  about  35  N.from  the 
White  mountains.  Clear  stream 
waters  its  N.  extremity,  and  Phil- 
lip’s river  with  several  small 
streams  the  other  parts.  Here  are 
several  ponds,  the  largest  is  about 
300  rods  long,  140  wide.  Millsfield 
was  granted  in  1774,  and  was  nam- 
ed after  Sir  Thomas  Mills,  a gran- 
tee. It  had  but  33  inhabitants  in 
1830. 

Milo,  Me. 

Piscataquis  co.  This  is  a beau- 
tiful township  on  the  fertile  banks 
of  Sebec  and  Pleasant  livers,  at 
their  union  with  the  Piscataquis. 
It  lies  103  miles  N.  E.  from  Augus- 
ta, and  15  N.  E.  from  Dover.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  381  ; 1837,  640.— 
Wheat  crop,  1837,  4,514  bushels. 
Incorporated,  1823. 

Milton,  Me. 

Piscataquis  co.  Population,  1837, 
352.  Wheat  crop,  same  year,  1,323 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


bushels.  94  miles  from  Augusta. 
See  “ Down  East.” 

Milton,  N.  II. 

Strafford  co.  The  Salmon  Fall 
river  washes  its  whole  E.  bounda- 
ry, a distance  of  13  miles  j and  a 
branch  of  the  same  river  crosses 
from  the  S.  part  of  Wakefield,  and 
unites  near  the  centre  of  the  E. 
boundary.  Teneriffe,  a bold  and 
rocky  mountain,  extends  along  the 
E.  part  of  Milton,  near  which  lies 
Milton  pond,  of  considerable  size, 
connecting  with  the  Salmon  Fall 
river.  This  town  was  formerly  a 
part  of  Rochester,  from  which  it 
was  detached  in  1802.  It  lies  40 
miles  N.  E.  from  Concord,  and  20 
N.  W.  by  N.  from  Dover.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  1,273. 

Milton,  Vt. 

Chittenden  co.  Milton  is  bound- 
ed on  the  W.  by  lake  Champlain, 
and  is  finely  watered  by  the  river 
Lamoille.  It  lies  12  miles  N.  from 
Burlington,  and  40  N.  W.  from 
Montpelier.  Population,  1830,  2,- 
100.  The  soil  of  the  town  is  gen- 
erally good,  and  about  9,000  sheep 
graze  in  its  pastures.  There  are 
some  places  in  Milton  worthy  of  the 
traveller’s  notice.  A little  distance 
from  the  neat  and  flourishing  vil- 
lage are  the  Great  falls,  on  the  La- 
moille. In  the  course  of  50  rods 
the  whole  river  falls  150  feet. — 
About  the  middle  of  the  rapid  is  a 
small  island,  by  which  the  water 
passes  on  each  side,  with  great  vi- 
olence and  loud  roaring.  The  scen- 
ery on  the  banks  of  the  river  is 
wild  and  beautiful.  There  are 
some  mills  on  the  river,  and  consid- 
erable trade  on  the  lake. 

Milton,  Mass. 

Norfolk  co.  This  interesting  and 
pleasant  town,  the  Uncataquissit 
of  the  Indians,  lies  7 miles  S.  from 
Boston,  and  6 E.  from  Dedham. 
Neponset  river  washes  its  northern 
border  and  affords  numerous  valua- 


ble mill  sites.  This  town  was  taken 
from  Dorchester,  in  1662.  Popu- 
lation, 1837,  1,772.  A large  part  of 
the  land  is  a gravelly  loam,  strong 
and  very  productive.  The  manu- 
factures consist  of  paper,  granite, 
leather,  hats,  chairs,  cabinet  ware, 
playing  cards,  &c.  : total  annual 

amount,  about  $100,000.  The  man- 
ufacture of  paper  from  beach  grass 
has  recently  been  commenced,  and 
promises  to  be  a good  substitute  for 
rags,  for  the  more  common  kinds. 

The  village  called  the  “ Mills,” 
comprising  a part  of  Dorchester,  at 
the  head  of  navigation,  on  the  Ne- 
ponset, is  a wild,  romantic  place, 
and  ever  since  the  first  settlement 
of  the  country,  has  been  the  seat  of 
considerable  trade  and  manufacture. 

The  village  at  the  rail-road,  near 
the  granite  quarry,  in  Quincy, 
about  a mile  S.  E.  of  the  “ Mills,” 
is  very  pleasant  and  flourishing. — 
By  a new  and  beautiful  bridge, 
called  the  “ Granite  bridge,”  across 
the  Neponset,  the  distance  to  the 
city  is  reduced  to  6 miles. 

Milton  contains  some  elegant 
country  seats,  and  much  delightful 
scenery.  The  views  from  “ Milton 
Hill,”  near  the  head  of  the  Ne- 
ponset ; and  “ Blue  Hill,”  a cele- 
brated land  mark  for  sailors,  710 
feet  above  the  sea,  in  the  south  part 
of  the  town,  12  miles  from  Boston, 
are  among  the  most  admired  in  our 
country. 

Minot,  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  Minot  is  a large 
and  excellent  township  of  land  with 
three  very  pleasant  villages.  The 
Androscoggin  passes  its  eastern  bor- 
der and  Little  Androscoggin  sepa- 
rates it  from  Poland,  on  the  S.  This 
is  one  of  the  most  flourishing  towns 
in  the  state.  Although  agriculture 
is  the  chief  business  of  the  people  of 
Minot,  yet  its  water  power  is  so  val- 
uable, that  manufactures  of  various 
kinds  are  springing  up  with  promis- 
ing success.  Minot  is  connected 
with  Lewiston,  across  the  Andros- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


coggin,  by  a bridge.  It  lies  33 
miles  S.  W.  from  Augusta,  and  35 
N.  from  Portland.  Population,  in 
1830,  2,908  ; 1837,  3,326.  Incor- 
porated, 1S02.  Wheat  crop,  1837, 
7,266  bushels. 

Missisque  River,  Vt. 

This  crooked  river  is  about  75 
miles  in  length.  It  rises  in  Orleans 
county,  and  passes  N.  into  Canada, 
about  5 miles ; it  then  returns  to 
the  state  at  the  N.  E.  corner  of 
Franklin  county,  and  after  mean- 
dering through  the  north  part  of 
that  county,  it  falls  into  Missisque 
bay  at  Highgate.  There  are  sev- 
eral falls  on  this  river,  which  afford 
numerous  mill  sites  ; but  it  is  gen- 
erally sluggish  in  its  course,  and 
being  wide,  is  rather  shallow.  Its 
waters  fertilize  a large  portion  of 
country,  and  it  is  navigable  for  small 
vessels,  six  miles  from  its  mouth. 

Molechunkamunli  Lake,  Me. 

This  is  one  of  a number  of  large 
lakes  extending  northwest  from 
Umbagog  lake,  and  which  empty 
through  the  Umbagog  into  the  An- 
droscoggin. These  lakes  lie  in  the 
counties  of  Oxford  and  Franklin: 
their  borders  are  but  little  settled, 
but  those  who  have  visited  them 
report  that  the  soil  is  exceedingly 
fertile,  and  that  the  beauties  of 
these  little  inland  seas,  equal  that 
of  the  celebrated  Winnepisiogee. 
The  Molechunkaraunk  lies  about  80 
miles  N.  by  W.  from  Portland. 

Molumkus  River, 

A large  tributary  to  the  Mata- 
wamkeag  from  the  north.  It  unites 
with  that  river  about  8 miles  above 
its  mouth. 

Monadnock  Mountain,  X.  H., 

Usually  called  the  Grand  Mo- 
nadnock, is  situated  in  the  towns  of 
Jaffrey  and  Dublin,  in  Cheshire 
county,  about  22  miles  E.  from  Con- 
necticut river,  and  10  N.  of  the 
southern  boundary  of  this  state. — 


The  direction  of  the  ridge  is  N.  E. 
and  S.  W.  The  mountain  is  about 
5 miles  long  from  N.  to  S.,  and  3 
miles  from  E.  to  W.  Its  summit  is 
3,718  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea. 
Thirty  years  since,  Monadnock  was 
nearly  covered  with  evergreen 
wood  of  considerable  growth.  By 
the  repeated  ravages  of  fire,  it  now 
presents  to  the  distant  beholder, 
nothing  but  a barren  and  bald  rock. 
But  on  ascending,  we  find  plats  of 
earth  sufficient  to  give  growth  to 
the  blueberry,  cranberry,  mountain 
ash,  and  a variety  of  shrubs.  Some 
caves  are  discovered,  which  excite 
curiosity.  They  appear  to  have 
been  formed  by  large  fissures,  and 
by  extensive  strata  being  thrown 
from  their  primitive  state,  and  form- 
ing different  angles  with  each  other 
and  with  perpendicular  precipices. 
The  mountain  is  composed  of  talc, 
mica,  slate,  distinctly  stratified.— 
Garnet,  schorl,  feldspar  and  quartz 
occur  in  various  parts.  On  the  E. 
side,  plumbago  is  found  in  large 
quantities.  Crucibles  and  pencils 
have  been  manufactured  from  it, 
but  for  the  latter,  it  proves  not  very 
good.  The  summit,  when  seen  at 
a distance  of  4 or  5 miles,  appears 
rounded  and  destitute  of  those  high 
cliffs  and  mural  precipices  belong- 
ing to  granitic  mountains.  The 
prospect  from  the  pinnacle  is  very 
extensive ; thirty  ponds  of  fresh 
water,  some  of  which  are  so  large 
as  to  contain  islands  of  8 or  10 
acres,  may  be  seen  from  it,  in  the 
immediate  vicinity.  Near  the  base 
of  the  mountain,  in  Jaffrey,  is  the 
“ Monadnock  Mineral  Spring.” 

Monktou,  Vt. 

Addison  co.  This  town  lies  27 
miles  W.  from  Montpelier,  16  N. 
from  Middlebury,  and  18  S.  by  E. 
from  Burlington.  This  is  a good 
farming  town,  and  the  products  of 
wool,  cattle,  and  of  the  dairy  are 
considerable.  Iron  ore  is  found  in 
abundance,  and  a bed  of  porcelain 
earth.  By  mixing  this  earth  with 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


common  clay,  in  different  propor- 
tions, various  kinds  of  pottery  are 
produced.  This  earth  is  very  pure, 
and  it  is  said  might  be  manufactur- 
ed into  the  best  china  ware.  The 
bed  is  inexhaustible.  The  black 
oxide  of  manganese  is  also  found 
here.  There  is  also  a curious  cav- 
ern in  the  town  : after  descending 
about  16  feet,  you  arrive  at  a room 
30  feet  long,  and  16  wide.  From 
this  is  a passage  leading  to  a second 
apartment,  which  is  not  quite  so 
large,  but  more  pleasant.  Monk- 
ton  is  a pleasant  town,  3 miles  E. 
from  Ferrisburgh.  and  is  frequent- 
ly visited  by  the  curious.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  1,334. 

Moumoath,  Me. 

Kennebec  co.  This  is  a fine 
township,  and  beautifully  watered 
by  some  of  the  sources  of  the  Cob- 
hessecontee.  It  lies  15  miles  S. 
W.  from  Augusta.  The  village  is 
very  pleasant,  and  is  the  seat  of  a 
flourishing  academy.  Wheat  crop, 
1337,  5,256  bushels.  Population, 
same  year,  1,847.  Incorporated, 
1792.  * 

Monroe,  Me. 

W aldo  co.  This  town  is  watered 
by  Marsh  river,  a branch  of  the  Pe- 
nobscot. It  lies  59  miles  N.  E.  from 
Augusta,  and  14  N.  from  Belfast. 
Population,  1837,  1,365.  Wheat 
crop,  same  year,  5,897. 

Monroe,  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  This  is  an  elevated 
township,  bounded  E.  by  Deerfield 
river.  It  lies  105  miles  W.  N.  W. 
from  Boston,  and  23  W.  by  N.  from 
Greenfield.  Incorporated,  1822. — 
Population,  1837,  232. 

Monroe,  ft. 

Fairfield  co.  This  town  was 
taken  from  Huntington  in  1323. 
The  soil  is  good,  and  w ell  adapted 
for  grazing,  but  the  surface  is  rough 
and  stony.  Agriculture  is  the  prin- 
cipal business  of  the  inhabitants. 

22* 


There  are  excellent  orchards  of  va- 
rious kinds  of  fruit  in  the  town,  a 
pleasant  village  on  elevated  ground, 
and  a classical  school.  It  lies  15 
miles  W.  by  N.  from  New  Haven, 
and  12  E.  by  S.  from  Danbury. 
Population,  1830,  1,522. 

A rich  variety  of  mineral  sub- 
stances have  been  discovered  here. 
Among  them,  are  tungsten,  telluri- 
um, native  bismouth,  native  silver, 
magnetical  and  common  iron  py- 
rites, copper  pyrites,  galena,  blen- 
de, tourmaline,  &c. 

Mon  sou,  Me. 

Piscataquis  co.  This  town  is 
wratered  by  Piscataquis  river  and 
Wilson’s  stream.  Monson  compris- 
es a fine  tract  of  land,  and  is  settled 
by  a worthy  class  of  people.  In- 
corporated, 1822.  Population,  in 
1837,  565.  Wheat  crop,  same  year, 
2,267  bushels.  It  lies  83  miles  N. 
by  E.  from  Augusta,  and  20  N.  W. 
from  Dover.  A stage  runs  between 
this  town  and  Bangor,  three  times 
a week.  Distance  from  Monson  to 
Bangor,  60  miles ; to  Moosehead 
lake,  15. 

Monson,  Mass. 

Hampden  co.  Monson  was  tak- 
en from  Brimfield  in  1760.  It  lies 
73  miles  S.  W.  by  W.  from  Boston, 
and  13  E.  from  Springfield.  Popu- 
lation, 1837, 2,179.  This  is  a pleas- 
ant town  of  variegated  surface, 
good  soil  and  well  watered  by  Chick- 
opee  river.  It  contains  a flourish- 
4ng  academy.  There  are  3 cotton 
mills  in  Monson,  and  other  manu- 
factures. The  value  of  cotton  goods 
manufactured  in  the  year  ending 
April  1,  18S7,  was  $67,500. 

Montague,  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  This  town  is  on 
the  E.  bank  of  Connecticut  river, 
opposite  to  Deerfield,  and  united  to 
that  town  by  a bridge.  Turner's 
Falls,  at  the  northerly  part  of  the 
town,  are  more  interesting  than 
any  in  the  state,  and  probably  as 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


much  so  as  any  in  New  England. 
The  canal  for  passing  these  falls,  3 
miles  in  length  and  75  feet  lockage, 
with  an  immense  dam  across  the 
river,  greatly  facilitates  the  naviga- 
tion on  Connecticut  river.  This 
place  has  a great  water  power,  and 
promises  peculiar  advantages  to  the 
manufacturing  interest.  The  scene- 
ry around  this  place  is  romantic  and 
beautiful,  and  to  the  lovers  of  anti- 
quarian lore,  full  of  interesting  as- 
sociations. 

It  lies  80  miles  W.  by  N.  from 
Boston,  and  7 S.  E.  from  Greenfield. 
Incorporated,  1753.  Population,  in 
1837,  1,260. 

Montgomery,  Vt. 

Franklin  co.  This  town  lies  in  a 
mountainous  country,  but  it  has  a 
valuable  tract  of  land  on  Trout  riv- 
er, a good  mill  stream,  a branch  of 
the  Missisque.  It  lies  42  miles  N. 
from  Montpelier,  and  27  E.  N.  E. 
from  St.  Albans.  First  settled,  in 
1793.  Population,  1830,  460. 

The  Rev.  Joel  Clapp  was  the  first 
child  born  in  this  town,  September 
14,  1793.  He  preached  the  first 
fast-day  sermon,  the  first  thanks- 
giving sermon,  and  the  first  moth- 
er’s funeral  sermon,  which  were 
preached  in  the  town. 

Montgomery,  Mass. 

Hampden  co.  This  is  a moun- 
tainous township  on  the  N.  side  of 
Westfield  river,  and  has  a good  wa- 
ter power.  It  lies  100  miles  W.  by 
S.  from  Boston,  and  12  N.  W.  from 
Springfield.  Incorporated,  1780. 
Population,  1837,  497.  This  is  a 
good  town  for  gracing,  and  it  pro- 
duces considerable  wool  and  some 
beef  cattle. 

Montpelier,  Vt. 

The  capital  of  the  state  and  shire 
town  of  the  county  of  Washington. 
It  lies  in  N.  lat.  44°  17',  and  W. 
Ion.  72°  36'.  It  is  182  miles  W. 
from  Augusta,  Me. ; 97  N.  N.  W. 
from  Concord,  N.  H. ; 160  N.  W. 


by  N.  from  Boston,  Mass. ; 200  N. 
by  W.  from  Providence,  R.  I. ; 
2U5  N.  from  Hartford,  Ct. ; 148  N. 
E.  from  Albany  N.  Y. ; and  524 
miles  from  Washington.  First  set- 
tled, in  1786.  Population,  1830, 
2,985.  Montpelier  became  the  seat 
of  government  in  1805,  and  the 
shire  town  of  the  county,  in  1811. 
It  is  finely  watered  by  Onion  river 
and  by  several  branches  of  that 
stream.  These  streams  afford  a 
good  water  power,  on  which  are 
manufacturing  establishments  of  va- 
rious kinds.  The  surface  of  the 
town  is  very  uneven  and  hilly,  but 
not  mountainous.  The  soil  is  very 
good  along  the  streams,  and  the 
highlands  produce  excellent  pas- 
turage. The  agricultural  products 
are  various  and  valuable.  In  1837 
there  were  between  8,000  and  9,000 
sheep  in  the  town. 

This  township  was  granted  Octo- 
ber 21,  1780,  and  chartered  to  Tim- 
othy Bigelow  and  others,  August 
14,  1781,  containing  23,040  acres. 
It  was  rechartered  February  6, 
1804.  In  the  spring  of  1786,  Joel 
Frizzle  erected  a log  house  on  the 
bank  of  Onion  river,  in  the  south- 
west corner  of  this  township,  and 
moved  his  family  into  it  from  Cana- 
da. This  was  the  first  family  in 
town.  Early  in  the  month  of  May, 
1787,  Col.  Jacob  and  Gen.  Parley 
Davis,  from  W orcester  county  ,M  ass. 
began  improvements  near  the  place 
where  the  village  now  stands,  and 
erected  a log  house,  into  which 
Col.  Davis  removed  his  family  the 
winter  following. 

The  village  of  Montpelier  is  sur- 
rounded by  hills  of  considerable  el- 
evation •,  and  although  it  is  too  low 
to  command  an  extensive  prospect, 
is  very  pleasant,  and  quite  roman- 
tic in  its  appearance.  It  is  located 
very  near  the  centre  of  the  state  : 
it  is  a great  thoroughfare  from  all 
directions,  and  commands  a large 
and  valuable  interior  trade.  The 
buildings  are  in  good  style ; some 
of  which  are  very  handsome. 


VERMONT  STATE  HOUSE,  MONTPELIER- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


We  take  pleasure  in  presenting  to  the  public  a well  executed  en- 
graving of  the  Vermont  State  House,  at  Montpelier ; designed  by  A.  B. 
Young,  Esq.,  a native  of  New  England,  and  executed  under  his  imme- 
diate superintendence. 

The  engraving  represents  a southeast  front  view  of  the  building,  which 
stands  on  an  elevated  site,  about  325  feet  from  State  street,  on  which  it 
fronts,  and  is  alike  beautiful  in . design  and  execution.  The  yard  and 
grounds  pertaining  to  it  are  large  and  spacious,  and,  in  the  manner  they 
are  laid  out,  give  great  importance  to  the  building.  Through  the  whole 
design,  a chaste  architectural  character  is  preserved,  which,  combined 
with  the  convenient  arrangement  of  the  interior  and  the  stability  of  its 
construction,  renders  this  edifice  equal  in  every  respect  to  any  in  New 
England,  and  probably  to  any  in  the  United  States.  The  building  is  in 
the  form  of  a cross,  showing  in  front  a centre,  72  feet  wide,  and  two 
wings,  each  39  feet,  making  the  whole  length  150  feet.  The  centre,  in- 
cluding the  portico,  is  100  feet  deep ; the  wings  are  50  feet  deep.  The 
six  columns  of  the  portico  are  G feet  diameter  at  their  base,  and  36  feet 
high,  supporting  an  entablature  of  classic  proportions.  The  dome  rises 
36  feet  above  the  ridge,  making  the  whole  height  from  the  ground  100 
feet.  The  order  of  architecture  used  is  the  Grecian  Doric,  and  is  made 
to  conform  to  the  peculiar  arrangement  necessary  in  this  building.  The 
w’alls,  columns,  cornices,  &c.,  are  of  dark  Barre  granite,  wrought  in  a 
superior  manner : the  dome  and  roofs  are  covered  with  copper. 

In  the  interior,  the  lowTer  story  contains  an  Entrance  Hall,  rooms  for 
the  Secretary  of  State,  Treasurer,  Auditor,  and  numerous  Committee 
rooms.  The  second  or  principal  story,  contains  a Vestibule,  and  stair- 
ways, a Representatives  Hall,  57  by  67  feet,  with  a Lobby,  and  Galleries 
for  spectators  ; a Senate  Chamber,  30  by  44  feet,  with  Lobby  and  Gallery  ; 
a Governor’s  room,  24  by  20  feet,  with  an  ante-room,  and  a room  for  his 
Secretary  adjoining ; a Library  room,  18  by  36  feet ; rooms  for  the  several 
officers  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  and  several  com- 
mittee rooms.  The  cost  of  this  building,  including  all  expenses,  was 
about  $132,100;  of  which  the  inhabitants  of  Montpelier  paid  $15,000. 


At  the  first  session  of  the  Legislature  of  Vermont,  within  this  building, 
in  October,  1838,  the  following  resolution  was  unanimously  adopted : 
“Resolved,  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Vermont,  that 
the  thanks  of  this  Legislature  be  presented  to  Ammi  B.  Young,  Esq., 
as  a testimonial  of  their  approbation  of  the  taste,  ability,  fidelity  and 
perseverance  which  he  has  manifested  in  the  design  and  execution  of  the 
new  capitol  of  this  state ; which  will  abide  as  a lasting  monument  of  the 
talents  and  taste  of  Mr.  Young  as  an  Architect.” 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Uoutville,  Me. 

Waldo  co.  This  is  a beautiful 
and  flourishing  town,  watered  by 
some  of  the  head  branches  of  Sheep- 
scot  river,  26  miles  E.  N.  E.  from 
Augusta,  and  15  W.  from  Belfast. 
Incorporated,  1807.  Population,  in 
1830,  1,243;  1837,1,987.  Wheat 
crop,  1837,  8,083  bushels. 

Montville,  Ct. 

New  London  co.  Montville  was 
taken  from  New  London  in  1786. 
The  surface  is  hilly  and  stony;  the 
soil  a dry,  gravelly  loam,  strong  and 
fertile.  It  lies  on  the  W.  side  of 
the  river  Thames,  35  miles  S.  E. 
from  Hartford,  8 N.  from  New 
London,  and  7 S.  from  Norwich. 
The  town  has  a good  water  power 
and  contains  3 cotton  and  2 woolen 
factories,  and  an  oil  mill.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  1,964. 

This,  and  a large  tract  of  country 
lying  north  and  east  of  it,  formerly 
belonged  to  the  Mohegans,  a tribe 
of  Indians  once  celebrated  for  their 
warlike  prowess  and  friendship  to 
the  English.  In  Montville  is  a 
tract  reserved  by  the  state,  for  the 
maintenance  of  a remnant  of  that 
tribe,  “ on  the  land  of  their  fathers.” 

The  Mohegan  reservation  consists 
of  about  2,700  acres.  It  was  hold- 
en  by  them  in  common  till  the 
year  1790,  when  it  was  divided  to 
each  family  by  the  legislature  of 
Connecticut.  The  Mohegans  are 
under  the  care  of  guardians,  or  over- 
seers, appointed  by  the  legislature. 
A part  ot  the  lands  are  occupied  by 
the  Indians  themselves,  and  a part 
by  white  tenants,  of  which  there 
are  as  many  as  Mohegans  living  on 
the  reservation.  The  rents  go  into 
a common  fund,  from  which  the 
Mohegans  derive,  individually,  a 
small  sum  annually. 

In  1774,  when  a census  of  the  in- 
habitants of  Connecticut  was  taken, 
there  were  in  the  colony  1,363  In- 
dians. The  number  in  the  township 
of  New  London  was  stated  to  be 


206.  Mohegan  was  then  included 
in  the  limits  of  that  town.  At  the 
same  time  there  were  in  Stonington 
237 ; in  Groton  186  ; in  Lyme  104; 
in  Norwich  61,  and  in  Preston  30: 
in  all,  824.  Most  of  these  may  be 
considered  §s  descended  from  those 
who  once  oived  some  kind  of  alle- 
giance to  Uncas.  Dr.  Holmes,  who 
visited  Mohegan  in  1S03,  says  that 
“ there  were  not  more  than  80  per- 
sons of  this  tribe  remaining,  and 
that  John  Cooper,  the  richest  man 
in  the  .tribe,  possessing  a yoke  of 
oxen  and  two  cows,  was  then  their 
religious  teacher.”  Four  years  af- 
ter, they  were  reduced  in  number 
to  sixty  nine,  these  being  for  the 
most  part  aged  persons,  widows,  and 
fatherless  children. 

Within  the  course  o i a few  years 
past,  an  effort  has  been  made  to  el- 
evate and  rescue  the  remnant  of 
this  tribe  from  extinction.  A small 
house  for  divine  worship  has  been 
erected,  and  also  a house  for  a teach- 
er ; towards  erecting  this  last  build- 
ing the  United  States  government 
appropriated  500  dollars  ; they  have 
also  allowed,  recently,  400  dollars 
annually  for  the  support  of  a teach- 
er. The  school,  consisting  of  up- 
wards of  20  scholars,  at  this  time  is 
under  the  care  of  Mr.  Anson  Glea- 
son, who  also  officiates  as  a religious 
teacher  at  the  Mohegan  Chapel. 
Mr.  Gleason  commenced  his  labors 
among  this  people  in  1832,  and  it  is 
firmly  believed  that  his  efforts  to 
promote  the  welfare  of  this  people 
will  be  attended  with  lasting  and 
beneficial  effects.  Mr.  Gleason 
says,  “ that  he  can  say  for  a certain- 
ty, that  the  native  children  are  as 
apt  to  learn  as  any  children  he  ever 
taught,  and  bid  fair  for  intelligent 
men  and  women.”  He  also  says, 
“ This  tribe  had  well  nigh  run  out 
by  indulging  in  the  use  of  ardent 
spirits  ; but  of  late  there  is  a change 
for  the  better,  a number  of  refor- 
mations having  taken  place.  Most 
of  the  youth  are  opposed  to  strong 
drink,  and  are  members  of  the  tem- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


perance  reform.  The  greater  part 
of  the  working  men  follow  the  whale 
trade,  and  come  home  only  now  and 
then.  . . . We  are  on  the  fncrease, 
and  hope  in  the  course  of  a few  years, 
through  the  mercy  of  God,  to  rise 
in  point  of  virtue  and  respectabili- 
ty.” 

The  Mohegan  church  is  between 
three  and  four  miles  from  Norwich 
city,  a few  rods  east  of  the  public 
road  from  Norwich  to  New  London. 
It  is  beautifully  situated  on  an  em- 
inence commanding  a fair  view  of 
Norwich  at  the  north,  and  New 
London  at  the  south.  It  was  built 
in  1831,  at  an  expense  of  between 
six  and  seven  hundred  dollars,  con- 
tributed for  the  purpose  mostly  by 
benevolent  ladies  in  the  cities  of 
Norwich,  Hartford  and  New  Lon- 
don. This  house  is  designed  for  the 
use  of  the  Moliegans,  and  the  white 
inhabitants  who  reside  on  the  re- 
servation. The  Mohegan  school- 
house  is  40  or  50  rods  south  of  the 
chapel,  at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  near 
by  which  is  the  house  for  the  teach- 
er. About  100  rods  west  of  the 
chapel,  on  the  summit  of  a com- 
manding eminence,  was  situated  a 
Mohegan  fort,  some  traces  of  which 
remain ; they  also  had  another  fort 
near  the  river. 

“ Lr> ! where  a savage  fortress  frown’d 
Amid  yon  blood-cemented  ground. 

A hallowed  dome,  with  peaceful  claim, 
Shall  bear  the  meek  Redeemer’s  name; 
And  forms  like  those  that  lingering  stayed 
Latest  ’rieath  Calvary’s  awful  shade, 

And  earliest  pierc’d  the  gather’d  gloom 
To  watch  the  Savior’s  lowly  tomli — 

Such  gentle  forms  the  Indian’s  ire 
Have  sooth’d  and  bade  that  dome  aspire. 
And  now,  whore  rose  the  murderous  yell, 
The  tuneful  hymn  to  God  shall  swell— 
Where  vengeance  spread  a Intal  snare. 
Shall  breathe  the  red  man’s  contrite  prayer.” 

Moose  Rivers. 

Moose  river,  in  Maine,  is  a large 
tributary  to  Moosehead  lake.  It 
rises  in  the  western  part  of  Somer- 
set county,  and  after  receiving  the 
waters  of  several  large  ponds  in 
that  quarter,  it  passes  through  Bras- 


sua  lake,  4 or  5 miles  W.  of  the 
Moosehead. 

Moose  river,  in  New  Hampshire, 
has  its  source  on  the  N.  side  of  the 
White  Mountains,  and  unites  with 
the  Androscoggin  in  Shelburne. — 
Its  source  is  very  near  that  of  Is- 
rael’s river,  which  passes  W.  into 
the  Connecticut. 

Moose  river , in  Vermont,  is  a 
branch  of  the  Passumpsic  ; it  rises 
in  Granby  and  East  Haven,  and 
falls  into  that  river  at  St.  Johnsbury. 
This,  in  many  places,  is  a rapid 
stream,  about  2*5  miles  in  length. 

Moose  Mead.  Lake,  Me. 

This  lake,  the  outlet  of  which  is 
the  source  of  Kennebec  river,  lies 
in  the  county  of  Piscataquis.  Its 
form  is  very  irregular.  Its  length 
is  between  40  and  50  miles,  and  its 
breadth,  in  the  widest  part,  about 
12  miles.  The  tributaries  are  nu- 
merous, and  flow  from  almost  every 
direction.  It  contains  a number  of 
islands,  the  largest  of  which  is  Su- 
gar island,  containing  5,440  acres, 
and  Deer  island,  containing  2,000 
acres.  These  islands  are  fertile,  as 
is  the  whole  country  surrounding 
the  lake,  except  in  some  places 
where  the  banks  are  high  and  pre- 
cipitous. The  waters  are  deep  and 
abound  in  trout  of  an  extraordinary 
size. 

It  is  remarkable  that  the  territory 
surrounding  this  inland  sea,  possess- 
ing in  rich  abundance  all  the  ne- 
cessary requirements  for  the  uses 
anB-  comforts  of  man,  and  within 
three  hundred  miles  of  the  capital 
of  New  England,  should  be  left  a 
wilderness  garden,  uninhabited  and 
almost  unexplored ; while  thous- 
ands of  New  England  men  are  press- 
ing to  distant  regions,  less  health- 
ful, and  less  productive t when  mar- 
kets for  surplus  produce  are  consid- 
ered. 

The  only  settlement,  of  any  con- 
sequence, on  the  borders  of  this 
beautiful  lake,  is  HaskelVs  Planta- 
tion, at  the  southern  boundary. — 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


This  place  lies  15  miles  N.  from 
Monson,  from  which  town  stages 
pass  to  Bangor,  60  miles.  A steam- 
boat plies  up  and  down  the  lake, 
for  the  purpose  of  transporting  pas- 
sengers, more  particularly  those 
who  are  engaged  in  felling  timber; 
and  for  the  purpose  of  towing  the 
timber  down  to  the  Kennebec  out- 
let. 

The  lumber  business  on  this  lake 
is  very  extensive,  and  doubtless  lu- 
crative ; but  the  time  is  not  very 
distant  when  this  and  other  sections 
of  Maine,  will  he  as  much  valued 
for  the  fruits  of  the  soil ; and,  under 
the  wise  system  of  geological  ex- 
ploration, adopted  by  the  legisla- 
ture, for  the  quarries  of  slate,  lime, 
granite,  marble,  and  even  coal,  as 
they  are  now  for  their  forests  of 
timber. 

This  lake  may  be  divided  into 
two  bays.  A little  above  the  cen- 
tre of  it,  is  a narrow  pass  of  rath- 
er less  than  a mile  across.  At 
this  place,  on  the  western,  side,  is 
Mount  Keneo,an  elevation  of  five  or 
six  hundred  feet  projecting  over  the 
water.  From  this  height  a pictur- 
esque view  of  the  lake,  its  islands, 
and  a boundless  wilderness,  is  pre- 
sented. When  the  wind  blows  fresh 
from  the  north,  the  waters  of  the 
north  bay  press  through  this  strait 
with  considerable  force,  and  cause 
the  south  bay  to  rise  two  or  three 
feet. 

A dam  has  been  erected  at  the 
outlet,  for  the  purpose  of  raising 
the  lake  3 or  4 feet,  so  as  to  let  the 
the  water  off  as  occasion  may  re- 
quire, to  facilitate  the  passage  of 
lumber  on  the  river.  We  hope, 
for  the  benefit  of  our  friends  down 
stream,  that  the  dam  is  of  solid  ma- 
terials and  well  constructed. 

Mooseliillock  Mountain,  N.  II., 

Is  a noble  and  lofty  eminence 
in  the  S.  E.  part  of  Coventry,  and 
ranks  among  the  highest  mountains 
in  New  England.  The  altitude  of 


the  north  peak  above  tide  water,  is 
4,636  feet — that  of  the  south  peak, 
is  4,536  feet.  Baker’s  river  has  its 
source  on  its  eastern  side. 

Mooseluckmaguntic  Lake,  Me* 

A large  sheet  of  water  which 
empties  into  the  Molechunkamunk, 
about  2 miles  south. 

Moretown,  Vt. 

Washington  co.  Mad  river,  a 
branch  of  the  Onion,  waters  this 
town  and  gives  it  good  mill  seats. 
The  surface  is  mountainous,  and  a 
great  part  of  the  soil  unfit  for  culti- 
vation. First  settled,  1790.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  816.  It  lies  8 miles 
S.  W.  from  Montpelier. 

Morgan,  Vt. 

Orleans  co.  First  settled,  1800. 
It  lies  50  miles  N.  E.  from  Montpe- 
lier, and  15  N.  N.E.  from  Irasburgh. 
Population,  1830,  331.  Knowlton’s 
lake,  a handsome  sheet  of  water, 
containing  a variety  of  fish,  lies  in 
this  town.  It  is  4 miles  in  length, 
and  2 in  breadth,  and  empties  into 
Clyde  river. 

Morristown,  Vt. 

Lamoille  co.  This  town  lies  20 
miles  N.  by  W.  from  Montpelier, 
and  6 S.  from  Hyde  Park.  First 
settled,  1790.  Population,  1830, 
1,315.  The  surface  of  the  town  is 
diversified  by  hills  and  valleys; 
the  soil  is  good,  particularly  on  the 
banks  of  Lamoille  river,  which  af- 
fords some'  water  power.  Here  is 
a neat  village,  and  considerable 
business.  The  people  are  general- 
ly farmers,  and  produce  cattle,  but- 
ter, cheese,  and  a large  quantity  of 
wool  for  market. 

Moscow,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  Moscow  is  water- 
ed by  a pond,  and  by  a beautiful 
stream,  a branch  of  the  Kennebec, 
and  lies  on  the  east  side  of  that 
river.  It  is  30  miles  N.  from  Nor- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ridgewock,  and  58  N.  from  Augusta. 
This  town  has  a good  soil  and  a 
pleasant  village.  It  was  incorpo- 
rated in  1816.  Population,  1837, 
477.  Wheat  crop,  same  year,  4,273 
bushels. 

MoultoiiborougliL)  N.  If., 

Strafford  co.,  is  situated  on  the  N. 
W.  shore  of  Winnepisiogee  lake. 
This  interesting  town  lies  45  miles 
N.  from  Concord, and  20  E.  from  Ply- 
mouth. This  town  is  broken  by 
mountains  and  ponds.  Red  Hill,  ly- 
ing wholly  within  this  town,  com- 
mands notice  from  the  east,  south, 
and  west;  and  extends  about  3 
miles  from  E.  to  W.,  between  Red 
Hill  river  on  the  N.,  Great  Squam 
on  the  W.,  Great  Squam  and  Long 
pond  on  the  S.,  terminating  S.  E. 
by  a neck  of  fine  land  extending 
into  the  Winnepisiogee.  Its  sum- 
mit is  covered  with  the  uv<b  ursi 
and  low  blueberry  bush,  which  in 
autumn  give  the  hill  a reddish  hue, 
from  which  circumstance  its  name 
was  probably  derived.  A number 
of  oval  bluffs  rise  on  its  summit, 
from  each  of  which  the  prospect 
on  either  hand  is  extensive  and  de- 
lightful. The  north  bluff  is  sup- 
posed to  consist  of  a body  of  iron 
ore.  Bog  ore  is  found  in  a brook 
descending  from  this  bluff.  Ossi- 
pee  mountain  extends  its  base  into 
this  town,  and  is  a commanding 
elevation.  On  the  south  part  of 
this  mountain,  in  Moultonborough, 
is  a mineral  chalybeate  spring,  the 
■waters  strongly  impregnated  with 
iron  and  sulphur,  and  efficacious 
in  cutaneous  eruptions.  About  a 
mile  north  is  a spring  of  pure  cold 
water,  16  feet  in  diameter,  through 
the  centre  of  which  the  water,  con- 
taining a small  portion  of  fine  white 
sand,  is  constantly  thrown  up  to  the 
height  of  two  feet — the  spring  fur- 
nishing water  sufficient  for  mills. 
On  the  stream  nearly  a mile  below, 
is  a beautiful  waterfall  of  70  feet 
perpendicular.  Descending  on  the 
left  of  this  fall,  a cave  is  found,  con- 

23 


taining  charcoal  and  other  eviden- 
ces of  its  having  been  a hiding 
place  for  the  Indians.  Red  Hill 
river  originates  in  Sandwich,  and 
passes  through  this  town  into  the 
Winnepisiogee.  Long  pond  is  a 
beautiful  sheet  of  water,  and  con- 
hects  with  the  lake  by  a channel 
sixty  rods  in  length.  Squam  and 
Winnepisiogee  lakes  lie  partly  in 
Moultonborough.  The  soil  of  this 
town  is  fruitful,  though  in  some 
parts  rocky.  Moultonborough  was 
granted  in  1763,  to  Col.  Jonathan 
Moulton  and  others.  Settlements 
commenced  in  1764. 

Many  Indian  implements  and  rel- 
ics have  been  found  indicating  this 
to  have  been  once  their  favorite 
residence.  In  1820,  on  a small  isl- 
and in  the  Winnepisiogee, was  found 
a curious  gun  barrel,  much  worn  by 
age  and  rust,  divested  of  its  stock, 
enclosed  in  the  body  of  a pitch  pine 
tree  16  inches  in  diameter.  Its  butt 
rested  on  a flat  rock,  its  muzzle  el- 
evated about  30°.  In  1819,  a small 
dirk,  1 1-2  feet  in  length  from  the 
point  to  the  end  of  the  hilt,  round 
blade,  was  found  in  a new  field,  one 
foot  under  ground,  bearing  strong 
marks  of  antiquity. 

On  the  line  of  Tuftonborough,  on 
the  shore  of  the  lake,  at  the  mouth 
of  Melvin  river,  a gigantic  skeleton 
was  found  about  30  years  since,  bu- 
ried in  a sandy  soil,  apparently  that 
of  a man  more  than  seven  feet  high 
— the  jaw  bones  easily  passing  over 
the  face  of  a large  man.  A tumu- 
lus has  been  discovered  on  a piece 
of  newly  cleared  land,  of  the  length 
and  appearance  of  a human  grave, 
and  handsomely  rounded  with 
small  stones,  not  found  in  this  part 
of  the  country ; which  stones  are 
too  closely  placed  to  be  separated 
by  striking  an  ordinary  blow  with 
a crow-bar,  and  bear  marks  of  being 
a composition.  The  Ossipee  tribe 
of  Indians  once  resided  in  this  vi- 
cinity, and  some  years  since  a tree 
was  standing  in  Moultonborough, 
on  which  was  carved  in  hieroglyph- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ics  the  history  of  their  expeditions. 
Population,  1830,  1,422. 

Mount  Desert,  Me. 

Hancock  co.  This  town  com- 
prised the  whole  island  of  the  same 
name,  lying  between  Frenchman’s 
bay  and  the  waters  of  Blue  Hill 
bay,  and  Union  river,  until  1795, 
when  the  north  part  was  set  off  and 
called  Eden.  It  lies  110  miles  E. 
from  Augusta.  Incorporated,  1789. 
Population,  1837,  1,783. 

This  town  has  an  extensive  coast, 
and  a number  of  excellent  harbors. 
The  people  of  Mount  Desert  own 
considerable  navigation  employed 
in  the  coasting  trade ; and  the  shore 
fishery,  is  a lucrative  branch  of 
business.  The  soil  of  the  town  is 
good,  and  abundantly  able  to  supply 
the  inhabitants  with  bread  stuffs. 
In  1837,  the  ocean  towns  of  Mount 
Desert  and  Eden,  produced  674 
bushels  of  good  wheat.  W e men- 
tion this  fact,  to  show  that  there 
must  be  something,  other  than  sea 
air,  which  causes  that  valuable 
grain  to  blight  on  the  coast  of  Mas- 
sachusetts. 

Mount  Holly,  Vt. 

Rutland  co.  A pleasant  town 
lying  60  miles  S.  from  Montpelier, 
and  17  S.  E.  from  Rutland.  First 
settled,  1781.  Population,  1830, 
1,318.  The  surface  of  the  town  is 
elevated,  and  in  some  parts  moun- 
tainous, but  the  soil  is  well  adapted 
for  grazing,  and  produces  consider- 
able quantities  of  wool,  beef,  but* 
ter,  and  cheese. 

Mounts  HolyoSce  &>  Tom,  Mass. 

See  Northampton. 

Mount  Hope, 

And  Mount  Hope  Bay.  See 
Bristol,  B.  I. 

Mount  Tahor,  Vt. 

Rutland  co.  Otter  Creek  rises  in 
this  town,  by  a branch  on  each  side 
of  a mountain.  Most  of  the  land 


is  unfit  for  cultivation,  it,  being  so 
high  on  the  Green  mountain  range. 
It  lies  66  miles  S.  by  W.  from  Mont- 
pelier, and  19  S.  by  E.  from  Rut- 
land. Population,  1830,  210. 

Mount  Vernon,  Me. 

Kennebec  co.  This  town  lies 
W.  of  Belgrade,  E.  of  Vienna,  and 
15  miles  N.  W.  from  Augusta.  In- 
corporated, 1792.  Population, 1837, 
1,503.  There  are  three  pleasant 
villages  in  the  town  : the  soil  is  re- 
markably good,  and  is  Watered  by 
a number  of  beautiful  ponds  and 
small  streams.  Wheat  crop,  1837, 
5,888  bushels. 

Mount  Vernon,  N.  H., 

Hillsborough  co.,  is  3 miles  N. 
W.  from  Amherst,  and  28  S.  W. 
from  Concord.  There  is  but  one 
stream  of  any  note,  and  this  was 
called  by  the  Indians  Quohquina- 
passakessananagnog.  The  situa- 
tion is  elevated,  and  towards  the  E. 
and  S E.  there  is  a considerable 
prospect.  There  is  a flourishing 
village  situated  near  the  highest 
point  of  elevation.  This  town  was 
originally  a part  of  Amherst,  from 
which  it  was  detached  in  1803. 

Dr.  Daniel  Adams,  who  com- 
menced and  conducted  the  Medical 
and  Agricultural  Register,  and  is 
author  of  a popular  system  of  arith- 
metic, school  geography,  and  a 
number  of  useful  school  books,  has 
his  residence  in  this  place.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  763. 

Mount  Washington,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  This  town  lies  in 
the  S.  W.  corner  of  the  state,  bor- 
dering on  Ct.  and  N.  Y.  It  is  135 
miles  W.  by  S.  from  Boston,  22  S. 
S.  W.  from  Lenox,  and  26  S.  E. 
from  Hudson,  N.  Y.  Incorporated, 
1779.  Population,  1837,  337. 

These  people  seem  to  enjoy  a 
more  elevated  situation  than  any  of 
their  neighbors:  one  of- their  hills 
is  3,150  feet  above  the  sea.  They 
keep  600  sheep,  and  manufacture 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


about  100,000  bushels  of  charcoal, 
annually.  A mountain  stream  af- 
fords them  a water  power  for  an  axe 
factory  and  forge.  These  people, 
likewise,  appear  to  be  more  inde- 
pendent of  the  common  wants  of 
mankind  than  other  folks;  for  they 
have  no  minister,  physician,  law- 
yer, post  office,  or  tavern,  yet  they 
are  remarkably  healthy ; and  as  far 
as  we  can  judge,  intelligent  and 
kind. 

Muscongr.s  River  aud  Bay,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  Muscongus  river, 
rises  in  large  ponds  in  the  interior 
of  the  county,  and  on  the  border  of 
Waldo  county:  it  passes  through 
Waldoborough,  apd'  separating  Bre- 
men and  Friendship,  it  forms  the 
head  waters  of  Muscongus  bay. — 
This  bay  has  a number  of  islands 
and  lies  between  St.  George’s  isl- 
ands off  the  town  of  St.  George, 
on  the  E.,  and  Pemmaquid  point, 
in  Bremen,  on  the  W. 

Nahant,  Mass. 

This  celebrated  watering  place, 
is  a part  of  the  beautiful  town  of 
Lynn'.  It  is  a peninsula,  jutting 
out  about  5 miles  into  Massachu- 
setts bay,  and  forms  Lynn  bay  on 
the  south.  From  Boston  to  Nahant 
hotel,  on  the  eastern  point  of  the 
peninsula,  by  land,  is  14  miles ; 
from  the  centre  of  Lynn,  5 ; and 
from  Salem  9 miles.  On  the  N.  E. 
side  of  this  peninsula  is  a beach  of 
great  length  and  smoothness.  It  is 
so  hard  that  a horse’s  foot-steps  are 
scarcely  visible  ; and,  from  half-tide 
to  low  water,  it  affords  a ride  of  su- 
perior excellence.  Much  may  be 
said  in  praise  of  Nahant  without 
exaggeration.  Its  formation,  situa- 
tion, and  rugged  shore,  excites  the 
curiosity  of  all,  and  many  thou- 
sands annually  visit  it  for  health,  or 
pleasure. 

It  is  only  10  miles  N.  E.  from 
Boston, by  the  steam-boats,  continu- 
ally  plying  in  summer  months  : at 
this  place  are  good  fishing  and  fowl- 


ing, excellent  accommodations:  the 
ocean  scenery  is  exceedingly  beau- 
tiful in  fair  weather,  and  truly  sub- 
lime in  a storm. 

Nantasket,  Mass. 

See  Hull. 

Nantucket  Co.  Mass,  and  Town. 

An  island  in  the  Atlantic  ocean — 
town  and  county.  It  lies  E.  of 
Dukes  county,  and  about  80  miles 
S.  of  Cape  Cod,  or  Barnstable  coun- 
ty. This  island  is  about  15  miles  in 
length,  from  east  to  west,  and  about 
4 miles  average  breadth.  It  con- 
tains 50  square  miles.  The  town, 
formerly  called  Shelburne,  is  in 
about  the  centre  of  the  island,  on 
the  north  side,  in  lat.  41°  16'  42", 
W.  Ion.,  70°  V 42".  It  is  100  miles 
S.  E.  by  S.  from  Boston,  55  S.  E. 
from  New  Bedford,  30  S.  E.  from 
Falmouth,  End  500  from  Washing 
ton.  Population,  1837,  9,048. 

Nantucket  has  a good  harbor, 
with  7 1-2  feet  of  water,  at  low  tide, 
on  the  bar  at  its  mouth.  This  island 
was  formerly  well  wooded,  but  for 
many  years  it  has  not  had  a single 
tree  of  natural  growth.  The  soil  is 
light  and  sandy;  it  however  affords 
pasturage  for  about  7,000  sheep,  500 
cows,  and  other  cattle.  In  1659, 
when  this  county  was  incorporated, 
the  island  contained  3,000  Indians, 
but  now,  not  one. 

The  whale  fishery  commenced 
here  in  1690  ; and  this  place  is, 
perhaps,  more  celebrated  than 
any  other,  for  the  enterprize  and 
success  of  its  people,  in  that  spe- 
cies of  nautical  adventure.  Indeed 
Nantucket  is  the  mother  of  that 
great  branch  of  wealth  in  America, 
if  not  in  the  world.  In  the  year 
ending  April  1,  1837,  Nantucket 
employed  74  vessels  in  that  fishery, 
the  tonnage  of  which  was  25,S75 
tons  1,277,009  gallons  of  sperm 
and  whale  oil  was  imported,  the 
value  of  which  was  $1,114,012. 
The  number  of  hands  employed, 
was  1,897.  The  capital  invested. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


was  $2,520,000  ; this  includes  the 
ships  and  outfits  only  ; yet  many  of 
the  manufactories  of  the  place,  are 
appendages  of  the  whale  fishery  ; 
altogether,  employing  a capital  of 
over  five  millions  of  dollars.  There 
are  manufactures  on  the  island,  of 
vessels,  whale  boats,  bar  iron,  tin 
ware,  boots,  shoes,  oil  casks,  and 
candle  boxes.  The  whole  amount 
of  the  manufactures,  for  that  year, 
including  oil  and  candles,  was  $2,- 
524,907.  Total  tonnage  of  the  dis- 
trict of  Nantucket,  in  1837,  29,960 
tons. 

Great  attention  is  paid  to  educa- 
tion on  this  island.  The  men  are 
noted  for  their  sedateness  and  daring 
spirit,  and  the  women  for  their  in- 
telligence and  beauty. 

JYantucket  Shoals  is  a danger- 
ous place,  where  many  a sailor  has 
found  a watery  grave.  They  lie 
S.  E.  from  the  island,  and  cover  an 
area  of  about  50  by  45  miles. 

Naples,  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  This  town  was 
formed  from  Otisfield  and  Raymond, 
and  incorporated  in  1834.  It  is  wa- 
tered by  Sebago  and  Songo  ponds, 
and  Crooked  and  Muddy  rivers.  It 
has  good  mill  privileges,  and  a pro- 
ductive soil.  Population,  1837,  722. 
Naples  lies  63  miles  W.  S.  W.  from 
Augusta,  and  27  N.  N.  W.  from 
Portland. 

Narraganset  Bay,  R.  I. 

This  delightful  bay  lies  wholly 
within  the  limits  of  Rhode  Island  : 
its  entrance  extends  from  Point  Ju- 
dith on  the  west,  to  Seaconnet 
Rocks  on  the  east,  and  terminates 
at  Bullock’s  point,  about  6 miles, 
below  the  city  of  Providence.  The 
length  of  this  bay  is  about  28  miles  : 
its  breadth  varies  from  3 to  12  miles. 
It  receives  the  waters  of  the  Taun- 
ton, Providence,  Pawtuxet,  and 
other  rivers,  and  on  its  borders  are 
Newport,  Bristol,  Warren,  and  oth- 
er large  and  flourishing  towns.  It 
is  decked  with  many  islands  of  great 


fertility  and  beauty ; the  principal 
of  which  are  Connanicut,  Prudence, 
Patience,  Block  and  Hope.  This 
bay  is  near  the  ocean ; is  accessible 
at  all  seasons  ; is  well  protected  by 
powerful  forts,  and  affords  some  of 
the  best  harbors  in  the  world.  The 
board  of  naval  commissioners  have 
recently  reported  to  Congress  that 
the  waters  of  Narraganset  Bay  af- 
ford greater  advantages  for  a naval 
depot,  than  any  other  unoccupied 
position  on  the  coast  of  the  United 
States. 

Narraguagus  River  & Bay,  Me. 

Washington  co.  The  river  rises 
in  several  ponds  in  Beddington,  and 
passing  in  a southeastern  direction, 
falls  into  a bay  of  the  same  name, 
between  Harrington  and  Steuben. 
The  bay  contains  a number  of  isl- 
ands, between  which  is  a good  pas- 
sage into  Pleasant  bay,  on  the  east 
side. 

Nasliawu  Island,  Mass., 

And  Nashawexxa.  See  Eliz- 
abeth Islands. 

Nashua  River, 

A beautiful  stream  on  the  S.part  of 
Hillsborough  co.  N.H.  has  its  source 
in  Worcester  county,  Massachu- 
setts. It  is  formed  of  two  branches 
called  the  north  and  south  branches. 
The  north  branch  is  formed  of  two 
streams,  one  from  Ashburnham,  the 
other  from  Wachuset  ponds.  The 
south  branch  is  composed  of  Still 
river,  issuing  from  the  E.  side  of 
Wachuset  mountain,  and  a small 
stream  from  Quinepoxet  pond  in 
Holden.  These  branches  are  uni- 
ted in  Lancaster,  from  which  the 
main  river  proceeds  in  a N.  E. 
course  to  Harvard,  Shirley,  Groton, 
and  Pepperell  in  Massachusetts ; 
and  from  thence  into  New  Hamp- 
shire through  Hollis,  and  nearly 
the  centre  of  the  town  of  Nashua, 
where  it  falls  into  the  Merrimack 
river. 


Xasliua,  X.  H. 

Hillsborough  co.  This  town 
originally  embraced  a large  extent 
of  territory,  and  wa's  called  Dun- 
stable until  1836.  It  lies  34  miles 
S.  by  E.  from  Concord,  12  S.  E. 
from  Amherst,  and  12  N.  W.  from 
Lowell.  The  population  of  Dunsta- 
ble, in  1830,  was  2,414.  Population 
of  Nashua,  in  1836,  5,065;  1837, 
5,613;  1838,5,691. 

In  the  N.  E.  part  of  the  town, 
on  Nashua  river,  is  the  flourishing 
Village  of  Nashua,  the  centre  of 
a considerable  trade,  and  the  seat 
of  important  manufactures.  This 
village  contains  8 beautiful  church- 
es, a large  number  of  elegant  dwell- 
ing-houses, 50  stores,  and  10  tav- 
erns. 

The  Nashua  Manufacturing 
Company  was  incoi-porated  in  1823. 
It  has  three  cotton  mills,  155  feet  in 
length,  45  in  breadth  and  six  stories 
in  height.  They  contain  22,000  spin- 
dles, 710  looms,  and  manufacture 
9,390,000  yards  of  cloth  per  annum. 
Their  canal  is  3 miles  long,  60. feet 
wide,  and  8 feet  deep.  Head  and 
fall,  33  feet.  Capital,  $750,000. 

The  Jackson  Manufacturing 
Company  was  incorporated  in  1824. 
Capital,  $600,000.  They  have  two 
cotton  miils,  155  feet  long,  47wTide, 
and  4 stories  high.  These  mills 
contain  11,500  spindles,  and  383 
looms.  They  manufacture  5,634,- 
000,  yards  of  cloth  annually.  Their 
canal  is  half  a mile  in  length,  and 
serves  for  transportation  on  the 
river.  Head  and  fall,  20  feet. 

The  volume  of  water  afforded  by 
the  Nashua  river,  at  the  dryest  sea- 
son of  the  year,  is  ISO  cubic  feet 
per  second. 

The  number  of  operatives  in  all 
the  mills  at  Nashua  is  1,448: — fe- 
males, 1,288;  males,  160.  The 
number  of  pounds  of  cotton  used  is 
14,500  per  day,  or  4,538,500  lbs.  per 
annum. 

There  are  other  valuable  manu- 

23* 


factures  on  Nashua  river  and  the 
waters  of  Salmon  brook. 

The  Nashua  and  Lowell  rail- 
road was  opened  for  travel  on  the 
8th  of  October,  1838. 

The  soil  of  Nashua  has  consider- 
able variety.  It  is  easy  of  culti- 
vation, and  is  genei'ally  productive. 
The  east  part  of  the  town,  lying  on 
the  river,  presents  a very  level  sur- 
face. ‘ The  west  parts  are  divided 
into  hills  and  valleys,  but  the  wThole 
township  may  be  considered  far 
from  being  hilly  or  mountainous. 
It  is  watered  by  the  Nashua  river, 
a fertilizing  stream,  which  rises  in 
the  state  of  Massachusetts,  and 
Salmon  bi*ook,  a small  stream  which 
originates  from  several  ponds  in 
Groton.  Both  of  these  empty  into 
Merrimack  river,  the  former  at 
Nashua  village,  the  latter  about  one 
and  a half  mile  below. 

This  was  for  a long  time  a fron- 
tier town,  and  the  first  settlers  were 
many  times  annoyed  by  the  Indians, 
in  the  successive  wars  in  which 
this  country  was  engaged  with 
them.  In  the  war  with  the  famous 
Nai'raganset  sachem,  this  town 
was  much  exposed,  and  some  of 
the  inhabitants  fled  to  the  older  set- 
tlements. In  Lovewell’s  war,  the 
company  in  this  town  under  the 
brave  Capt.  John  Lovewell,  acquir- 
ed an  imperishable  name.  Their 
successes  at  first,  and  misfortunes 
afterwards,  have  been  often  repeat- 
ed and  are  generally  known. 

Dunstable  belonged  to  Massa- 
chusetts till  the  divisional  line  be- 
tween the  twTo  provinces  of  Massa- 
chusetts and  New  Hampshire  was 
settled,  in  1741.  It  wras  incorpora- 
ted by  New  Hampshire,  April  1, 
1746,  and  the  name  was  altei-ed  to 
Nashua  in  December,  1836. 

Satchaug  River,  Ct. 

This  is  the  largest  branch  of  the 
Shetucket.  It  rises  in  Union  and 
Woodstock,  and  joins  the  Shetucket 
near  the  line  of  Chaplin  and  Mans- 
field. 


Natick,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  Natick  is  a pleas- 
ant town,  of  good  soil : it  is  watered 
by  Charles  river,  and  contains  sev- 
eral delightful  ponds,  well  stored 
with  fish.  This  was  a favorite  re- 
sort of  the  Indians.  There  are 
some  moderate  elevations  in  the 
town : the  Indians  used  to  call  it 
“ the  place  of  hills.” 

Under  the  advice  and  direction 
of  the  apostle  Elliot,  the  first  In- 
dian church  in  New  England  was 
formed  here  in  1660,  and  comprised 
40  communicants. 

The  manufactures  of  the  town 
consist  principally  of  shoes.  Dur- 
ing the  year  ending  April  1,  1837, 
250,650  pairs  were  made,  valued  at 
$213,053  : employing  452  hands. 
This  town  was  incorporated  in  1781. 
Population,  1830,890;  1837,1,221. 
It  lies  16  miles  W.  S.  W.  from  Bos- 
ton, and  12  S.  from  Concord. 

Naugatuck  River,  Ct. 

This  important  mill  stream  is 
about  50  miles  in  length.  It  rises 
in  the  north  part  of  Litchfield  coun- 
ty, and  after  traversing  a S.  course 
nearly  the  whole  length  of  that 
county,  it  crosses  the  west  part  of 
New  Haven  county,  and  falls  into 
the  Housatonick  at  Derby. 

Neal’s  Brook  and  Pond,  Vt. 

Neal’s  brook,  or  branch,  rises  in 
Lunenburgh  and  the  border  of 
Guildhall,  and  running  south  falls 
into  a pond  of  the  same  name.  It 
continues  its  course  south  and  meets 
the  Connecticut.  This  is  a short 
stream,  but  valuable  on  account  of 
its  water  power. 

Neal’s  pond,  a mile  in  length, 
and  a half  mile  in  width,  is  a 
handsome  sheet  of  water,  and  con- 
tains a variety  of  fish. 

Needliam,  Mass. 

Norfolk  co.  This  town  is  nearly 
surrounded  by  the  waters  of  Charles 


river.  It  contains  numerous  valua- 
ble mill  seats.  There  are  in  the 
town  6 paper  mills,  a cotton  facto- 
ry, and  manufactures  of  shoes, 
hats,  and  window  blind  hinges  : — 
annual  value,  about  $150,000.  In- 
corporated, 1711.  Population,  1837, 
1,492.  Needham  lies  4 miles  N. 
W.  from  Dedham,  and  12  W.  S.  W. 
from  Boston,  by  the  Boston  and  Wor- 
cester rail-road. 

Neddock,  Cape,  Me. 

A rocky,  barren  bluff,  inhabited 
by  a few  fishermen,  about  3 miles 
N.  from  York  harbor. 

Nelson,  N.  II., 

Cheshire  co.,  is  situated  on  the 
height  of  land  between  Connecti 
cut  and  Merrimack  rivers.  The 
surface  is  hilly,  but  good  for  graz- 
ing. In  the  S.  part,  a branch  of 
the  Ashuelot  river  rises  ; and  from 
Long  pond  in  this  town,  and  Han- 
cock, issues  a branch  of  Contoocook 
river.  The  best  mill  privileges  are 
furnished  by  streams  issuing  from 
ponds  in  this  town,  of  which  there 
are  four,  containing  a surface  of 
1,800  acres.  There  is  a cotton  and 
other  manufactories.  The  inhabit- 
ants are  principally  farmers  of  in- 
dustrious habits.  It  was  chartered 
Feb.  22,  1774,  by  the  name  of 
Packersfield.  In  June,  1814,  the 
name  was  altered  to  Nelson.  The 
first  settlements  commenced  inl767. 
Nelson  lies  40  miles  S.  W.  from 
Concord,  and  8 N.  E.  from  Keene. 
Population,  1830,  875. 

Neponset  River,  Mass. 

• 

Norfolk  co.  The  sources  ot  this 
river  are  in  Canton,  Stoughton,  and 
Sharon.  It  receives  a tributary 
from  Charles  river.  Mother  brook, 
so  called,  and  meets  .the  tide  of  Bos- 
ton harbor  at  Milton  Mills,  4 miles 
from  Dorchester  bay.  This  is  a 
noble  mill  stream  : on  its  navigable 
waters  is  the  depository  of  the  Quin- 
cy granite  rail-road  company,  and 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


at  its  mouth  is  Commercial  Point,  in 
Dorchester,  a beautiful  place,  with 
an  excellent  harbor. 

Newaggen,  Cape,  Me. 

This  cape  is  a part  of  the  town  of 
Boothbay.  It  extends  about  5 miles 
into  the  sea,  and  forms  the  eastern 
boundary  of  Sheepscot’s  bay. 

Newark,  Vt. 

Caledonia  co.  The  Passumpsic 
river  is  formed  in  this  town  by  a 
collection  of  streams  issuing  prin- 
cipally from  ponds.  The  town  is 
not  mountainous,  but  the  soil  is  cold 
and  generally  unproductive.  It 
lies  44  miles  N.  E.  from  Montpe- 
lier, and  19  N.  W.  from  Guildhall. 
First  settled,  1800.  Population,  in 
1830,  257. 

New  Ashford,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  This  is  a moun- 
tainous township,  but  the  soil  is 
good  for  grazing.  In  1837,  the  val- 
ue of  2,708  fleeces  of  wool,  pro- 
duced in  this  town,  weighing  7,785 
pounds,  was  worth  $3,893.  New 
Ashford  produces  fine  white  and 
variegated  marble,  and  is  the  source 
of  Green  river.  It  lies  130  miles 
W.  by  N.  from  Boston,  and  18  N. 
from  Lenox.  Incorporated,  1S01. 
Population,  1837,  253. 

New  Bedford,  Mass. 

This  is  a half  shire  town  of  Bristol 
county,  and  port  of  entry,  pleas- 
antly situated  on  the  W.  side  of  the 
Acushnet,  a river,  or  more  proper- 
ly an  estuary,  connected  with  Buz- 
zard’s ba,y.  The  ground  on  which 
the  town  stands  rises  rapidly  from 
the  river,  and  affords  an  interesting 
view  from  the  opposite  side. 

The  upper  part  of  the  town  is 
laid  out  into  beautiful  streets,  which 
contain  many  costly  and  superb 
dwellings. 

This  harbor,  though  not  easy  of 
access,  is  capacious  and  well  secur- 
ed from  winds.  A wooden  bridge, 
near  the  centre  of  the  town,  con- 


nects it  with  the  village  of  Fair- 
haven.  A ferry  has  also  been  es- 
tablished, on  which  it  is  proposed  to 
run  a steam  boat. 

New  Bedford  was  incorporated 
in  1787,  previous  to  which  it  con- 
stituted a part  of  the  town  of  Dart- 
mouth. In  1812,  the  eastern  part 
was  set  off  as  a separate  township 
by  the  name  of  Fairhaven. 

The  almost  exclusive  business  of 
the  place  is  the  whale  fishery, 
which  commenced  before  the  war 
of  the  revolution,  and  has  gradual- 
ly grown  to  its  present  importance. 
The  increase,  however,  within  the 
last  12  years  has  been  more  rapid 
than  during  any  former  period. — 
The  number  of  ships  and  brigs  now 
employed  is  169.  Tonnage  of  the 
district,  in  1837,  85,130  tons. 

There  are  16  oil  manufactories,  at 
which  a large  amount  of  oil  and  can- 
dles is  made.  A considerable  quan- 
tity of  the  oil  imported  is,  however, 
sold  in  the  crude  state  to  other  pla- 
ces. 

The  manufactures  of  the  town 
consist  of  leather,  boots,  shoes,  hats, 
iron  castings,  axes,  chairs,  tin  and 
cabinet  wares,  vessels,  salt,  cord- 
age, soap,  Prussian  blue,  paper 
hangings,  carriages,  looking-glass 
frames,  and  carpenter’s  tools:  the 
total  value,  for  the  year  ending 
April  1 , 1837,  including  oil  and  can- 
dles, amounted  to  $690, S00.  There 
were  imported,  during  that  year, 
2,472,735  gallons  of  oil,  and  305,170 
pounds  of  whale  bone,  the  value 
of  which  was  $1,750,832.  The 
capital  invested  in  the  whale  fish- 
ery was  $4,210,000.  The  num- 
benof  hands  employed  was  4,000. 

Few  places  in  Massachusetts  have 
increased  in  population  more  rapidly 
than  this.  By  the  census  of  1790, 
the  population  of  the  village  was 
about  700.  In  1830,  the  township 
contained  7,592  ; in  1833,  9,200, 
and  in  1837,  14,304. 

Within  a few  years, the  inhabitants 
of  this  town  have  manifested  a com- 
mendable liberality  in  providing  the 


means  of  education.  There  is  a 
flourishing  academy  in  the  town,  and 
large  sums  are  annually  appropria- 
ted for  the  maintenance  of  public 
and  private  schools. 

A rail-road  will  soon  be  construct- 
ed from  this  place,  to  meet  the  Bos- 
ton and  Providence,  at  Seekonk, 
by  the  way  of  Fall  River;  or  to 
meet  the  Taunton  rail-road  at  Taun- 
ton. By  either  of  those  routes,  a 
trip  to  Boston  or  New  York,  would 
be  very  pleasant.  A large  and 
wealthy  town,  highly  flourishing 
in  its  commerce  and  manufactures 
like  this,  with  the  neighboring  isl- 
ands of  Nantucket  and  Martha’s 
Vineyard,  seem  to  require  it. 

New  Bedford  lies  52  miles  S. 
from  Boston,  52  N.  W.  from  Nan- 
tucket, 14  E.  by  S.  from  Fall  River, 
20  S.  S.  E.  from  Taunton,  and  214 
N.  E.  by  E.  from  New  York. 

New  Boston,  N.  II., 

Hillsborough  co.?  is  9 miles  N. 
N.  W.  from  Amherst,  and  22  S. 
by  W.  from  Concord.  It  is  water- 
ed by  several  streams,  the  largest 
of  which  is  the  S.  branch  of  Piscat- 
aquog  river,  having  its  source  in 
Pleasant  pond,  in  Francestown. — 
This  town  consists  of  fertile  hills, 
productive  vales,  and  some  valuable 
meadows.  The  soil  is  favorable  for 
all  the  various  productions  common 
to  this  section  of  the  state,  and  there 
are  many  excellent  farms,  under 
good  cultivation.  In  the  S.  part  of 
New  Boston,  there, is  a considerable 
elevation,  called  Jo  English  hill,  on 
one  side  of  which  it  is  nearly  per- 
pendicular. Its  height  is  572  feet. 
Beard’s  pond,  and  Jo  English  pond, 
are  the  only  ponds  of  note.  New 
Boston  was  granted,  1736,  to  inhab- 
itants of  Boston.  It  was  incorpora- 
ted, 1763.  The  first  settlement 
commenced  about  the  year  1733. 
The  first  minister  was  Rev.  Solo- 
mon Moor,  from  Ireland,  who  re- 
ceived his  education  at  Glasgow. 
In  Feb.  1767,  he  arrived  at  New 
Boston,  and  was  ordained  Sept.  6, 


1768;  died  May  28,  1803,  aged  67 
Population,  1830,  1,680. 

New  Braintree,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  Ware  river  and 
other  streams  water  this  town,  and 
afford  it  good  mill  privileges.  The 
soil  of  the  town  is  good,  particular- 
ly for  grazing  : it  has  become  cele- 
brated for  its  good  farmers,  and  for 
its  excellent  beef  cattle,  butter  and 
cheese.  There  is  a cotton  mill  in 
the  town,  and  manufactures  of 
leather,  palm-leaf  hats,  &c.  It  lies 
60  miles  W.  from  Boston,  and  18  W. 
N.  W.  from  Worcester.  Incorpo- 
rated, 1751.  Population,  1837,  780. 

Newburgh,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  This  is  a good 
toAvnship  of  land,  54  miles  N.  E. 
from  Augusta,  and  14  S.  W.  from 
Bangor.  Incorporated,  1819.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  626  ; 1S37,  867.  Wa- 
tered by  a branch  of  the  Sowadabs- 
cook.  Wheat  crop,  1837,  5,041 
bushels. 

Newbury,  N.  II. 

Merrimack  co.  This  town  was 
originally  called  Dantzick  ; it  was 
incorporated  by  the  name  of  Fish- 
ersfield,  in  1778,  and  took  its  pres- 
ent name,  in  1837.  It  lies  40  miles 
N.  W.  by  W.  from  Amherst,  and 
30  W.  by  N.  from  Concord.  The 
S.  part  of  Sunapee  lake  lies  in  the 
N.  W.  part.  Todd  pond,  500  rods 
in  length,  and  60  in  width,  affords  a 
small  branch  to  Warner  river. — 
From  Chalk  pond  issues  a small 
stream  communicating  with  Suna- 
pee lake.  The  land  is  generally 
mountainous,  and  the  soil  hard  and 
rocky.  The  first  settlement  in  this 
town  was  made  in  the  year  1762, 
bv  Zephaniah  Clark,  Esq.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  793. 

Newbury,  Vt. 

Orange  co.  This  is  a beautiful 
town  on  the  W.  side  of  Connecti- 
cut river,  and  supplied  with  mill 
privileges  by  Wells  river,  and 


Hariman’s  and  Hill’s  brooks.  These 
brooks  have  their  sources  in  ponds 
of  considerable  size.  Newbury 
comprises  the  tract  commonly  call- 
ed the  Great  Oxbow,  on  a bend  in 
Connecticut  river.  This  tract  is  of 
great  extent,  and  celebrated  for  its 
luxuriance  and  beauty.  The  agri- 
cultural productions  of  the  town  are 
very  valuable,  consisting  of  beef 
cattle,  wool,  and  all  the  varieties  of 
the  dairy.  The  town  contains  a 
number  of  mineral  springs,  of  some 
celebrity  in  scrofulous  and  cutane- 
ous complaints. 

The  villages  of  JVewbury  and 
Wells  River  are  very  pleasant  : 
they  command  a flourishing  trade, 
and  contain  manufacturing  estab- 
lishments of  various  kinds.  Some 
of  the  buildings  are  very  handsome. 
The  scenery  of  the  windings  of  the 
river  through  this  fine  tract  of  al- 
luvial meadow,  contrasted  with  the 
abrupt  acclivities  in  the  north  part 
of  the  town,  is  very  striking  and 
beautiful. 

The  town  is  connected  with  Ha- 
verhill, N.  H.,  by  two  bridges.  It 
lies  27  miles  S.  E.  from  Montpelier, 
and  20  N.  E.  from  Chelsea.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  2,252.  First  settled, 
1764.  The  first  settlers  endured 
many  hardships.  For  some  years 
they  had  to  go  to  Charlestown  to 
mill,  60  miles  distant,  carrying  their 
grain  in  canoes  down  the  river,  or 
drawing  it  on  the  ice. 

General  Bailey,  a patriot  of  the 
revolution,  distinguished  himself  in 
the  settlement  of  the  town. 

The  state  legislature  held  their 
sessions  in  Newbury,  in  the  years 
1787,  and  1801. 

Newbury,  Mass. 

Essex  co.  This  ancient  and  re- 
spectable town,  lies  on  Merrimack 
river,  opposite  to  Salisbury.  It  for- 
merly comprised  the  territory  of 
Newburyport  and  West  Newbury. 
The  soil  is  of  an  excellent  quality, 
and  in  a high  state  of  cultivation. 
Parker  and  Artichoke  rivers  are 


pleasant  streams  ; the  former  falls 
nearly  50  feet  in  the  town,  and  af- 
fords it  good  mill  seats.  A part  of 
Plum  island,  is  attached  to  this  town. 
This  island,  about  nine  miles  in 
length  and  one  in  breadth,  extend- 
ing from  Ipswich  river  to  the  mouth 
of  the  Merrimack,  is  comprised  of 
sandy  beach  and  salt  meadow  ; and 
is  noted  for  the  beach  plum,  which 
ripens  in  September. 

A curious  cavern,  called  the 
“ Devil’s  Den,”  contains  specimens 
of  asbestos,  limestone,  marble,  ser- 
pentine and  amianthos.  The  scene- 
ry on  the  high  grounds  is  rich,  va- 
riegated and  beautiful. 

Dummer  academy,  founded  in 
1756,  is  a flourishing  institution : it 
is  situated  in  the  parish  of  “ By- 
field.” 

The  manufactures  of  Newbury 
consist  of  cotton  goods,  leather, 
boots,  shoes,  carriages,  cordage, 
fishing  nets,  bed  cords  and  cotton 
lines  : annual  value  about  $75,000. 
A large  number  of  vessels  are  built 
in  the  town,  and  some  navigation 
is  owned  and  employed  in  the  coast- 
ing trade  and  fishery. 

This  town  is  celebrated  as  the 
birth  place  of  many  distinguished 
men.  Theophiltjs  Parsons, 
LL.  D.,  an  eminent  jurist,  was  born 
in  Newbury,  February  24,  1750. 
He  died  in  Boston,  October  6, 1813. 

Newbury  was  first  settled,  in 
1635.  Its  Indian  name  was  Quaf- 
cacunquen.  It  lies  31  miles  N.  by 
E.  from  Boston,  17  N.  from  Salem, 
and  3 S.  from  Newburyport.  Pop 
ulation,  1837,  3,771. 

Ne\vl>iiryport,  Mass. 

One  of  the  shire  towns  of  Essex 
county.  This  is  considered  one  of  the 
most  beautiful  towns  in  New  Eng- 
land. It  lies  on  a gentle  acclivity, 
on  the  south  bank  of  the  Merri- 
mack, at  the  union  of  that  river 
with  the  ocean.  In  point  of  terri- 
tory, it  is  the  smallest  town  in  the 
commonwealth,  being  only  one  mile 
square.  It  was  taken  from  New- 


bury  in  1764.  Population,  in  1837, 
6,741.  This  place  has  been  and 
now  is  considerably  noted  .for  its 
commerce  and  ship  building.  Some 
of  the  old  continental  frigates  were 
built  here  ; and  in  1790,  the  ton- 
nage of  the  port  was  11,870  tons. 
Of  late  years  the  foreign  commerce 
of  the  place  has  diminished,  in  con- 
sequence of  a sandbar  at  the  mouth 
of  the  harbor.  This  place  has  con- 
siderable inland  and  foreign  com- 
merce. It  has  four  whale  ships, 
and  a large  amount  of  tonnage  en- 
gaged in  the  freighting  business 
and  the  cod  and  mackerel  fisheries. 
Tonnage  of  the  district,  in  1837, 
22,078  tons. 

The  manufactures  of  Newbury- 
port  consist  of  cotton  goods,  boots, 
shoes,  hats,  bar  iron,  iron  castings, 
chairs,  cabinet  and  tin  wares,  combs, 
spirits,  vessels,  snuff,  segars,  or- 
gans, soap  and  candles : annual 
amount  about  $350,000.  The  pro- 
duct of  the  whale  fishery,  the  year 
ending  April  1,  1837,  was  $142,982. 
During  the  same  period,  this  town 
and  Newbury  had  128  vessels  em- 
ployed in  the  cod  and  mackerel 
fishery,  employing  1,000  hands: 
product  that  year,  $177,700. 

Newburyport  lies  34  miles  N.  by 
E.  from  Boston,  20  N.  from  Salem, 
24  S.  by  W.  from  Portsmouth,  N. 
H.,  and  2 miles  S.  E.  from  Essex 
bridge.  Lat.  42°  47'  N. ; Ion.  70° 
47'  W.  From  the  mouth  of  this 
harbor,  Plum  Island,  extends  to  the 
mouth  of  Ipswich  river. 

The  Hon.  William  Bartlett 
and  Moses  Browjv,  Esq.,  distin- 
guished for  their  enterprise  and  in- 
tegrity as  merchants,  were  natives 
of  this  town. 

The  celebrated  George  White- 
field,  one  of  the  founders  of  the 
sect  of  the  Methodists,  and  one  of 
its  most  eloquent  preachers,  died  in 
this  town,  Sept.  21,  1770. 

A handsome  monument  has  been 
erected  to  his  memory,  by  the  Hon. 
William  Bartlett,  the  fol- 
lowing is  a part  of  the  inscription : 


This  Cenotaph 
Is  erected,  with  affectionate 
veneration,  to 
The  memory  of  the 

Rev.  GEORGE  WHITEFIELD : 
Born  at  Gloucester,  England, 
December  16,  1714. 

Educated  at  Oxford  University  j 
Ordained  1736. 

In  a ministry  of  thirty-four  years, 
He  crossed  the  Atlantic  thirteen  times, 
And  preached  more 

Than  eighteen  thousand  sermons. 

As  a Soldier  of  the 
Cross,  humble,  devout,  ardent, 

He  put  on  the 

Whole  armor  of  God;  Preferring 
The  honour  of  Christ 
To  his  own  interest,  repose, 
Reputation,  and  life. 

New  Canaan,  Ct. 

Fairfield  co.  This  town  was  tak- 
en from  Norwalk  and  Stamford  in 
1801.  It  lies  5 miles  N.  W.  from 
Norwalk,  37  W.  S.  W.  from  New 
Haven,  and  50  N.  E.  from  New 
York.  Population,  1830,  1,826. — 
The  surface  of  the  town  is  rough 
and  mountainous;  the  soil  is  a hard, 
gravelly  loam,  but  generally  pro- 
ductive. The  manufacture  of  shoes 
is  carried  on  to  a considerable  ex- 
tent : the  annual  value  is  about 
$400,000. 

An  academy  was  established  here 
in  1815,  and  has  acquired  a high 
reputation.  It  stands  on  an  eleva- 
ted and  commanding  situation, hav- 
ing a fine  prospect  of  Lohg  Island 
Sound  and  the  intervening  country. 
Pestles  and  other  Indian  implements 
have  been  found  at  the  north  part  of 
the  town,  which  probably  was  the 
resort  of  the  natives.  Excavations 
in  solid  rock,  one  large  enough  to 
contain  eight  gallons,  are  found : 
these  were  doubtless  Indian  mor- 
tars. 

New  Castle,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  N ew  Castle  lies  on  the 
W.  side  of  Damariscotta  river,  about 
15  miles  from  its  mouth.  It  is 
36  miles  S.  E.  from  Augusta,  and 
8 N.  E.  from  Wiscasset.  Incorpo- 


rated,  1753.  Population,  in  1837, 
1,545.  This  is  a pleasant  town,  and 
flourishing  in  its  trade  and  naviga- 
tion. 

Sew  Castle,  N.  II., 

Rockingham  co.,  is  a rough  and 
rocky  island,  situated  in  Portsmouth 
harbor,  and  formerly  called  Great 
Island.  A handsome  bridge,  built 
in  1821,  connects  this  town  with 
Portsmouth.  Here  is  an  ancient 
church.  Rev.  Samuel  Moody 
preached  here  previous  to  the  com- 
mencement of  the  18th  century. 
New  Castle  was  incorporated  in 
1693,  and  contains  458  acres.  This 
island  was  the  seat  of  business, 
when  ancient  Strawberry  Bank 
was  the  mere  germ  of  the  town  of 
Portsmouth.  Fishing  is  here  pur- 
sued with  success;  and  the  soil 
anions:  the  rocks,  being  of  good 
quality,  is  made  to  produce  abund- 
antly. Fort  Constitution  and  the 
light-house  stand  on  this  island. — 
Population,  1830,  850. 

Kew  Fairfield,  Ct. 

Fairfield  co.  This  is  a small  town- 
ship, rough  and  hilly,  with  a hard 
and  gravelly  soil.  It  lies  64  miles 
S.  TV.  from  Hartford,  and  7 N.  from 
Danbury.  Incorporated,  in  1740. 
Population,  1830,  940. 

New  Durham,  X.  IT. 

Strafford  co.  The  surface  of  this 
town  is  very  uneven,  a portion  so 
rocky  as  to  be  unfit  for  cultivation. 
The  soil  is  generally  moist,  and 
well  adapted  to  grazing.  There 
are  5 ponds  in  New  Durham,  the 
largest  of  which  is  Merrymeeting 
pond,  about  10  miles  in  circumfer- 
ence, from  which  a copious  and 
perpetual  stream  runs  into  Merry- 
meeting  bay,  in  Alton.  Ela’s  river 
flows  from  Coldrain  pond  into  Farm- 
ington, on  which  is  a fine  waterfall. 
The  Cocheco  also  has  its  source 
here.  Mount  Betty,  Cropple-crown 
and  Straw’s  mountains  are  the  prin- 
cipal eminences.  On  the  N.  E.  side 


of  the  latter  is  a remarkable  cave, 
the  entrance  of  which  is  about  3 
feet  wide  and  10  feet  high.  The 
outer  room  is  20  feet  square  ; the 
inner  apartments  become  smaller, 
until  at  the  distance  of  50  feet  they 
are  too  small  to  be  investigated. — 
The  sides,  both  of  the  galleries  and 
the  rooms  are  solid  granite.  They 
bear  marks  of  having  been  once 
united,  and  were  probably  separat- 
ed by  some  great  convulsion  of 
nature. 

There  is  a fountain,  over  which  a 
part  of  Ela’s  river  passes,  which  is 
regarded  as  a curiosity.  By  sinking 
a small  mouthed  vessel  into  this 
fountain,  water  may  be  procured 
extremely  cold  and  pure.  Its  depth 
has  not  been  ascertained.  Near  the 
centre  of  the  town  is  Rattlesnake 
hill,  the  S.  side  of  which  is  almost 
100  feet  high,  and  nearly  perpen- 
dicular. Several  other  hills  in  this 
town  contain  precipices  and  cavi- 
ties, some  of  considerable  extent. 
New  Durham  was  granted  in  1749. 
It  was  incorporated  Dec.  7,  1762. 

Elder  Benjamin  Randall,  the 
founder  of  the  sect  of  Freewill 
Baptists,  commenced  his  labors  here 
in  1780,  and  organized  a church. 
He  died  in  1808,  aged  60. 

New  Durham  lies  30  miles  N.  E. 
from  Concord,  and  32  N.  W.  by  N. 
from  Dover.  Population,  in  1830, 
1,162. 

Newfane,  Vt. 

Windham  co.  County  town. — 
Newfane  lies  about  100  miles  S. 
from  Montpelier,  and  12  N.  W. 
from  Brattlehorough.  First  settled, 
1766.  • The  town  is  watered  by  a 
branch  of  West  river,  and  several 
other  streams.  The  surface  of  the 
town  is  diversified  by  hills  and  val- 
leys; the  soil  is  good,  and  produces 
white  oak  and  walnut  in  abundance. 
There  is  but  little  w aste  land  in  the 
town:  the  uplands  are  inferior  to 
none  for  grazing,  and  the  intervales 
afford  excellent  tillage.  Newfane 
exhibits  a great  variety  of  minerals, 


among  which  are  some  of  value. 
Perhaps  no  town  in  the  state  pre- 
sents a more  inviting  field  for  the 
mineralogist  than  this. 

There  are  two  pleasant  villages 
in  the  town.  The  centre  village 
contains  the  county  buildings  : it  is 
on  elevated  land,  and  commands  a 
very  extensive  and  delightful  pros- 
pect. Population,  1830,  1,441. 

Newfound  Fond  and  River, N.H. 

See  Bristol. 

Newfield,  Me. 

York  co.  This  town  is  watered 
by  Little  Ossipee  river,  and  lies  99 
miles  S.  W.  by  W.  from  Augusta, 
and  15  N.  W.  from  Alfred.  It  is 
a good  farming  town  and  produces 
considerable  wheat  and  wool.  It 
was  incorporated  in  1794.  Popula- 
tion, 1837,  1,322 


New  Gloucester,  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  This  is  a pleasant 
and  flourishing  farming  town,  23 
miles  N.  from  Portland,  and  38  S. 
W.  from  Augusta.  Incorporated, 
1774.  Population,  1837, 1,861.  It 
is  well  watered  by  Royal’s  river, 
on  which  are  mills  of  various  kinds. 
The  soil  of  the  town  is  very  fertile, 
containing  large  tracts  of  intervale. 
The  first  settlers  were  compelled 
to  build  a block  house  for  their  pro- 
tection against  the  Indians.  In  this 
building  the  people  attended  pub- 
lic worship  for  a number  of  years. 
This  town  has  an  abundant  water 
power,  a school  fund  of  $4,000,  and 
a society  of  about  300  of  those  neat 
and  industrious  people,  “ whose 
faith  is  one  and  whose  practice  is 
one.”  See  Canterbury,  JY.  H. 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 

This  state  is  bounded  north  by  Lower  Canada,  east  hy  Maine,  south- 
east by  the  Atlantic  and  the  Slate  of  Massachusetts,  south  by  Massa- 
chusetts, and  west  and  north-west  > by  Vermont.  Situated  between  42° 
40'  and  45°  18'  N.  lat.,  and  72°  27'  and  70°  35'  W.  Ion.  Its  length  is 
168,  and  its  greatest  breadth  about  90  miles,  and  it  comprises  an  area  of 
about  9,280  square  miles. 

The  first  discovery  of  New  Hampshire  was  in  1614,  and  the  first  set- 
tlements made  by  Europeans  were  at  Dover  and  Portsmouth,  in  1623; 
only  three  years  after  the  landing  of  the  Pilgrims  at  Plymouth.  The 
next  settlements  were  at  Exeter  and  Hampton,  in  1638.  The  inhabit- 
ants of  these  and  all  the-early  settlements,  until  after  the  cession  of  Can- 
ada to  England  by  France,  were  greatly  annoyed  by  the  Indians,  who 
existed  in  large  and  powerful  bodies  in  this  then  wilderness.  In  the  re- 
peated and  general  wars  with  the  Indians,  New  Hampshire  suffered  more 
than  any  other  of  the  colonies.  This  colony  was  twice  united  with  that 
of  Massachusetts,  and  the  final  separation  did  not  take  place  until  1741, 
when  the  boundaries  of  the  two  colonies  were  settled.  In  the  revolu- 
tionary contest.  New  Hampshire  bore  a distinguished  and  honorable  part. 
The  blood  of  her  sons  was  freely  shed  on  most  of  the  battle  fields  of  the 
revolution.  As  early  as  June  15,  1776,  New  Hampshire  made  a public 
Declaration  of  Independence,  and  in  December  of  that  year,  the 
delegates  of  the  people  adopted  a temporary  form  of  Government,  which 
was  continued  until  1784,  when  the  first  constitution  wa9  adopted.  This 

24 


being  found  deficient  in  some  of  its  provisions,  a new  constitution  was 
adopted  in  1792,  which  is  now  in  force. 

The  executive  power  is  vested  in  a Governor  and  five  Counsellors,  chos- 
en annually  by  the  people.  The  legislature  consists  of  the  Senate,  com- 
prising twelve  members,  chosen  in  twelve  districts,  and  the  House  of 
Representatives,  chosen  annually  in  the  month  of  March,  every  town 
having  150  rateable  polls  being  entitled  to  send  one,  and  an  additional 
representative  for  every  300  additional  polls.  The  legislature  assembles 
annually  at  Concord,  on  the  first  Wednesday  of  June. 

All  male  citizens,  of  21  years  and  upwards,  except  paupers  and  per- 
sons excused  from  taxes,  have  a right  to  vote  for  state  officers — a resi- 
dence of  at  least  three  months  within  the  town  being  required  to  entitle 
the  person  to  vote. 

The  judiciary  power  is  vested  in  a Superior  Court  of  Judicature,  and 
Courts  of  Common  Pleas.  The  four  Judges  of  the  Superior  Court,  hold 
law  terms  once  a year  in  each  of  the  counties ; and  Judges  of  the  Supe- 
rior Court  are  ex  officio  Presiding  Judges  in  the  courts  of  Common  Pleas, 
holden  semi-annually  in  each  county,  by  one  of  the  Superior  Judges 
with  the  two  Associate  Justices  of  the  Common  Pleas  for  each  county. 
The  Judges  hold  their  offices  during  good  behavior,  until  70  years  of  age  ; 
but  are  subject  to  removal  by  impeachment,  or  by  address  of  the  two 
houses  of  the  legislature. 

Succession  of  Governors. 

Meshech  Weare,*1776 — 1784.  John  Langdon,  1735.  John  Sullivan, 
1786,  1787.  John  Langdon,  1788.  John  Sullivan,  1789.  Josiah  Bart- 
lett, 1790 — 1793.  John  Taylor  Gilman,  1794 — 1804.  John  Langdon, 
1805 — 180S.  Jeremiah  Smith,  1809.  John  Langdon,  1810,1811.  Wil- 
liam Plumer,  1812.  John  Taylor  Gilman,  1813 — 1815.  William  Plumer, 
1816—1818.  Samuel  Bell,  1819—1822.  Levi  Woodbury,  1823.— 
David  Lawrence  Morril,  1824 — 1826.  Benjamin  Pierce,  1827.  John 
Bell,  1S28.  Benjamin  Pierce,  1829.  Matthew  Harvey,  1830.  Samuel 
Dinsmoor,  1831 — 1833.  William  Badger,  1834,  1835.  Isaac  Hill,  1S36 
—1838.  John  Page,  1839- 

Succession  of  Chief  Justices  of  the  Superior  Court. 

Meshech  Weare,  1776 — 1781.  Samuel  Livermore,  1782 — 1789.  Jo- 
siah Bartlett,  1790.  John  Pickering,  1791—1794.  Simeon  Olcott,  1795 
— 1801.  Jeremiah  Smith,  1802 — 1308.  Arthur  Livermore,  1S09 — 1812. 

* The  Chief  Magistrates  were  styled  President,  until  the  adoption  of  the 
Constitution  of  1792,  when  the  title  of  Governor  was  substituted. 


Jeremiah  Smith,  1813—1815.  William  Merchant  Richardson,  1816— 
1837.  Joel  Parker,  1838— 


New  Hampshire  is  divided  into  eight  counties,  as  follows: — 


Counties. 

Population 
in  1830. 

Shire  Towns .. 

Rockingham, 

35 

44,552 

Portsmouth,  Exeter. 

Strafford, 

33 

58,916 

Dover,  Gilford,  Rochester. 

Merrimack, 

24 

34,619 

Concord. 

Hillsborough, 

30 

37,762 

Amherst. 

Cheshire, 

23 

27,016 

Keene. 

Sullivan, 

15 

19,687 

Newport. 

Grafton, 

37 

38,691 

Haverhill,  Plymouth. 

Coos, 

27 

8,390 

Lancaster. 

224 

269,633 

New  Hampshire  is  more  mountainous  than  any  of  her  sister  states,  yet 
she  boasts  of  large  quantities  of  luxuriant  intervale.  Her  high  lands 
produce  food  for  cattle  of  peculiar  sweetness  ; and  no  where  can  he  found 
the  necessaries,  conveniences,  and  luxuries  of  life,  united,  in  greater 
abundance : cattle  and  wool  are  its  principal  staples.  This  state  may  be 
said  to  he  the  mother  of  New  England  rivers.  The  Connecticut,  Mer- 
rimack, Saco,  Androscoggin  and  Piscataqua,  receive  most  of  their  waters 
from  the  high  lands  of  New  Hampshire:  while  the  former  washes  the 
western  boundary  of  the  state  163  miles,  the  Merrimack  pierces  its  cen- 
tre, and  the  Piscataqua  forms  the  beautiful  harbor  of  Portsmouth,  a depot 
of  the  American  navy. 

These  majestic  rivers,  with  their  tributary  streams  afford  this  state  an 
immense  water  pdwer,  of  which  manufacturers,  with  large  capitals,  avail 
themselves. 

The  largest  collection  of  water  in  the  state  is  Lake  Winnepisiogee, 
(pronounced  Win-ne-pe-sok'-e.)  It  is  one  of  the  most  varied  and  beau- 
tiful sheets  of  water  on  the  American  continent.  Lakes  Connecticut, 
Ossipee,  Umbagog,  Squam,  Sunapee,  and  Massabesick,  are  large  collec- 
tions of  water,  and  abound  with  fish  and  fowl. 

New  Hampshire  is  frequently  called  the  Granite  State,  from  the  vast 
quantities  of  that  rock  found  within  its  territory.  The  granite  is  of  a su- 
perior quality,  and  much  of  it  is  quarried  and  transported  to  other  states. 
The  geological  structure  of  the  state  is  highly  interesting.  Iron  and  cop- 
per ore  and  plumbago,  of  excellent  qualities,  are  found ; and  coal  and 
other  valuable  minerals  are  supposed  to  exist. 

This  state  is  also  called  the  Switzerland  of  America,  on  account  of- 
the  salubrity  of  its  climate ; its  wild  and  picturesque  landscapes ; its 
lakes  and  rapid  streams.  The  celebrated  White  Mountains,  in  the  north- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ern  part  of  the  state,  are  of  great  elevation,  and  afford  the  grandest  dis- 
play of  mountain  scenery  in  our  country.  See  Winnepisio gee  Lake,  and 
White  Mountains — also  Register. 


New  Hampton,  N.  II., 

Strafford  co.,  lies  30  miles  N. 
by  W.  from  Concord,  and  about  20 
N.  W.  from  Gilmanton.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  1,904.  Pemigewasset 
river,  which  washes  the  W.  bound- 
ary, is  the  only  stream  of  magni- 
tude ; and  over  it  is  thrown  the 
bridge  which  unites  the  town  with 
Bristol. 

There  is  a remarkable  spring  on 
the  W.  side  of  Kelly’s  hill  in  this 
town,  from  which  issues  a stream 
sufficient  to  supply  several  mills. 
This  stream  is  never  affected  by 
rains  or  droughts,  and  falls  into  the 
river  after  running  about  a mile. 
Pemigewasset  pond  lies  on  the  bor- 
der of  Meredith.  There  are  4 other 
ponds  in  this  town.  The  soil  of 
New  Hampton,  though  the  surface 
is  broken  and  uneven,  is  remarka- 
bly fertile,  producing  in  abundance 
most  kinds  of  grain  and  grass.  The 
industry  of  the  inhabitants  has  en- 
abled them  in  years  of  scarcity  to 
supply  the  wants  of  other  towns. 
In  the  S.  part  of  the  town  there  is 
a high  hill  of  a conical  form  which 
may  be  seen  in  almost  any  direc- 
tion from  10  to  50  miles ; the  pros- 
pect from  the  summit  of  which  is 
very  pleasant. 

In  1763,  Gen.  Jonathan  Moulton, 
of  Hampton,  having  an  ox  weigh- 
ing 1,400  pounds,  fattened  for  the 
purpose,  hoisted  a flag  upon  his 
horns  and  drove  him  to  Portsmouth 
as  a present  to  Gov.  Wentworth. 
He  refused  to  receive  any  compen- 
sation for  the  ox,  but  requested 
and  received  a charter  of  a small 
gore  of  land  of  19,422  acres.  This 
small  gore  received  the  name  of 
JVew  Hampton,  in  honor  of  his 


native  town,  in  the  year  1777. 

The  Academical  and  Theologi- 
cal Institution,  in  this  town,  is  fine- 
ly located  and  in  a very  prosperous 
condition.  The  average  number  of 
male  and  female  scholars  is  about 
375.  This  is  one  of  the  best  semi- 
naries of  learning  in  our  country. 
See  Register. 

New  Hartford,  Ct. 

Litchfield  co.  This  town  was  first 
settled  in  1733.  It  lies  20  miles  N. 
W.  from  Hartford,  and  11  N.  E. 
from  Litchfield.  Population,  1830, 
1,766.  The  surface  of  the  town  is 
hilly  and  mountainous.  The  lands 
are  best  adapted  "for  grazing.  It  is 
watered  by  Farmington  river  and 
other  streams,  on  which  are  several 
mills. 

“ In  the  eastern  part  of  this  town 
there  is  a rough  and  mountainous 
district,  formerly  designated  Sa- 
tan’s Kingdom;  and  the  few  in- 
habitants who  lived  here  were  in  a 
measure  shut  out  from  the  rest  of 
mankind.  An  inhabitant  of  the 
town  invited  one  of  his  neighbors, 
who  lived  within  the  limits  of  this 
district,  to  go  and  hear  Mr.  Marsh, 
the  first  minister  who  was  settled  in 
the  town.  He  was  prevailed  upon 
to  go  to  church  in  the  forenoon.  In 
the  course  of  his  prayer,  Mr.  Marsh, 
among  other  things,  prayed  that  Sa- 
tan’s kingdom  might  he  destroyed. 
It  appears  that  the  inhabitant  of 
this  district  took  the  expression  in 
a literal  and  tangible  sense,  having 
probably  never  heard  the  expres- 
sion used  but  in  reference  to  the 
district  wherein  he  resided.  Being 
asked  to  go  to  meeting  in  the  after- 
noon, he  refused,  stating  that  Mr. 
Marsh  had  insulted  him  ; ‘ for  blast 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


him,*  said  he,  “when  he  prayed 
for  the  destruction  of  Satan’s  king- 
dom, he  very  well  knew  all  my  in- 
terests lay  there.” 

New  Haven,  Vt. 

Addison  co.  The  soil  of  this  town 
is  various,  consisting  of  marl,  clay 
and  loam,  and  is  generally  produc- 
tive. The  waters  of  Otter  creek, 
Middlebury  river,  and  Little  Otter 
creek  give  the  town  a good  water 
power.  There  are  some  manufac- 
tures in  the  town,  but  agriculture 
is  the  chief  pursuit  of  the  inhabi- 
tants. New  Haven  lies  30  miles 
W.  S.  W.  from  Montpelier,  and  7 
N.  W.  from  Middlebury.  First  set- 
tled, 1769.  Population,  1S39, 1,834. 

New  Haven  Comity,  Ct. 

Chief  town,  New  Haven.  New 
Haven  county  is  bounded  N.  by 
Litchfield  and  Hartford  counties, 
E.  by  Middlesex  county,  S.  by 
Long  Island  Sound,  and  West  by 
Lit-chfield  county  and  the  Housa- 
tonic  river,  which  separates  it  from 
Fairfield  county.  Its  average  length 
from  e,ast  to  west  is  about  26  miles, 
and  its  width  from  north  to  south  21 
miles  ; containing  540  square  miles, 
or  345,600  acres.  This  county,  ly- 
ing on  Long  Island  Sound,  has  a ve- 
ry extensive  maritime  border,  but 
its  foreign  trade  is  chiefly  confined 
to  New  Haven  harbor.  Its  fishe- 
ries of  oysters  and  clams,  and  other 
fish,  are  valuable.  It  is  intersect- 
ed by  several  streams,  none  of  them 
of  very  large  size,  but  of  some  val- 
ue for  their  wrater  power  and  fish. 
Of  these  the  principal  are  the  Pom- 
peraug  and  Naugatuc,  on  the  west ; 
Quinnipiac,  Menunkatuc,  West  and 
Mill  rivers,  on  the  east.  The  Quin- 
nipiac is  the  largest,  and  passes 
through  extensive  meadows.  The 
eounty  is  intersected  centrally  by 
the  New  Haven  and  Northampton 
canal,  which  passes  through  this 
county  from  north  to  south.  There 
is  a great  variety  of  soil  in  this 
county,  as  well  as  of  native  vege- 

24* 


table  and  mineral  productions.  The 
range  of  secondary  country  which 
extends  along  Connecticut  river  as 
far  as  Middletown,  there  leaves 
that  stream,  crosses  into  this  county, 
and  terminates  at  New  Haven. 
This  intersection  of  the  primitive 
formation,  by  a secondary  ridge,  af- 
fords a great  variety  of  minerals, 
and  materials  for  different  soils. 

The  population  of  this  county  in 
1820,  was  39,616;  1830,  43,847:— 
81  inhabitants  to  a square  mile. 
The  manufacturing  business  is  quite 
extensive  in  the  county,  and  in 
1837  it  contained  23,895  sheep. 

New  Haven,  Ct. 

New  Haven,  city  and  town,  the 
chief  town  of  New  Haven  county, 
and  the  semi-capital  of  the  state  of 
Connecticut,  is  76  miles  N.  E.  from 
New  York,  and  300  from  Washing- 
ton city,  in  latitude  (Yale  College 
Observatory)  41°  18'  30”  N.,  and 
W.  longitude  72°  55'.  It  is  situa- 
ted on  a large  and  pleasant  plain, 
around  the  head  of  a bay  which 
sets  up  four  miles  from  Long  Isl- 
and Sound.  This  plain  is  nearly 
level,  and  is  partially  enclosed  by  an 
amphitheatre  of  lofty  hills,  and  by 
two  bold  eminences  called  East  and 
West  rocks,  which  vary  in  height 
from  330  to  370  feet.  These  rocks, 
which  consist  of  trap,  terminate  in 
naked  precipitous  fronts,  and  are 
conspicuous  and  beautiful  objects 
in  the  landscape.  On  the  west,  the 
plain  is  limited  by  a small  stream 
called  W est  river,  and  on  the  east 
by  the  Quinnipiack,  which  is  navi- 
gable for  several  miles.  Another 
Stream,  called  Mill  river,  passes 
through  the  eastern  part  of  the  city 
and  enters  the  harbor  in  union  with 
the  Quinnipiack. 

New  Haven  was  planted  in  April, 
1638,  by  a company  from  London, 
under  the  direction  of  Theophilus 
Eaton  and  John  Davenport.  These 
two  men,  in  the  language  of  Ma- 
ther, were  “ the  Moses  and  Aaron” 
of  this  new  settlement ; and  what- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ever  there  was  of  good  or  evil,  of 
wisdom  or  folly,  in  laying  the  foun- 
dations of  civilized  society  in  this 
part  of  New  England,  must  be  as- 
cribed in  a great  measure  to  them. 
Though  the  government  which 
was  established  was  extremely  pop- 
ular in  its  form,  these  men  with- 
out doubt  were  looked  up  to  for 
devising  and  executing  the  most 
important  measures.  Their  “ com- 
pany,” as  it  was  called,  appear  to 
have  had  entire  confidence  in  their 
sound  judgment,  ability  and  integ- 
rity ; and  they  did  notning  to  for- 
feit the  good  opinion  of  their  fol- 
lowers. Their  influence  in  all  the 
concerns  of  the  colony,  especially 
in  what  respected  the  form  of  gov- 
ernment, the  means  of  education, 
and  the  institutions  of  religion, 
must  have  been  constant  and  com- 
manding. 

In  1784,  New  Haven  was  incor- 
porated as  a city,  the  limits  of  which 
on  the  northwest  fall  within  those 
of  the  town,  so  that  Westville,  a 
settlement  on  the  foot  of  West  Rock, 
is  excluded  from  the  former.  About 
one  half  of  the  village  of  Fair  Ha- 
ven, in  the  eastern  portion  of  the 
town,  lies  within  the  bounds  of  the 
city.  The  area  of  the  town  is  about 
eight,  and  that  of  the  city  about  six 
square  miles.  The  harbor  is  well 
protected  and  spacious,  but  the  wa- 
ter is  shallow.  A wharf  extends 
into  the  harbor  about  three  quar- 
ters of  a mile. 

The  original  town  is  a square, 
half  a mile  on  each  side,  and  subdi- 
vided by  streets  four  rods  in  width, 
into  nine  squares,  the  central  one 
of  which  is  reserved  for  public  uses. 
Most  of  the  squares  are  further  di- 
vided by  intermediate  streets.  At 
the  present  day,  this  original  plot 
comprises  less  than  half  of  the  in- 
habited part  of  the  city.  Streets 
and  avenues  have  been  opened  on 
every  side,  and  many  of  them  have 
become  thickly  settled.  The  streets 
are  in  general,  spacious  and  regu- 


( lar;  very  many  of  them  adorned 
with  lofty  elms,  which  in  the  sum- 
mer season  contribute  much  to  the 
beauty  and  comfort  of  the  place. 
The  number  of  shade  trees  through- 
out the  city  is  uncommonly  large, 
and  they  constitute  one  of  its  most 
attractive  features.  Most  of  the 
dwelling  houses  are  distinguished 
for  simplicity  and  neatness.  With- 
in a few  years  the  style  of  build- 
ing has  greatly  improved,  and  many 
private  houses  have  been  erected 
and  are  now  going  up,  which  dis- 
play much  elegance  and  architectu- 
ral taste.  The  houses  are  com- 
monly detached,  and  supplied  with 
court  yards  -and  gardens  ornament- 
ed with  trees  and  shrubbery,  and, 
the  eye  is  thus  gratified  with  a de- 
lightful union  of  the  country  and 
the  city. 

There  are  two  principal  public 
squares.  The  first,  commonly  call- 
ed the  Green,  is  in  the  centre  of 
the  original  town,  and  comprises 
in  all  a little  more  than  sixteen 
acres.  It  is  divided  into  two  sec- 
tions by  Temple  street,  which  is 
lined  with  ranges  of  stately  and 
over-arching  elms,  and  is  considered 
one  of  the  finest  streets  in  the  city. 
The  eastern  section  of  the  Green  is 
entirely  free  from  buildings.  On 
the  western  section,  facing  the  S.E., 
stand  3 churches,  two  Congregation- 
al, built  of  brick,  and  one  Episco- 
pal, of  stone : all  of  these  build- 
ings are  of  excellent  appearance. 
In  the  rear  of  the  centre  church 
stands  the  state  house.  These  four 
buildings,  taken  in  connexion  with 
the  line  of  college  edifices  on  the 
next  square  beyond,  and  with  the 
'surrounding  scenery,  constitute  a 
group  not  often  equalled  in  this 
country.  The  state  house  is  a 
structure  of  great  size  and  admira- 
ble proportions.  The  porticos  are 
modelled  from  those  of  the  temple 
of  Theseus,  at  Athens,  and  the 
building,  viewed  at  a short  distance, 
has  an  air  of  uncommon  beauty 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


and  majesty.  On  the  northern 
corner  of  this  section  stands  the 
methodist  church. 

Wooster  Square,  which  lies  in 
the  eastern  part  of  the  city,  com- 
prises five  acres,  and  has  recent- 
ly been  planted  with  a large  num- 
ber of  native  ornamental  trees  of 
various  kinds. 

The  Public  Cemetery  is  situated 
opposite  the  northern  angle  of  the 
original  town  plot,  and  encloses 
seventeen  acres  and  two  thirds.  It 
is  divided  by  avenues  and  alleys 
into  family  lots,  32  feet  in  length 
and  18  in  breadth.  There  is  a grave 
and  silent  grandeur  in  this  place  ; 
but  it  would  appear  more  beautiful 
were  it  shaded  by  native  trees  in- 
stead of  Lombardy  poplars. 

The  State  Hospital  is  located  at 
New  Haven.  It  is  a large  and 
Commodious  building  of  stone,  very 
favorably  situated  on  elevated 
ground,  in  the  western  part  of  the 

city* 

One  daily  and  four  weekly  news- 
papers, and  one  religious  weekly 
sheet,  are  published  here.  The 
Daily  Herald  was  the  earliest  daily 
paper  issued  in  this  state,  it  having 
been  commenced  here  November 
26,  1832.  The  other  periodical 
publications  of  the  place,  are  the 
Yale  Literary  Magazine,  edited 
by  the  students  of  Yale  College; 
the  Quarterly  Christian  Spectator, 
a work  of  established  reputation, 
which  began  as  a monthly  in  1819, 
and  after  ten  volumes  of  that  series 
had  been  completed,  adopted  its 
present  form,  in  which  it  has  reach- 
ed its  tenth  volume  ; and  the^ 
American  Journal  of  Science  and' 
Arts,  edited  by  Professor  Silliman. 
This  important  periodical  was  com- 
menced in  1819,  and  has  arrived  at 
the  35th  volume,  having  outlived 
many  of  its  early  European  con- 
temporaries. 'It  is  a work  which  has 
done  much  for  the  advancement  of 
science,  and  reflects  great  honor  on 
the  nation  and  city  of  its  birth,  as 
well  as  on  its  distinguished  editor. 


The  population  of  the  town,  in- 
cluding the  city,  was  in  1S20, 
8,326;  in  1830, 10,678 ; in  Decem- 
ber, 1833,  12,199,  of  whom  11,567 
were  within  the  city.  The  num- 
ber of  inhabitants  in  1837,  was  esti- 
mated at  14,000. 

As  a seat  of  education.  New 
Haven  is  justly  celebrated.  At  a 
moderate  estimate,  one  thousand 
persons  from  abroad  are  constantly 
here  for  the  purposes  of  receiving 
instruction. 

Yale  College  is  one  of  the  most 
ancient  and  celebrated  institutions 
of  learning  in  the  country,  and  num- 
bers among  her  academical  gradu- 
ates, 4,824  persons. 

The  Mineral  Collection,  well 
known  as  the  most  extensive  in  the 
country,  occupies  a spacious  and 
well  lighted  apartment. 

The  Telescope  belonging  to  the 
college  was  made  by  Dolland,  and 
presented  by  Mr.  Sheldon  Clark, 
of  Oxford.  It  is  an  achromatic  of 
five  inches  aperture  and  ten  feet 
focal  length,  and  is  considered  an 
instrument  of  great  excellence. 
See  Register. 

Besides  the  College  libraries,  there 
are  in  the  city  several  libraries  of 
considerable  extent  and  importance. 
Among  them,  that  belonging  to  Mr. 
Ithiel  Town  deserves  to  be  particu- 
larized. This  is  a large  and  precious 
collection  of  books,  principally  on 
architecture  and  the  other  fine  arts, 
together  with  many  volumes  of 
great  antiquity  and  rarity.  It  is 
the.  most  complete  architectural  li- 
brary in  the  United  States.  It  is 
placed  beyond  the  reach  of  fire,  in 
an  elegant  building  on  Hillhouse 
avenue.  In  1837,  there  were  in 
New  Haven  43  well  conducted 
academies  and  private  schools, 
some  of  which  were  of  an  elevated 
character  for  females.  The  public 
schools  are  well  sustained.  The 
annual  expenditure  for  schools  is 
about  $30,000.  The  whole  number 
of  pupils  is  about  2,500. 

There  are  in  New  Haven  several 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


institutions  for  the  promotion  of  the 
science,  industry  and  comfort  of  its 
inhabitants. 

The  Connecticut - icadetny  of  - irts 
and  Sciences  was  incorporated  in 
1799.  It  has  published  one  volume 
of  Memoirs.  > vo.  1S10 — 1S13,  pp. 
412  ;)  but  since  the  establishment  of 
Prof.  Silliman’s  Journal  of  Science, 
their  Memoirs  have  appeared  in  that 
work. 

The  American  Geological  So- 
ciety was  incorporated  in  1S19. — 
Its  collection  of  specimens  is  con- 
nected with  the  mineral  cabinet  of 
Yale  College. 

The  Yale  Matural  History  So- 
ciety has  existed  four  years,  and 
has"  a considerable  collection  of 
birds,  shells,  minerals,  plants.  &c. 
Its  transactions  have  hitherto  been 
made  public  through  Prof.  Silli- 
man's  Journal  of  Science.  The 
Mutual  Aid  Association  is  an  insti- 
tution of  great  utility.  The  JYetc 
Haven  Horticultural  Society  and 
the  Orphan  Asylum  are  well  sup- 
ported and  highly  beneficial. 

The  mechanics  of  New  Haven 
have  long  been  distinguished  for 
their  industry,  intelligence  and  love 
of  knowledge.  As  early  as  1S07 
they  established  the  Mechanics’  So- 
ciety, for  the  promotion  of  the  use- 
ful arts,  and  the  encouragement  of 
industry  and  merit.  The  society 
is  in  a prosperous  condition.  The 
young  mechanics  have,  moreover, 
established  for  their  mutual  im- 
provement, the  Young  Mechanics’ 
Institute.  The  plan  has  been  pro- 
secuted with  zeal  and  success. 
The  Institute  has  a cabinet  of  min- 
erals; a collection  of  philosophical 
apparatus,  and  several  hundred  vol- 
umes of  books.  The  manufactures 
of  New  Haven  are  numerous; 
among  which  are  boots,  shoes,  car- 
pets, and  rugs  of  a superior  quality, 
stoves,  locks,  paper,  books,  hats, 
tin  and  cabinet  wares,  muskets, 
iron  castings,  machinery,  sashes, 
window  blinds,  &c. 

The  manufacturing  interest  of 


New  Haven  employs  an  extensive 
capital,  and  a large  number  of  per- 
sons. 

The  foreign  commerce  of  New 
Haven  is  principally  confined  to 
j the  West  India  Islands,  with  which 
! a considerable  trade  is  carried  on. 
! Tonnage  of  the  district,  in  1S37, 


9,559  tons. 

A line  of  packets  plies  between 
this  and  New  York  city,  and  anex- 
cellenrline  of  steam-boats  furnish- 
es daily  communication  vyith  that 
city. 

The  New  Haven  and  Northamp- 
ton Canal  connects  the  waters  of 
Connecticut  river  at  the  latterplace. 
with  the  harbor  of  this  city.  This 
great  work,  having  surmounted 
many  difficulties  and  embarrass- 
ments, is  how  in  a fair  way  to  give 
a new  impulse  to  the  business  of 
the  city.  A line  of  packet  boats 
runs  daily  between  Northampton 
and  New  Haven,  and  promises  to 
be  well  sustained. 

The  New  Haven  and  Hartford 
Rail- Road  is  now  in  the  course  of 
construction,  and  will  probably  be 
completed  during  the  present  year. 
When  finished  it  must  prove  of 
great  importance  to  the  interests  of 
the  place. 

The  village  of  Fair  Haven  is 
built  on  both  sides  the  Quinnipiaek, 
and  about  one  half  of  it  lies  within 
the  limits  of  the  city  of  New  Ha- 
ven. This  village  has  grown  to  its 
present  importance  with  great  rapid- 
ity, and  now  carries  on  an  exten- 
sive and  thriving  business.  It  has 
two  churches,  and  a large  and  pros- 
perous high  school,  known  as  the 
Fair  Haven  Institute. 

The  village  of  JVestville  contains 
about  700  inhabitants.  Manufac- 
tures and  agriculture  constitute  the 
chief  business  of  the  place. 

New  Haven  may  justly  boast  of 
many  distinguished  men  who  made 
that  city  their  favorite  residence. 
The  names  of  David  Woosteh, 
of  Nathajt  Whitiitg,  of  Rog- 
er SkesjIax,  of  Janies  Hill- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


house,  and  many  others,  will  nev- 
er be  forgotten. 

How  large  a part  of  the  United 
States  is  indebted  for  its  prosperity 
to  the  inventive  genius  of  Eli 
Whitktev,  late  a citizen  of  New 
Haven  ? “ The  commerce,  the 

business  of  the  world,  has  been  es- 
sentially modified  and  increased 
through  the  operation  of  his  princi- 
pal invention,  the  cotton  gin  ; and 
the  substantial  convenience  and  en- 
joyment of  mankind  have,  by  the 
same  means,  been  extended  and  are 
extending,  to  a degree  which  no 
man  can  calculate.” 

This  City  of  Grove % is  a very 
delightful  place : it  probably  con- 
centrates more  charms  than  any 
city  of  its  age  and  population  in  the 
world. 

Newington,  N.  H. 

Rockingham  co.  The  soil  is  gen- 
erally sandy  and  unproductive  ; ex- 
cepting near  the  waters,  where  it 
yields  good  crops  of  grain  and  gra«3. 
At  Fox  point,  in  the  N.  W.  part  of 
the  town,  Piscataqua  bridge  i3 
thrown  over  the  river  to  Goat  isl- 
and, and  thence  to  Durham  shore. 
The  bridge  was  erected  in  1793,  is 
2,600  feet  long,  and  40  wide ; cost 
§65,401.  Newington  was  origin- 
ally a part  of  Portsmouth  and  Dover, 
and  was  early  settled.  It  was  dis- 
annexed,  and  incorporated  in  July, 
1764. 

Newington  was  among  the  set- 
tlements early  exposed  to  the  rava- 
ges of  the  Indians.  In  May,  1690, 
a party  of  Indians,  under  a saga- 
more of  the  name  of  Hoophood,  at- 
tacked Fox  point,  destroyed  sever- 
al houses,  killed  14  persons,  and 
took  6 prisoners.  They  were  im- 
mediately pursued  by  the  inhabit- 
ants, who  recovered  some  of  the 
captives  and  a part  of  the  plunder, 
after  a severe  action,  in  which 
Hoophood  was  wounded. 

Newington  is  42  miles  E.  S.  E. 
from  Concord,  and  5 W.  from  Ports- 
mouth. Population,  1830,  549. 


Sew  Ipswich,  S.  II. 

Hillsborough  co.  This  town  is 
50  miles  8.  S.  W.  from  Concord,  70 
W.  S.  W.  from  Portsmouth,  and  50 
N.  W.  by  W.  from  Boston.  The 
town  is  watered  by  many  rivulets, 
but  principally  by  the  Souhegan 
river,  which  is  formed  by  the  junc- 
tion of  two  streams;  the  W.  issu- 
ing from  a small  pond  on  the  Pas- 
ture mountain,  so  called ; the  S. 
from  two  ponds  in  Ashbumham, 
Mass.,  near  the  base  of  Watatick 
hill.  Over  this  river  is  a stone 
bridge,  built  in  1817.  It  is  156  feet 
long,  22  feet  wide  and  42  feet  high, 
resting  on  a single  arch  of  split 
stone  ; cost  $3,500.  The  first  cot- 
ton factory  in  the  state  was  built  in 
this  tow  n,  in  1803.  There  are  now 
4 cotton  factories,  and  in  other  re- 
spects New  Ipswich  has  become  an 
important  manufacturing  town. — 
Pratt’s  and  Hoar’s  ponds  contain 
about  50  acres  each.  Here  is  fine 
pasture  land,  and  under  cultivation, 
Indian  corn,  rye,  oats,  barley,  pota- 
toes, beans,  turnips,  &.C.,  are  pro- 
duced in  abundance. 

The  New*  Ipswich  academy  was 
incorporated  June  18,  1789.  Its 
funds  are  large. 

The  principal  village  is  in  the 
centre  of  the  town,  in  a pleasant 
and  fertile  valley.  Many  of  the 
dwelling-houses  are  of  brick,  and 
are  elegant  in  appearance. 

New  Jpswich  was  first  settled 
prior  to  1749,  and  was  incorporated 
by  charter,  Sept.  9,  1762. 

The  first  minister  was  the  Rev. 
Stephen  Farrar,  a native  of  Lin- 
coln, Mass.,  where  he  was  bom 
Oct.  22,  1738.  He  was  ordained 
Oct.  22,  1760;  died  June  23, 1809, 
aged  71. 

New  Ipswich  has  produced  ma- 
ny who  have  become  eminent  as 
patriots,  merchants,  and  men  of 
science.  Population,  1830,  1,673. 

New  IJmeriek,  Me. 

Washington  co.  In  1837,  this 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


town  was  incorporated  ; it  then  had 
124  inhabitants  and  produced  1,780 
bushels  of  wheat.  See  “ Down 
East.” 

New  Louden,  N.  II. 

Merrimack  co.  It  is  30  miles  W. 
N.  W.  from  Concord,  and  12  E. 
from  Newport.  Population,  1S30, 
913.  Lake  Sunapee  separates  this 
town  from  Weudell,  and  is  the 
principal  source  of  Sugar  river. — 
There  are  three  considerable  ponds. 
Little  Sunapee  pond,  1 1-2  miles  in 
length  and  3-4  of  a mile  in  width, 
lies  in  the  W.  part,  and  empties  its 
waters  into  lake  Sunapee.  Har- 
vey’s and  Messer’s  ponds,  near  the 
centre  of  the  town,  are  the  princi- 
pal sources  of  Warner  liver.  They 
are  about  a mile  in  length  and  3-4 
of  a mile  in  breadth,  and  are  sepa- 
rated by  a bog,  many  parts  of  which 
rise  and  fall  with  the  water.  Pleas- 
ant pond,  in  the  N.  part  of  New 
London,  is  nearly  2 miles  long  and 
1 wide.  The  settlements  of  New 
London  are  formed  principally  on 
three  large  swells  of  land.  The 
soil  is  deep  and  generally  good. — 
In  the  N.  part  are  several  eleva- 
tions. In  some  parts  the  land  is 
rocky,  but  there  is  little  not  capable 
of  cultivation.  New  London  was 
incorporated  in  1779.  Its  first  name 
was  Dantzick. 

The  damage  sustained  by  the  in- 
habitants of  this  town,  by  the  vio- 
lent whirlwind  of  Sept.  9, 1821,  was 
estimated  at  $9,000.  A large  rock 
lying  out  of  the  ground,  100  feet 
long,  50  wide  and  20  high,  was 
rent  into  two  pieces,  and  thrown 
about  20  feet  asunder. 

New  London  County,  Ct. 

New  London  and  Norwich  are 
the  county  towns.  New  London 
county  is  bounded  N.  by  Winclham, 
Tolland  and  Hartford  counties,  E. 
by  Windham  county  and  the  state  of 
Rhode  Island,  S.  by  Long  Island 
Sound,  and  W.by  the  county  of  Mid- 
dlesex. Its  average  length  from  E. 


to  W.  averages  about  26  miles,  and 
it  has  a medium  breadth  of  about  20 
miles.  This  county  possesses  supe- 
rior maritime  advantages,  having  an 
extensive  border  on  Long  Island 
Sound, which  affords  numerous  bays, 
inlets  and  harbors.  Excepting  a small 
section,  principally  in  the  town  of 
Lyme,  no  portion  of  the  county  can 
be  considered  as  mountainous,  but  it 
is  generally  hilly  and  elevated,  and 
comprises  a small  proportion  of  allu- 
vial. The  hills  and  elevated  tracts 
are  considerably  rough  and  stony. 
The  lands  in  general  are  not  adapted 
to  grain  culture,  although  upon  the 
intervales  and  other  tracts  Indian 
corn  is  raised  to  advantage,  and  to  a 
considerable  extent.  The  princi- 
pal agricultural  interests  depend 
very  much  upon  grazing.  The  wa- 
ters of  the  county  are  abundant  and 
valuable.  On  the  south  it  is  washed 
more  than  thirty  miles  by  Long  Isl- 
and Sound,  part  of  its  western  bor- 
der by  Connecticut  river,  and  the 
interior  of  the  county  is  watered  and 
fertilized  by  the  Thames  and  its 
branches.  The  fishing  business  is 
more  extensively  carried  on  in  this 
county  than  in  any  other  section  of 
the  state,  and  is  an  important  branch 
of  industry.  The  manufacturing 
business  is  carried  on  to  consider- 
able extent  in  the  northern  part  of 
the  county,  and  is  increasing. 

In  1837,  this  county  contained 
41,387  sheep.  Population,  in  1820, 
35,943  ; 1830,  42,201  : 81  inhabit- 
ants to  a square  mile.  The  tonnage 
of  the  district  of  New  London,  in 
1837,  was  41,626  tons. 

New  Loudon,  Ct. 

One  of  the  shire  towns  of  New 
London  county.  The  first  English 
settlement  in  New  London  com- 
menced in  1646.  It  is  situated  on 
the  west  bank  of  the  river  Thames. 
In  its  territorial  limits  it  is  much 
the  smallest  of  any  town  in  the 
state,  being  about  4 miles  in  length 
from  north  to  south,  and  averages 
about  3-4  of  a mile  in  breadth. — 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


The  city  of  New  London  is  situated 
3 miles  from  Long  Island  Sound, 
and  is  a port  of  entry.  It  is  42 
miles  southeast  from  Hartford,  13 
south  from  Norwich,  and  53  east 
from  New  Haven.  Population,  in 
1830,  4,356.  Lon.  72°  9'  W.,  lat. 
41°  O'  25"  N.  The  city  is  princi- 
pally built  on  a declivity,  which 
descends  to  the  east  and  south.  On 
the  summit  of  the  high  ground, 
back  of  the  most  populous  part  of 
the  city,  the  observer  has  a fine 
prospect  of  the  surrounding  coun- 
try. The  city  is  irregularly  laid  out, 
owing  to  the  nature  of  the  ground 
on  which  it  is  built,  being  much 
incumbered  with  granite  rocks. — 
The  houses  are  not  so  handsome  in 
their  outward  appearance,  as  might 
be  reasonably  expected,  considering 
the  wealth  of  the  inhabitants.  In 
the  course  of  a few  years  past,  how- 
ever, a spirit  of  improvement  in  this 
respect  has  taken  place,  and  many 
buildings  have  been  erected  which 
are  elegant  in  their  appearance. 
Some  of  the  streets  have  been  strait- 
ened and  leveled,  by  blasting  the 
granite  rocks  with  which  they  were 
disfigured.  These  rocks  afford  an 
excellent  material  for  the  construc- 
tion of  buildings,  and  it  is  believed 
that  no  city  in  this  country  has  the 
advantages  of  New  London,  in  this 
particular,  where  the  materials  for 
erecting  houses  can  be  found  in 
their  streets.  The  harbor  is  one  of 
the  best  in  the  L’nited  States,  being 
large,  safe,  and  commodious,  hav- 
ing five  fathoms  of  water.  It  is  3 
miles  long,  and  rarely  obstructed 
with  ice.  During  the  extreme  cold 
in  January,  1835,  while  the  navi- 
gation of  the  harbor  of  New  York 
was  closed  by  the  ice,  the  harbor  of 
New  London  remained  open  and 
unobstructed. 

From  the  excellent  maritime  lo- 
cation of  New  London,  the  naviga- 
tion, commercial  and  fishing  busi- 
ness, has  ever  been  the  principal 
pursuit  of  the  inhabitants.  Their 
fine  harbor  has  served  in  a great 


degree  as  the  port  of  Connecticut 
river,  the  impediments  in  which 
frequently  prevent  its  being  naviga- 
ble for  large  vessels  fully  laden.  The 
whale  fishery  and  sealing  business  is 
an  important  branch  of  commerce. 
About  a million  of  dollars  is  devot- 
ed to  its  prosecution.  In  1834,  up- 
wards of  thirty  ships  and  900  men 
and  boys  were  employed  in  this 
business. 

The  city  is  defended  by  two  forts. 
Fort  Trumbull  and  Fort  Griswold. 
Fort  Trumbull  stands  on  the  New 
London  side  of  the  Thames,  about 
a mile  below  the  city.  It  is  situa- 
ted on  the  rocky  extremity  of  a pen- 
insula extending  eastward  into  the 
river.  This  fort  is  a station  for 
United  States  soldiers.  Fort  Gris- 
wold is  on  the  E.  side  of  the  Thames, 
on  a commanding  eminence  oppo- 
site the  city,  in  the  town  of  Gro- 
ton. 

New  London  has  been  rendered 
conspicuous  for  its  sufferings  during 
the  revolutionary  war,  and  the  the- 
atre of  hostile  operations.  On  the 
6th  of  September,  1781,  a large 
proportion  of  this  town  was  laid  in 
ashes  by  Benedict  Arnold.  The 
following  account  of  this  transaction 
is  taken  from  the  Connecticut  Ga- 
zette, printed  at  New  London,  Sept, 
7,  1781. 

“ About  daybreak  on  Thursday 
morning  last,  24  sail  of  the  enemy’s 
shipping  appeared  to  the  westward 
of  this  harbor,  which  by  many  were 
supposed  to  be  a plundering  party 
after  stock ; alarm  guns  were  imme- 
diately fired,  but  the  discharge  of 
cannon  in  the  harbor  has  become  so 
feequent  of  late,  that  they  answer- 
ed little  or  no  purpose.  The  defence- 
less state  of  the  fortifications  and 
the  town  are  obvious  to  our  readers ; 
a few  of  the  inhabitants,  who  were 
equipped,  advanced  towards  the 
place  where  the  enemy  were 
thought  likely  to  make  their  land- 
ing, and  manoeuvred  on  the  heights 
adjacent,  until  the  enemy  about  9 
o’clock  landed  in  two  divisions,  and 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


about  800  men  each,  one  of  them 
at  Brown’s  farm,  near  the  light- 
house, the  other  at  Groton  Point : 
the  division  that  landed  near  the 
light-house  marched  up  the  road, 
keeping  up  large  flanking  parties, 
who  were  attacked  in  different  pla- 
ces on  their  march  by  the  inhabit- 
ants, who  had  spirit  and  resolution 
to  oppose  their  progress.  The 
main  body  of  the  enemy  proceeded 
to  the  town,  and  set  fire  to  the 
stores  on  the  beach,  and  immediate- 
ly after  to  the  dwelling-houses  lying 
on  the  Mill  Cove.  The  scattered 
Are  of  our  little  parties,  unsupported 
by  our  neighbors  more  distant,  gall- 
ed them  so  that  they  sopn  began  to 
retire,  setting  fire  promiscuously  on 
their  wray.  The  fire  from  the  stores 
communicated  to  the  shipping  that 
lay  at  the  wharves,  and  a number 
were  burnt ; others  swung  to  sin- 
gle fast,  and  remained  unhurt. 

“ At  4 oclock,  they  began  to  quit 
the  town  with  great  precipitation, 
and  were  pursued  by  our  brave  cit- 
zens  with  the  spirit  and  ardor  of  vet- 
erans, and  driven  on  board  their 
boats.  Five  of  the  enemy  were 
killed,  and  about  twenty  wounded  ; 
among  the  latter  is  a Plessian  cap- 
tain, who  is  a prisoner,  as  are  seven 
others.  We  lost  four  killed  and  ten 
or  twelve  wounded,  some  mortally. 

“ The  most  valuable  part  of  the 
town  is  reduced  to  ashes,  and  all 
the  stores.  Fort  Trumbull,  not  be- 
ing tenable  on  the  land  side,  was 
evacuated  as  the  enemy  advanced, 
and  the  few  men  in  it  crossed  the 
river  to  Fort  Griswold,  on  Groton 
Hill,  which  was  soon  after  invested 
by  the  division  that  landed  at  the 
point.  The  fort  having  in  it  only 
about  120  men,  chiefly  militia  hast- 
ily collected,  they  defended  it  with 
the  greatest  resolution  and  bravery,  i 
and  once  repulsed  the  enemy : but 
the  fort  being  out  of  repair,  could 
not  be  defended  by  such  a handful 
of  men,  though  brave  and  deter- 
mined, against  so  superior  a num- 
ber; and  after  having  a number  of 


their  party  killed  and  wounded, 
they  found  that  further  resistance 
would  be  in  vain,  and  resigned  the 
fort.”  See  Groton , Ct. 

The  following  is  the  inscription 
on  Bishop  Seabury’s  monument : 

Here  lyeth  the  body  of  Samuel 
Seabury,  D.  D.  Bishop  of  Connecti- 
cut and  Rhode  Island,  who  departed 
from  this  transitory  scene,  February 
25th,  Anno  Domini,  1796,  in  the  68th 
year  of  his  age,  and  the  12th  of  his 
Episcopal  consecration. 

Ingenious  without  pride,  learned 
without  pedantry,  good  without  sever- 
ity, he  was  duly  qualified  to  discharge 
the  duties  of  the  Christian  and  the 
Bishop.  In  the  pulpit  he  enforced  Re- 
ligion ; in  his  conduct  he  exemplified 
it.  The  poor  he  assisted  with  his  char- 
ity ; the  ignorant  he  blessed  with  his 
instruction.  The  friend  of  men,  he 
ever  designed  their  good ; the  enemy 
of  vice,  he  ever  opposed  it.  Chris- 
tian ! dost  thou  aspire  to  happiness  ? 
Seabury  has  shown  the  way  that  leads 
to  it. 

“An  epitaph  on  Captaine  Richard 
Lord,  deceased  May  17,  1662. — 
AStatis  svae  51. 

....  Bright  starre  of  ovr  chivallrie 
lies  here 

To  the  state  a covnsillovr  fvll  deare 
And  to  ye  trvth  a friend  of  sweete 
content 

To  Hartford  towne  a silver  ornament 
Who  can  deny  to  poore  he  was  releife 
And  in  composing  paroxyies  he  was 
cheife 

To  marchantes  as  a patterne  he  might 
stand 

Adventring  dangers  new  by  sea  and 
land.” 

New  Market,  N.  K. 

Rockingham  co.  It  lies  36  miles 
S.  E.  from  Concord,  and  12  W.  by 
S.  from  Portsmouth.  Population, 
1830,2,013. 

i Piscassick  river  passes  through 
this  town  into  Durham.  The  Lam- 
prey river  washes  its  N.  E.  bound- 
ary, as  does  the  Swamscot  the  S. 
E.  The  soil  is  good,  and  agricul- 
tural pursuits  are  here  crowned 
with  much  success.  There  are 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


several  pleasant  and  thriving  villa- 
ges, in  which  are  large  and  valua- 
ble manufactures. 

New  Market  was  originally  a 
part  of  Exeter,  and  was  detached 
and  incorporated,  1727. 

Mrs.  Fanny  Shute,  who  died  in 
this  town  September,  1819,  was  re- 
spected not  only  for  her  excellent 
qualities,  but  the  adventures  of  her 
youth.  When  13  months  old,  she 
was  taken  by  a party  of  Indians, 
carried  to  Canada,  and  disposed  of 
to  the  French — educated  in  a nun- 
nery, and  after  remaining  13  years 
in  captivity,  was  redeemed  and  re- 
stored to  her  friends. 

Daniel  Brackett  recently  died  in 
this  town.  He  weighed  560  lbs. 

New  Marlborough)  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  There  is  a large 
pond  in  this  town,  and  a branch  of 
Housatonick  river.  The  surface  is 
uneven,  and  the  soil  best  adapted 
for  grazing.  It  was  incorporated  in 
1759,  and  lies  135  miles  S.  W.  by 
W.  from  Boston,  and  20  S.  by  E. 
from  Lenox.  Population,  in  1837, 
1,570. 

There  are  two  caverns  in  this 
town,  containing  stalactites.  The 
manufactures  consist  of  leather, 
boots,  shoes,  chairs,  cabinet  ware, 
and  a variety  of  sawed  lumber. — 
The  products  of  the  dairy  are  con- 
siderable, and  about  1,600  sheep  are 
pastured. 

New  Milford,  Ct. 

Litchfield  eo.  This  township  is 
hilly  and  broken,  several  mountain- 
ous ridges  extending  through  it. 
The  soil  is  much  diversified,  and 
where  susceptible  of  cultivation,  it 
is  generally  good  ; but  on  the  whole 
more  distinguished  for  grain  than 
grass.  There  are,  however,  large 
quantities  of  excellent  meadow 
ground,  but  the  pasturage  is,  on  the 
whole,  not  abundant.  It  is  essen- 
tially a farming  town.  For  some 
time  after  the  white  people  come 
here,  an  Indian  chief,  or  sachem, 

25 


named  TVerauhamaug , had  a pal- 
ace standing  near  the  Great  falls, 
where  he  resided.  On  the  inner 
walls  of  this  palace,  (which  were 
of  bark  with  the  smooth  side  in- 
wards,) were  pictured  every  known 
species  of  beast,  bird,  fish  and  in- 
sect, from  the  largest  to  the  small- 
est. This  was  said  to  have  been 
done  by  artists  whom  a friendly 
prince  at  a great  distance  sent  to 
him  for  that  purpose,  as  Hiram  did 
to  Solomon.  The  town  of  New 
Milford  was  purchased  of  the  Col- 
ony of  Connecticut  by  a company  of 
individuals  chiefly  belonging  to  Mil- 
ford, and  was  first  settled  in  1707. 
The  first  bridge  that  was  ever  built 
over  the  Housatonick  river,  from 
the  sea  to  its  source  was  built  in  this 
town  in  1737.  The  village  of  New 
Milford  is  very  handsome ; the 
streets  are  wide  and  well  shaded. 
It  lies  36  miles  N.  W.  from  New 
Haven,  and  IS  S.  W.  from  Litch- 
field. Population,  1830, 3,979.  The 
territory  of  this  town  is  larger  than 
any  other  in  the  state  : it  is  13  by  6 
1-2  miles.  The  town  is  well  water- 
ed, and  has  some  manufactures. 
There  are  large  quantities  of  gran- 
ite and  marble,  and  the  town  pro- 
duces large  quantities  of  grain  and 
wool  for  market. 

Newport,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  This  is  a fine  farm- 
ing town,  and  watered  by  a large 
and  beautiful  pond  which  empties 
into  Sebasticook  river.  It  lies  56 
miles  N.  E.  from  Augusta  and  24 
W.  from  Bangor.  Population,  1837, 
1,088.  Wheat  crop  same  year,  5,173 
btrshels.  This  town  contains  a pleas- 
ant village  and  some  mills. 

Newport,  N.  H. 

Shire  town,  Sullivan  county.  Its 
central  situation  and  its  water  pow- 
er, together  with  the  enterprising 
spirit  of  its  inhabitants,  has  render- 
ed Newport  a place  of  considerable 
business.  It  is  40  miles  W.by  N.from 
Concord,  about  35  N.  from  Keene, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


and  14  E.  S.  E.  from  Windsor,  Vt. 
Near  the  centre  of  the  town,  and 
the  confluence  of  the  E.  and  S. 
branches  of  Sugar  river  and  the 
Croydon  turnpike,  is  a handsome 
village.  In  general  the  soil  is  rich 
and  productive.  Sugar  river  flows 
through  this  town,  and  its  three 
branches  unite  near  the  village, 
whence  it  passes  through  Claremont 
into  the  Connecticut.  On  the  east- 
ern branch  are  situated,  principally 
near  the  village,  large  and  valuable 
manufacturing  establishments. — 

There  are  other  mills  in  different 
parts  of  the  town.  There  are  a 
few  eminences,  designated  as  Bald, 
Coitand  East  mountains,  and  Blue- 
berry hill.  Newport  was  granted 
by  charter  in  1761.  The  first  ef- 
fort towards  a settlement  was  made 
in  the  fall  of  1763.  The  first  set- 
tlers were  principally  from  Kill- 
ingworth,  Ct.  This  town  is  noted 
for  its  good  schools  and  its  various 
charitable  societies.  Population, 

1830, 1,913. 

Newport,  Vt. 

Orleans  co.  This  town  is  sepa- 
rated from  Derby  by  Memphrema- 
gog  lake,  and  is  watered  by  a branch 
of  Missisque  river.  It  lies  48  miles 
N.  by  E.  from  Montpelier,  and  10 
N.  from  Irasburgh.  Population, 

1830,  284. 

Newport  County,  R.  I. 

Newport  is  the  chief  town.  This 
county  comprises  seven  towns  and 
a number  of  islands;  but  the  most 
interesting  section  of  it  is  the  isl- 
and of  Rhode  Island,  from  which 
the  state  derives  its  name.  This 
island  is  about  15  miles  in  length, 
and  has  a mean  breadth  of  two  miles 
and  a half. 

The  surface  presents  an  interesting 
variety  of  moderate  eminences  and 
declivities,  which  render  the  scene- 
ry very  pleasing.  Valuable  mine- 
rals are  found  on  the  island,  and 
fossil  coal,  difficult  of  ignition,  is 
found  in  large  quantities.  The 


soil  of  the  island  is  very  rich,  and 
under  the  management  of  skilful 
farmers  is  made  to  produce  in  great 
abundance  all  the  varieties  of  grains, 
grasses,  vegetables,  fruits  and  flow- 
ers common  to  its  latitude. 

It  is  remarkable  that  not  only  this 
island,  but  the  county  generally, 
should  be  so  fertile.  The  poorest 
lands  in  New  England  are  gener- 
ally on  the  sea  board ; but  as  it  re- 
gards this  county,  few  sections  of 
the  interior  present  a better  soil. 

From  the  earliest  settlement  of 
the  country,  this  county  has  been 
engaged  in  commerce  and  the  fish- 
ery. These  interests  are  now  in  a 
flourishing  condition ; and  manu- 
facturing establishments  are  in- 
creasing, by  the  aid  of  steam  pow- 
er. In  1837  there  were  37,340 
sheep  in  the  county. 

Newport  county  is  bound  N.  by 
Mount  Hope  bay,  and  Bristol  coun- 
ty, Mass. ; E.  by  said  county  of 
Bristol ; S.  by  the  Atlantic  ocean, 
and  W.  by  Narraganset  bay.  Area, 
136  square  miles.  Population,  1820, 
15,771 ; 1830,  16,535.  Population 
to  a square  mile,  122. 

Newport,  R.  I. 

Chief  town  of  Newport  county, 
and  one  of  the  seats  of  the  state  leg- 
islature. It  is  in  N.  latitude  41°  28' 
20",  and  AV.  longitude  71°  21'  14": 
5 miles  from  the  sea,  30  miles  S. 
by  E.  from  Providence,  70  S.  S.  AV. 
from  Boston,  and  153  from  New 
York,  by  water.  The  township  lies 
in  an  irregular  and  somewhat  of  a 
semicircular  form,  about  6 miles  in 
length  and  1 in  breadth.  In  com- 
mon with  the  whole  island  of  Rhode 
Island,  on  which  Newport  is  situa- 
ted, the  soil  is  remarkably  fertile 
and  under  good  cultivation.  The 
surface  is  undulating,  presenting  a 
great  variety  of  delightful  scenery. 
The  waters  of  Narraganset  bay  at 
this  place  are  unrivalled  for  beauty 
and  convenience.  The  harbor  of 
Newport  is  considered  one  of  the 
best  on  the  coast  of  America : it 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


has  sufficient  depth  of  water  for  the 
largest  class  of  vessels,  is  exceed- 
ingly easy  of  access  from  the  ocean, 
and  sufficiently  capacious  to  con- 
tain whole  fleets.  This  harbor  is 
admirably  defended  by  forts  Wol- 
cott, Green  and  Adams,  and  will 
probably  soon  become  a naval  de- 
pot. Newport  was  first  settled  by 
William  Codington  and  his  associates 
in  1633.  The  growth  of  the  town 
was  so  rapid  for  the  first  hundred 
years,  that  in  1738  there  were  7 
worshipping  assemblies,  and  100  sail 
of  vessels  belonged  to  the  port. 

Newport  suffered  severely  dur- 
ing the  revolutionary  war,  and  was 
for  a long  time  in  possession  of  the 
enemy.  After  the  war  it  revived 
again,  but  the  more  favorable  loca- 
tion of  Providence  for  an  interior 
commerce,  deprived  it  of  a large 
portion  of  its  original  business. 

Newport  however  retains  its 
former  character  for  foreign  com- 
merce and  the  fishery.  A number 
of  vessels  are  now  engaged  in  the 
whaling  business,  and  manufactur- 
ing establishments  have  recently 
been  put  into  operation  by  steam 
power,  which  promise  success. — 
Ship  and  boat  building  and  the  man- 
ufacture of  cordage  are  carried  on 
extensively.  The  domestic  fishe- 
ry is  to  Newport  an  important  re- 
sourse.  There  is  probably  no  place 
in  the  world  where  a greater  varie- 
ty of  fish,  or  of  a better  quality,  are 
found.  About  sixty  different  kinds, 
comprising  almost  every  species  of 
fin  and  shell  fish,  fit  for  the  ta- 
ble, are  taken  in  great  abundance 
around  the  shores  of  Narraganset. 
The  tonnage  of  the  district  of  New- 
port, in  1837,  was  11,498  ions. 

The  compact  part  of  the  town  is 
built  on  a beautiful  site,  facing  the 
harbor  in  a southeasterly  direction. 
The  main  street  extends  more  than 
a mile  in  length.  The  buildings 
on  this  and  other  streets  and  on 
Washington  square  are  neatly  built, 
and  some  of  them  are  very  hand- 
some The  marks  of  age  which 


some  of  these  buildings  bear,  with 
the  excellent  state  of  preservation 
in  which  they  appear,  give  them  a 
grace  not  found  in  many  of  those 
of  more  modern  construction. 

Although  this  ancient  town  has 
passed  through  many  vicissitudes 
and  changes  of  fortune,  still  it  con- 
tinues to  advance  in  the  number  of 
its  people.  Population,  in  1820, 
7,319;  1830,  8,010. 

Newport  is  celebrated  for  its 
beauty  and  the  salubrity  of  its  cli- 
mate. From  these  circumstances, 
and  from  the  numerous  inviting 
objects  which  surround  it,  it  has 
become  a favorite  resort  for  visitors 
from  warmer  climates ; and  in  no 
place  cau  the  summer  season  be 
more  enjoyed  than  amid  the  charms 
of  Newport. 

Oliver  Hazzard  Perry,  the 
victor  on  Lake  Erie,  Sept.  10, 1813, 
was  born  at  Newport,  in  1785. — 
He  died  in  the  West  Indies,  in  1820. 
A monument  is  erected  to  his  mem- 
ory. 

New  Portland,  Me. 

Franklin  co.  This  town  is  finely 
watered  by  two  branches  of  Seven 
Mile  brook.  This  is  one  of  the 
finest  farming  towns  in  the  coun- 
ty. It  produced,  in  1837,  10,451 
bushels  of  wheat.  Population, 
same  year,  1,476.  This  town  has  a 
pleasant  village,  a number  of  saw 
mills  and  other  manufactories.  It 
lies  48  miles  N.  N.  W.  from  Augus- 
ta, and  18  N.  by  E.  from  Farming- 
ton.  Incorporated,  1808. 

Newry,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  A branch  of  Andros- 
coggin river  waters  this  town,  and 
affords  it  good  mill  privileges.  It 
lies  63  miles  W.  from  Augusta,  and 
25  N.  W.  from  Paris.  Population, 
1837,  412.  Incorporated,  1805. 

New  Salem,  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  This  town  is  bound- 
ed N.  by  Miller’s  river,  and  has  a 
good  water  power.  It  lies  74  miles 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


W N.  W.  from  Boston,  and  17  E. 
S.  E.  from  Greenfield.  This  is  a 
pleasant  town  of  elevated  surface, 
and  good  soil  for  grazing.  Popula- 
tion, 1837,  1,255.  The  manufac- 
tures of  the  town,  consist  of  palm- 
leaf  hats,  boots,  shoes,  leather, 
straw  bonnets,  and  ploughs.  In- 
corporated, 1753. 

New  Sharon,  Me. 

Franklin,  co.  This  town  is  water- 
ed on  the  northwest  side  by  Sandy 
river,  and  is  bounded  south  by  Vi- 
enna. The  soil  is  admirably  adapt- 
ed to  agricultural  purposes.  Popu- 
lation, 1837,  1,771.  Wheat  crop, 
same  year,  8,132  bushels.  It  lies 
26  miles  N.  W.  from  Augusta.  In- 
corporated, 1794. 

New  Slioreham,  R.  I. 

Newport  co.  This  town  com- 
prises the  island  of  Block  Island. 
The  island  lies  in  the  open  sea, 
about  14  miles  S.  S.  W.  from  Judith 
Point,  and  13  N.  E.  from  Montauk 
Point,  on  Long  Island,  N.  Y.  It  is 
about  8 miles  in  length,  and  varies 
from  2 to  4 miles  in  width.  It  has 
several  ponds,  which  cover  about  a 
seventh  part  of  the  island.  The 
surface  of  the  town  is  uneven  ; in 
some  parts  elevated.  The  soil  is  a 
sandy,  gravelly  loam,  and  quite 
productive.  This  island  was  once 
famous  for  its  cattle  and  good  dai- 
ries. The  people  are  mostly  fish- 
ermen : they  have  no  harbor,  and 
peat  is  their  only  fuel.  Population, 
1830,  1,185.  Incorporated,  1672. 
Its  Indian  name  was  Manisses. 

Newton,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  A very  beauti- 
ful, agricultural  and  manufacturing 
town,  the  JYonantum  of  the  In- 
dians, 7 miles  W.  by  S.  from  Boston, 
12  S.  E.  from  Concord,  and  7 N. 
from  Dedham.  Charles  river  wash- 
es the  borders  of  this  town  15  miles, 
and,  by  two  falls  of  considerable  ex- 
tent, affords  it  a -great  and  valuable 
water  power.  Nine  bridges  cross 


Charles  river  in  this  town.  The 
soil  is  generally  very  good,  and 
highly  cultivated.  There  are  2 
cotton,  1 woolen,  and  5 paper 
mills  in  the  town,  and  manufactures 
of  nails,  rolled  iron,  candles,  vit- 
riol, barilla,  chaises,  harnesses,  mo- 
rocco, leather,  boots,  shoes,  ma- 
chinery, chairs,  and  cabinet  ware  ; 
the  value  of  which,  the  year  end- 
ing April  1,  1837,  amounted  to 
$815,872.  Newton  was  incorpo- 
rated in  1691 ; it  formerly  com- 
prised the  town  of  Cambridge,  and 
is  noted  as  the  birth  place  and  resi- 
dence of  many  distinguished  men. 
Population,  1830,  2,377  ; 1837, 

3,037.  A Theological  Seminary 
was  established  in  this  town,  in 
1825.  See  Register. 

Newtown,  N.  H., 

Rockingham  co.,  lies  40  miles  S. 
E.  from  Concord,  and  27  S.  S.  W. 
from  Portsmouth.  Country  pond 
lies  in  Newtown  and  Kingston,  and 
two  other  small  ponds  connect  by 
outlets  with  its  waters.  The  soil 
produces  good  crops  of  grain  or 
grass.  Joseph  Bartlett  first  settled 
in  this  town,  in  1720.  Bartlett  was 
taken  prisoner  by  the  Indians  at 
Haverhill,  in  1708,  and  remained  a 
captive  in  Canada  about  4 years. 
Population,  1830,  510. 

Newtown,  Ct. 

Fairfield  co.  This  town  was  in- 
corporated in  170S.  It  is  watered 
by  Patatuck  river,  the  Indian  name 
of  the  place.  It  lies  25  miles  W. 
N.  W.  from  New  Haven,  10  E. 
from  Danbury,  and  22  N.  from  Fair- 
field.  Population,  1830,  3,100. — 
The  surface  of  the  town  is  hilly  ; 
many  of  the  eminences  are  exten- 
sive and  continuous.  The  soil  is 
principally  a gravelly  loam,  gener- 
ally fertile  and  productive.  It  is 
well  adapted  to  the  culture  of  grain, 
and  is  also  favorable  for  fruit,  there 
being  many  valuable  orchards  in  the 
town.  The  borough  of  Newtown 
is  beautifully  situated  on  high 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ground  ; it  commands  an  extensive 
prospect,  and  contains  some  hand- 
some buildings. 

The  flourishing  village  of  Sandy 
Hook  is  situated  about  11-2  miles 
N.  E.  of  the  central  part  of  New- 
town, at  the  foot  of  a rocky  emin- 
ence or  bluff,  from  the  top  of  which 
is  a fine  prospect  of  the  surround- 
ing country.  A fine  mill  stream 
(the  Patatuck)  runs  in  a northerly 
course  through  the  village,  at  the 
base  of  the  cliff,  which  rises  almost 
perpendicular  to  the  height  of  160 
feet.  Near  a cotton  factory,  at  the 
northern  extremity  of  the  village, 
some  traces  of  coal  have  been  dis- 
covered. The  village  contained,  in 
ISB4,  1 cotton,  1 hat,  1 comb  and 
2 woolen  factories.  There  was  also 
1 machine  shop,  and  1 establish- 
ment for  working  brass. 

New  Vineyard,  Me. 

Franklin  co.  This  town  is  wa- 
tered by  a branch  of  Seven  Mile 
brook.  The  surface  of  the  town  is 
uneven,  but  the  soil,  generally,  is 
productive.  It  produced,  in  1837, 
7,063  bushels  of  wheat.  Popula- 
tion, same  year,  870.  Incorporat- 
ed, 1802.  It  lies  40  miles  N.  W. 
from  Augusta,  and  8 N.  by  E.  from 
Farmington. 

Nokleborough,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  This  town  lies  on 
the  east  side  of  the  upper  waters 
of  Damariscotta  river.  It  is  a 
place  of  considerable  trade.  Many 
ships  are  built  here,  and  a large 
number  of  vessels  are  employed  in 
the  coasting  trade.  The  soil  of  the 
town  is  generally  good,  and  consid- 
erable attention  is  paid  by  the  in- 
habitants to  agricultural  pursuits. 
It  lies  38  miles  S.  E.  from  Augusta, 
.and  11  E.  from  Wiscasset.  Popula- 
tion, 1837,  1,999.  Ipcor.,  1788. 

No-31ans-L.aiid,  Mass. 

Dukes  co.  A ledge  of  rocks, 
the  most  southern  part  of  the  state. 
It  lies  7 miles  S.  from  Gay  Head. 
25* 


Norfolk  County,  Mass. 

Chief  town,  Dedham.  This 
county  is  bounded  N.  E.  by  Boston 
harbor,  N.  by  Suffolk  county,  W. 
by  the  S.  E.  corner  of  Worcester 
county,  S.  by  the  N.  E.  corner  of 
the  state  of  Rhode  Island,  and  S. 
S.  E.  and  E.  by  the  counties  of  Bris- 
tol and  Plymouth.  Area,  about 
400  square  miles.  Population,  in 
1820,36,452;  in  1830,  41,901;  in 
1837,  50,399.  Taken  from  Suffolk 
county  in  1793. 

This  county  has  a maritime  coast 
on  Boston  harbor  of  about  12  miles, 
which  is  indented  with  many  small 
bays  and  navigable  rivers.  Its  sur- 
face is  uneven,  and  in  some  parts 
hilly.  Its  soil  is  generally  strong 
and  rocky.  Much  of  the  dark  col- 
ored granite,  or  sienite,  is  found 
here.  A large  part  of  Norfolk 
county,  particularly  those  towns 
near  Boston,  is  under  a high  state 
of  cultivation,  and  affords  fruits  and 
vegetables  in  great  abundance. — 
The  proximity  of  this  county  to 
the  capital  gives  it  many  facilities ; 
and  the  towns  in  this,  and  in  the 
county  of  Middlesex,  that  border 
on  Boston  harbor,  may  be  called  the 
Gardens  of  Boston.  It  contains 
22  towns,  and  126  inhabitants  to  a 
square  mile.  The  Charles,  Nepon- 
set,  and  Manatiquot  are  its  chief 
rivers. 

In  1837,  this  county  contained 
2,054  sheep.  The  value  of  the 
manufactures  in  the  county,  the 
year  ending  April  1,  1837,  was 
$6,466,010.  The  value  of  the 
fishery,  the  same  year,  was  $244,- 
a27. 

Norfolk,  Ct. 

Litchfield  co.  The  settlement 
of  Norfolk  began  in  1744.  It  lies 
85  miles  W.  N.  W.  from  Hartford, 
and  17  N.  from  Litchfield.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  1,485. 

This  town  is  elevated  and  moun- 
tainous. The  soil  is  a primitive, 
gravelly  loam,  generally  cold  and 
stony,  but  has  considerable  depth. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


and  affords  good  grazing.  Former- 
ly large  quantities  of  sugar  were 
made  from  the  maple  : more  than 
20,000  lbs.  have  been  manufactured 
in  a single  season ; but  since  the 
land  has  been  cleared  by  progres- 
sive settlements, and  in  consequence 
of  the  destruction  of  the  maple 
trees  by  some  tornadoes,  the  busi- 
ness has  greatly  declined.  The 
dairy  business  comprises  the  prin- 
cipal interests  of  the  town.  A 
stream,  called  Blackberry  river, 
runs  near  the  centre  of  the  place, 
and  a little  westward  of  the  con- 
gregational church  falls  over  a ledge 
of  rocks  30  feet  in  height.  This  is 
an  excellent  site  for  mills,  of  which 
there  are  several  near  this  spot. 

There  is  a handsome  village,  with 
an  open  square  or  green  in  front  of 
the  church,  which  is  uncommonly 
neat  and  beautiful  in  its  appearance. 
About  half  a mile  north  is  another 
village,  in  which  are  two  woolen 
and  three  scythe  factories. 

Norridgewoclt,  Me. 

Chief  town  of  Somerset  co.  This 
town  is  situated  on  both  sides  of 
the  Kennebec  river,  28  miles  N. 
from  Augusta.  Incorporated,  1788. 
Population,  1837,  1,955.  Its  sur- 
face is  diversified  with  hills  of  a 
moderate  elevation,  the  soil  various, 
but  generally  good  and  well  culti- 
vated. Wheat  crop,  1837,  10,299 
hushels.  This  town  was  formerly 
the  site  of  the  celebrated  tribe  of 
Norridgewock  Indians.  Their  vil- 
lage was  situated  at  the  foot  of  Nor- 
ridgewock falls,  in  the  N.  W.  part 
of  the  town,  and  the  border  of  Mad- 
ison. The  tribe  had  a church,  the 
bell  of  which  was  dug  up  a few 
years  since,  and  placed  in  the  cabi- 
net at  Bowdoin  college.  The  tribe 
was  destroyed  by  a party  of  168 
men,  sent  out  from  Massachusetts 
for  that  puipose,  commanded  by 
Capt.  Moulton,  on  the  afternoon  of 
August  23,  1724.  Among  the  kill- 
ed was  the  noted  Jesuit  missiona- 
ry, Ralle.  A monument  was  erect- 


ed the  23d  of  August,  1833,  by 
Bishop  Fenwick,  to  his  memory. — 
It  is  a plain  granite  pyramidal  shaft, 
standing  on  a square  base  of  the 
same  material,  having  the  follow- 
ing inscription  : — 

Sebastianus  Rasies  natione  Gal- 
luse  Societate  Jesu  missionius,  per 
aliquot  annos  Illinois  et  Huronibus 
primum  evangelanus,  deinde  per 
34  annos  Abenaquis,  fide  et  chari- 
tate  Christi  verus  Apostolus,  pericu- 
lus  armorum  intenitus  se  pro  suis 
oribus  mori  paratum  soepius  testifi- 
cans,  inter  arma  et  cocdes  ac  Pagi 
Nanarantsouak  Norridgewock,  et 
Ecclesiae  suae  minas,  hoc  in  ipso 
loco,  cecidit  tandem  optiinus  pastor, 
die  23  Augusti,  A.  D.  1724,  ipsi  et 
filius  in  Christo  defunctis  Monu- 
mentum  hoc  posuit  Benidictus  Fen- 
wick, Espiscopus  Bostoniensis  dedi- 
cavitque  23  Augusti,  A.  D.  1S33. 
A.  M.  D.  G. 

Norridgewock  village  is  situated 
on  the  north  side  of  the  river,  di- 
rectly in  the  bend,  five  miles  west 
of  Skowhegan  falls.  It  is  one  of 
the  most  pleasant  and  delightful 
villages,  especially  in  the  summer, 
in  the  state.  The  main  street  is 
lined  with  ornamental  trees,  some 
of  them  venerable  for  age  and  mag- 
nitude, extending  their  long  arms 
quite  across  the  street,  forming  a 
beautiful  avenue  from  cast  to  west. 
On  the  south  side  of  the  river,  con- 
nected by  a bridge,  is  a pleasant  and 
rapidly  increasing  village. 

The  public  buildings  consist  of 
a church  and  court  house,  on  the 
north  side  of  the  river,  and  on  the 
south,  a female  academy,  and  a free 
church  at  “ Oak  Hill,”  about  5 
miles  from  the  village. 

This  section  of  country  is  remark- 
able for  its  luxuriant  growth  of  the 
white  pine.  A few  years  since,  one 
of  these  trees  was  cut  for  a canoe 
Its  length  was  154  feet  and  measur 
ed  4 1-2  feet  in  diameter. 

North  Hampton,  N.  II. » 

Rockingham  co.,  formerly  con- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


stituting  the  parish  called  North 
Hill,  in  Hampton,  lies  on  the  sea 
coast  50  miles  S.  E.  by  E.  from 
Concord,  and  9 S.  by  W.  from  Ports- 
mouth. 

Little  river  rises  in  the  low 
grounds  in  the  north  part  of  the 
town,  and  after  running  southeast 
one  or  two  miles,  takes  an  east 
course,  falling  into  the  sea  between 
Little  Boar’s  head,  in  this  town  and 
Great  Boar’s  head,  in  Hampton. 
Winnicut  river  rises  near  the  cen- 
tre of  the  town,  and  passes  north- 
west into  Great  bay.  In  1742,  the 
town  was  incorporated.  Population, 
1830,  767. 

Northampton,  Mass. 

Chief  town  of  Hampshire  co.  This 
is  a very  beautiful  town,  delightful- 
ly situated  on  the  west  bank  of  Con- 
necticut river,  and  united  to  Hadley 
by  a bridge.  Since  the  first  settle- 
ments on  the  Connecticut  basin, 
this  town  has  been  an  important 
point  of  attraction.  This  was  the 
third  town  settled  on  Connecticut 
river  in  this  state.  Its  Indian  name 
was  Nonatuck.  The  soil  of  the 
town  is  alluvial  and  its  products  ex- 
uberant. Both  before  and  since  the 
division  of  the  old  county  into  three, 
this  place  has  been  the  seat  of  jus- 
tice. The  buildings  are  handsome, 
and  the  most  important  county  offi- 
ces are  fire  proof.  A fine  stream 
passes  through  the  centre  of  the 
town,  possessing  a good  waterpow- 
er, on  which  are  manufactories  and 
mills  of  various  kinds. 

The  manufactures  of  Northamp- 
ton consist  of  woolen  and  silk  goods, 
boots,  shoes,  leather,  paper,  brooms, 
chairs,  iron,  tin,  and  cabinet  wares, 
&c. ; total  value  the  year  ending 
April  1, 1837,  about  $350,000.  The 
manufacture  of  sewing  silk,  rib- 
bons, &c.,  is  on  a large  scale,  and 
the  most  flourishing  establishment 
of  the  kind  in  this  country.  In 
1837,  there  were  3750  sheep  shear- 
ed in  the  town ; the  value  of  the 
wool  was  $7,075. 


This  place  has  considerable  river 
and  inland  commerce,  which  will 
be  increased  by  the  Hampshire  and 
Hampden  canal,  which  meets  the 
Connecticut  river  here  and  termi- 
nates at  New  Haven. 

This  town  was  incorporated,  in 
1654 ; population,  1820, 2,854,  and  in 
1837,  3,576.  It  is  91  miles  W.  from 
Boston,  67  E.  from  Albany,  39  N. 
from  Hartford, 22  S.from  Greenfield, 
17N.by  W.  from  Springfield,  and 
376  from  Washington. 

There  are  many  institutions  of  a 
literary  and  religious  character  in 
this  town,  and  its  schools  are  of  the 
first  order.  The  country  around 
the  town  is  enchanting,  and  those 
who  visit  Mount  Holyoke,  830  feet 
above  the  river,  on  the  east  side,  or 
Mount  Tom,  1,200  feet  above  the 
river,  on  the  west  side,  will  find 
a wonderful  variety  of  landscape 
scenery,  probably  unsurpassed  in 
beauty  by  any  in  the  New  Eng- 
land States. 

North  Berwick,  Me. 

York  co.  This  town  was  incor- 
porated in  1831,  and  was  taken  from 
the  east  side  of  Berwick.  It  com- 
prises a fine  tract  of  land  ; it  is  well 
watered  and  very  pleasant.  Popu- 
lation, 1837,  1,493.  It  lies  91  miles 
S.  W.  from  Augusta,  and  13  N.  W. 
from  York. 

Northborough,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  is  a pleasant 
farming  town,  of  good  soil,  and  wa- 
tered by  Assabet  river.  It  was  in- 
corporated in  1766,  and  lies  32  miles 
W.  from  Boston,  and  10  N.  E.  from 
-Worcester.  Population,  1830,  994 
— 1S37,  1,224. 

The  manufactures  of  the  town 
consist  of  cotton  goods,  boots,  shoes, 
leather,  children’s  wagons,  &c.;  an- 
nual amount  about  $75,000. 

North  Branford,  Ct. 

New  Haven  co.  This  town  was 
incorporated  in  1831,  and  was  taken 
from  Branford.  A range  of  moun- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


tains  from  the  southwest  to  north- 
east passes  through  the  central  part 
of  the  town.  The  inhabitants  are 
generally  substantial  farmers,  and 
property  is  very  equally  distributed. 
The  face  of  the  township  is  gene- 
rally hilly,  but  the  soil  is  strong  and 
fertile.  It  lies  9 miles  E.  from 
New  Haven.  Population,  1832, 
1,100 

About  a mile  southeast  of  the 
North  ford  church  ,on  Tetoket  moun- 
tain, there  is  the  appearance  of  hav- 
ing been,  at  some  remote  period, 
some  violent  convulsions  in  nature  ; 
the  rocks  appear  to  have  been  rent 
asunder,  and  are  thrown  about  in 
great  disorder.  Lead  is  said  to  have 
been  found  near  this  spot,  a mass 
of  it  being  discovered  by  a person 
who  was  hunting,  at  the  time  of 
the  first  settlement  of  the  parish : 
he  hung  up  a pair  of  buck’s  horns 
to  designate  the  spot,  but  the  place 
could  not  be  found  afterwards. 

i'oi’thlbridge,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  ^The  Blackstone 
river  and  canal  pass  through  this 
pleasant  manufacturing  and  agri- 
cultural town.  It  has  some  excel- 
lent intervale  land,  and  the  soil  of 
the  uplands  produces  grass,  grain, 
and  vegetables  in  abundance.  The 
river  here  is  beautiful,  and  produces 
a great  hydraulic  power.  The 
manufactures  of  the  town  consist 
of  cotton  and  woolen  goods,  cotton 
machinery,  boots,  shoes,  &c. : val- 
ue, the  year  ending  April  1,  1S37, 
$231,000. 

Northbridge  lies  35  miles  S.  W. 
by  W.  from  Boston,  and  13  S.  E. 
from  Worcester.  Incorporated, 
1772.  Population,  1S30,  1,053; 
1337,  1,409. 

North  Bridgewater,  Mass. 

Plymouth  co.  This  town  lies  20 
miles  S.  from  Boston,  24  N.  W.  from 
Plymouth,  and  10  S.  S.  W.  from 
Weymouth  Landing.  Population, 
1830,  1,953;  1837,  2,701.  It  is 
well  watered  by  Salisbury  river 


and  other  small  streams  which  emp- 
ty into  the  Taunton.  The  surface  of 
the  town  is  uneven,  but  the  soil  is 
of  a good  quality,  particularly  for 
grazing.  Incorporated,  1821. 

The  manufactures  of  the  town 
consist  of  cotton  goods,  boots,  shoes, 
hats,  chairs,  shoe  tools,  forks,  hoes, 
cabinet  and  wooden  wares,  &c. : 
total  amount,  the  year  ending  April 
1,  1337,  $236,700. 

We  regret  that  this  very  pleas- 
ant town  was  not  called  Titicut 
or  JYunketest,  one  of  the  Indian 
names  of  the  ancient  territory. 

This  town  was  the  first  of  the 
three  Bridge  waters  that  have  sprung 
from  Old  Bridgewater,  named  after  a 
celebrated  English  Duke.  We  can 
see  no  good  cause  for  attaching  a 
cardinal  point  of  the  compass  to  the 
name  of  any  town,  particularly  one 
of  foreign  derivation,  when  some 
beautiful  Indian  name  meets  the  ear 
on  the  bank  of  almost  every  stream. 
Had  the  noble  Duke  bequeathed  to 
good  old  mother  Bridgewater  and 
her  three  handsome  daughters,  (as 
he  did  to  the  city  of  Manchester, )the 
perpetual  privilege  of  obtaining  140 
pounds  of  coal  for  four  pence,  there 
would  appear  some  reason  for  per- 
petuating and  extending  the  name. 

Some  just  remarks  on  the  names 
of  towns  appeared  in  the  Provi- 
dence Journal,  which  are  worthy 
of  repetition. 

“Ijvdian  Names.  The  new 
state  of  Michigan  has  passed  one 
of  the  most  sensible  laws  that  was 
ever  enacted.  Its  object  is  to  pre- 
serve the  noble  and  harmonious  old 
Indian  names,  which  have  been  giv- 
en to  every  river  and  lake  and  for- 
est and  mountain  in  our  country, 
and  which,  by  a bad  taste,  have  in 
many  instances,  been  displaced  by 
the  hackneyed  names  of  European 
cities,  or  of  distinguished  men.  The 
law  provides  that  no  town  shall  be 
named  after  any  other  place  or  af- 
ter any  man,  without  first  ob- 
taining the  consent  of  the  Legisla- 
ture. The  consequence  is,  that 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Michigan  is  destitute  of  London, 
Paris  and  Amsterdam  ; unlike  her 
sister  states,  she  boasts  neither 
Thebes,  Palmyra,Carthage  or  Troy. 
No  collection  of  log  huts,  with  half 
a dozen  grocery  stores,  has  been 
honored  with  the  appellation  of  Liv- 
erpool, nor  has  any  embryo  city, 
with  a college  or  an  academy,  re- 
ceived the  appropriate  name  of 
Athens.  She  has  no  Moscow  and 
Morocco,  in  the  same  latitude ; and 
noEdinburgh  and  Alexandria  within 
thirty  miles  of  each  other.  Baby- 
lon, Sparta  and  Corinth, though  they 
have  been  transplanted  to  other 
parts  of  the  Union,  are  destined  ne- 
ver to  flourish  on  the  soil  of  Mich- 
igan. No  Franklin  or  Greene  or 
Jefferson,  no  Washington,  is  to  be 
found  in  her  borders.  On  the  con- 
trary, her  rivers  and  lakes  still  re- 
tain the  full,  rich,  swelling  names 
which  were  bestowed  upon  them  by 
the  red  men  of  the  forests,  and  her 
towns  bear  the  names  of  the  sturdy 
chiefs  who  once  battled  or  hunted 
in  their  streets.  Strange,  when  we 
have  such  a noble  nomenclature  as 
the  Indians  have  left  us,  that  we 
should  copy  from  the  worn  out 
names  of  ancient  cities,  and  which 
awake  no  feelings  but  ridicule,  by 
the  contrast  between  the  old  and  the 
new.  Mohawk,  Seneca,  Massasoit, 
Ontario,  Erie,  how  infinitely  supe- 
rior to  Paris,  London,  Fishville, 
Buttertown,  Bungtown,  &c.  The 
feeling  which  prompts  us  to  perpet- 
uate the  names  of  our  revolutionary 
heroes  by  naming  towns  after  them, 
is  highly  honorable ; but  it  should 
not  be  forgotten  that  frequent  rep- 
etition (especially  in  cases  where 
the  town  is  utterly  unworthy  of  its 
namesake)  renders  the  name  vulgar 
and  ridiculous.  It  seems,  that  not 
content  with  driving  the  Indians 
from  the  soil,  we  are  anxious  to  ob- 
literate every  trace  of  their  exist- 
ence. 

We  are  glad  to  see  a better  taste 
beginning  to  prevail  upon  this  sub- 
ject, and  we  hope  that  the  example 


of  Michigan  will  be  followed,  if  not 
by  legal  enactments,  at  least  by  the 
force  of  public  opinion.” 

North.  Brookfield,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  town  is  on 
elevated  ground : it  is  of  good  soil, 
well  cultivated,  well  watered  and 
very  pleasant.  It  has  a fine  fish 
pond,  and  lies  68  miles  W.  from 
Boston,  and  18  W.  from  Worcester  : 
taken  from  Brookfield  in  1802. 
Population, 1830, 1,241 ; 1837, 1,509. 
The  agricultural  products  sent  to 
market  are  very  considerable.  The 
manufactures  of  the  town  consist 
of  boots  and  shoes,  woolen  cloth, 
leather,  &.C.,  the  value  of  which  for 
the  year  ending  April  1,1837,  was 
$525,224  ; of  which  $470,316  was 
for  boots  and  shoes. 

Nortlifield,  Vt. 

Washington  co.  This  town  lies 
10  miles  S.  S.  W.  from  Montpelier, 
and  35  E from  Burlington.  Popu- 
lation in  1830,  1,412.  First  settled, 
1785.  The  principal  stream  in  this 
town  is  Dog  river,  which  runs 
through  it  in  a northerly  direction, 
and  affords  a great  number  of  valu- 
able mill  privileges.  The  surface 
is  uneven,  but  the  soil  is  generally 
good  and  easily  cultivated.  In  the 
centre  of  the  town  is  a neat,  pleas- 
ant and  flourishing  village,  contain- 
ing a number  of  saw  mills  and  other 
mechanical  operations  by  water. 

Northfield,  Me. 

Incorporated  1838.  See  “ Down 
East.” 

Northfield,  N.  II., 

Merrimack  co.,  is  bounded  N.  by 
Winnepisiogee  river,  and  W.  by 
the  Merrimack.  It  is  14  miles  N. 
from  Concord,  and  10  W.  by  S.  of 
Gilmanton.  The  soil  here  is  in 
some  parts  good — that  of  the  best 
quality  lies  on  the  two  ridges  ex- 
tending through  the  town.  Ches- 
nut  pond  lies  in  the  east  part  of  the 
town,  and  its  waters  flow  into  the 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Winnepisiogee  three  miles  fiom  its 
junction  with  the  Pemigewasset. — 
Sondogardy  pond  flows  into  the 
Merrimack.  Near  Webster’s  falls, 
the  Winnepisiogee  falls  into  the 
Pemigewasset,  and  the  united 
streams  form  the  Merrimack  river. 
The  principal  elevation,  called  Bean 
hill,  separates  the  town  from  Can- 
terbury. Northfield  formerly  pos- 
sessed valuable  water  privileges  on 
the  Winnepisiogee  river,  but  this 
portion  of  its  territory  is  embraced 
by  the  new  town  of  Franklin. — 
The  first  settlement  was  made  here 
in  1760,by  Benjamin  Blanchard  and 
others.  A methodist  church  was 
formed  here  in  1806.  Incorporated 
June  ID,  1780.  Population,  1830, 
1,169. 

Northfield,  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  This  is  an  interest- 
ing town,  on  both  sides  of  Connec- 
ticut river.  It  was  incorporated  in 
1673,  and  some  years  after  desolated 
by  the  Indians.  The  inhabitants 
returned  again  in  1685,  but  it  was 
soon  after  destroyed  a second  time. 
In  1713,  it  was  again  rebuilt.  Fort 
Dummer  was  in  the  vicinity.  This 
town  was  purchased  of  the  Indians 
in  1687,  for  200/athoms  of  wampum 
and  £57  value  of  goods.  Its  Indian 
name  was  Squawkeag.  Most  of  the 
land  in  this  town  is  excellent,  and 
the  village  very  pleasant : 28  miles 
below  Walpole,  N.  H.,  11  N.  E. 
from  Greenfield,  and  83  N.  W.  by 
W.  from  Boston.  Northfield  produ- 
ces 'fine  cattle,  and  considerable 
wool.  The  manufactures  of  the 
town  consist  of  leather,  boots,  shoes, 
ploughs,  chairs  and  cabinet  ware. 
Population,  1837,  1,605. 

North  Haven,  Ct. 

New  Haven  co.  North  Haven 
was  taken  from  New  Haven  in  1786. 
The  town  lies  on  both  sides  of  the 
Wallingford, or  Quinnipiac  river,  and 
comprises  the  valley  and  a part  of 
the  bordering  hills.  The  valley  is 
partly  rich  intervale  land,  and  more  I 


extensively  sand  ; covered  with  a 
thin  stratum  of  loam ; light  but 
warm.  Near  the  northern  line  of 
the  town  it  is  so  light  as,  in  two  or 
three  places  of  small  extent,  to  be 
blown  into  drifts.  The  soil  of  the 
hills  is  good,  being  a reddish  loam. 

From  the  vicinity  of  this  town  to 
New  Haven,  and  from  its  light  and 
warm  soil,  which  is  favorable  for 
early  vegetation,  there  are  various 
culinary  vegetables,  particularly 
peas,  cultivated  for  the  New  Ha- 
ven market.  But  the  most  striking 
feature  in  the  township,  is  the  large 
and  beautiful  tract  of  salt  meadows 
on  both  sides  of  the  Quinnipiac. — 
These  meadows  produce  large 
quantities  of  grass,  which  is  mow- 
ed and  stacked  upon  the  land,  from 
whence,  when  the  ground  is  frozen 
sufficiently  solid  in  the  winter,  it  is 
removed.  Upon  the  salt  marsh  the 
hay  is  salt;  but  on  those  meadows 
which  are  protected  from  the  salt 
water  by  means  of  dikes,  the  grass 
is  fresh  and  of  a better  quality. — 
These  are  called  dike  marshes  or 
meadows.  The  making  of  brick 
receives  considerable  attention  in 
this  town.  Four  and  a half  millions 
of  them  are  manufactured  annually, 
and  principally  sold  in  New  Haven. 

The  village  is  very  pleasant,  and 
tvas,  for  more  than  half  a century, 
the  residence  of  Dr.  Trumbull, 
the  celebrated  historian  of  Connec- 
ticut. 

Ezra  Stiles,  D.  D.,  president 
of  Yale  college,  wTas  born  in  this 
town,  in  1727,  and  died  in  1795.  He 
delighted  in  preaching  the  gospel  to 
the  poor.  Among  the  members  of 
his  church  at  Newport  were  seven 
negroes.  These  occasionally  met 
in  his  study,  when  he  instructed 
them,  and  falling  on  their  knees  to- 
gether he  implored  for  them  and  for 
himself  the  blessing  of  that  God 
with  whom  all  distinction  except- 
ing that  of  Christian  excellence  is 
as  nothing.  In  the  cause  of  civil 
and  religious  liberty,  Dr.  Stiles  was 
I an  enthusiast.  He  contended,  that 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


the  right  of  conscience  and  private 
judgment  was  unalienable  ; and 
that  no  exigencies  of  the  Christian 
church  could  render  it  lawful  to 
erect  any  body  of  men  into  a stand- 
ing judicatory  over  the  churches. 
He  engaged  with  zeal  in  the  cause 
of  his  country.  He  thought,  that 
the  thirtieth  of  January,  which  was 
observed  by  the  Episcopalians  in 
commemoration  of  the  martyrdom 
of  Charles  I,  “ ought  to  be  celebrat- 
ed as  an  anniversary  thanksgiving, 
that  one  nation  on  earth  had  so  much 
fortitude  and  public  justice,  as  to 
make  a royal  tyrant  bow  to  the  sove- 
reignty of  the  people.”  He  was 
catholic  in  his  sentiments,  for  his 
heart  was  open  to  receive  all  who 
loved  the  Lord  Jesus  in  sincerity. 
He  was  conspicuous  for  his  benev- 
olence, as  well  as  for  his  learning 
and  piety.  He  was  a man  of  low 
stature,  and  of  a small,  though  wrell 
proportioned  form.  His  voice  was 
clear  and  energetic.  Hist  counte- 
nance, especially  in  conversation, 
was  expressive  of  benignity  and 
mildness;  but  if  occasion  required, 
it  became  the  index  of  majesty  and 
authority. 

North  Hero,  Vt. 

Chief  town,  Grand  Isle  co.  This 
town  was  granted  to  Ethan  Allen 
and  others  in  1779,  and  the  settle- 
ment commenced  in  1783.  The 
British  erected  a block  house  here, 
at  a place  called  Dutchman’s  Point, 
which  was  garrisoned  and  not  given 
up  till  1793.  The  soil  of  the  town- 
ship is  of  an  excellent  quality,  and 
produces  grain  of  all  kinds  in  abun- 
dance. The  county  buildings  are 
well  situated,  and  the  scenery  about 
the  village  is  very  pleasant.  It 
lies  57  miles  N.  YV.  from  Montpe- 
lier, and  23  N.  N.  W.  from  Burling- 
ton. Population,  1830,  638. 

North  Kingston,  R.  I- 

W ashington  co.  This  is  a w ^althy 
township  on  the  west  side  of  Narra- 
ganset  bay,  21  miles  S.  from  Prov- 


idence, 10  N.  W.  from  Newport, 
and  8 N.  from  South  Kingston. — 
The  surface  of  the  town  is  uneven ; 
the  soil  is  a gravelly  loam,  well 
adapted  for  the  culture  of  grain  and 
vegetables,  and  the  productions  of 
the  dairy.  There  are  some  forests 
in  the  town  of  good  ship  timber. — 
It  is  watered  by  several  small 
streams'which  produce  a good  water 
power,  on  which  are  numerous  man- 
ufacturing establishments.  These 
streams  afford  bass  and  other  fish  in 
abundance.  There  is  considerable 
navigation  owned  at  North  Kings- 
ton, which  is  employed  in  the  coast- 
ing trade  and  fishery. 

Wickford  village , in  this  town, 
is  very  pleasant  and  flourishing  : it 
has  a good  harbor,  and  is  a place  of 
considerable  trade.  It  lies  about  2 
miles  east  of  the  Stonington  rail- 
road. Pop.  of  the  town,  1330,3,037. 

Northport,  Me. 

Waldo  co.  This  town  is  bounded 
on  the  east  by  Penobscot  and  Bel- 
fast bays.  It  is  well  watered  by 
several  ponds  and  small  streams:  the 
soil  is  good  and  productive.  The 
navigable  advantages  of  the  place 
are  great.  Considerable  ship  build- 
ing is  carried  on  here,  and  there  is 
considerable  trade  in  the  lumber 
and  coasting  business.  It  lies  46 
miles  E.  from  Augusta  and  6 S.  from 
Belfast.  Population,  1837,  1,107. 

North  Providence,  R.  I. 

Providence  co.  This  ancient  and 
wealthy  town  was  a part  of  Provi- 
dence until  1767.  Population,  in 
1&10,  1,758;  1820,  2,420;  1830, 
3,503. 

The  surface  of  this  town  is  une- 
ven, consisting  of  moderate  eleva- 
tions and  gentle  declivities.  The 
rocks  are  primitive  and  transition  : 
some  limestone  is  found. 

The  prevailing  soil  is  a gravelly 
loam,  which  is  interspersed  with 
tracts  of  sandy  loam,  and  some  of 
calcareous.  The  forests  consist  of 
oak,  walnut  and  some  pine ; and 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


the  agricultural  productions,  of 
grass,  hay,  corn,  some  rye,  pota- 
toes, vegetables  and  fruits,  many  of 
which  are  sent  to  Providence. 

The  waters  of  the  town  consist 
of  the  Seekonk  river,  which  wash- 
es its  eastern  border;  the  Wanas- 
quatucket,  which  forms  its  western 
boundary;  and  the  Mashasuck, 
which  intersects  the  interior  of  the 
township.  These  streams  afford 
numerous  sites  for  hydraulic  works, 
some  of  which  are  almost  unrival- 
led. There  are  some  valuable 
shad  and  herring  fisheries  in  the 
Seekonk. 

This  town  is  distinguished  for  its 
manufactures,  particularly  those  of 
cotton,  which  form  an  important 
interest.  The  extent  of  this  busi- 
ness, having  concentrated  a large 
capital,  and  an  immense  aggregate 
of  industry,  has,  within  the  last  fif- 
ty years,  given  rise  to  a large  and 
flourishing  village.  The  village  of 
Pawtucket  is  situated  in  the  north- 
east section  of  the  town,  four  miles 
northeast  from  Providence,  on  the 
border  of  the  Seekonk  river ; its  site 
being  principally  the  declivity  of  a 
hill,  and  it  is  highly  romantic  and 
picturesque.  The  river  here  affords 
numerous  natural  sites  for  manu- 
facturing establishments,  mills  and 
hydraulic  works  of  almost  every 
description,  which  are  scarcely  ri- 
valled, and  which  are  occupied  to  a 
great  extent.  The  rapid  march  of 
manufacturing  and  mechanical  in- 
dustry, which  the  short  annals  of 
this  place  disclose,  has  few  exam- 
ples in  our  country,  and  has  pro- 
duced one  of  the  most  considerable 
and  flourishing  manufacturing  vil- 
lages in  the  United  States.  The 
river  here  forms  the  boundary  line 
between  Massachusetts  and  Rhode 
Island,  and  the  village  is  built  upon 
both  sides  of  it;  being  partly  in 
each  state.  That  part  of  the  village 
which  is  in  this  state  is  principally 
built  on  four  streets  ; and  compris- 
es a large  number  of  handsome 
buildings. 


Besides  the  cotton  business,  there 
are  in  the  town  furnaces  for  cast- 
ing, slitting  mills,  anchor  shops, 
cut  nail  factories,  screw  manufac- 
tories, &c.  &.c.  See  Pawtucket , 
Mass. 

North  Stonington,  Ct. 

New  London  co.  This  town  was 
taken  from  Stonington  in  1808.  It 
is  watered  by  tbe  Pawcatuck  and 
its  branches,  which  afford  good  mill 
sites.  The  surface  is'uneven,  hilly 
and  abounding  in  granitic  rocks. 
The  soil  is  a gravelly  loam,  and 
generally  productive  of  good  pas- 
turage. Agriculture  is  the  princi- 
pal employment  of  the  inhabit- 
ants. 

Milltown  is  a pretty  village  with 
some  trade  : it  lies  50  miles  S.  E. 
from  Hartford,  13  N.  E.  from  New 
London,  and  7 N.  by  E.  from  Ston- 
ington Borough.  Population  of  the 
town  in  1830,  2,840. 

Northumberland,  N.  II., 

In  Coos  county,  on  Connecticut 
river, is  130miles  N.  from  Concord, 
and  7 N.  E.  from  Lancaster.  The 
soil  along  the  Connecticut  is  very 
productive, perfectly  free  from  stone 
and  gravel,  and  originally  covered 
with  a growth  of  butternut.  A 
portion  of  the  upland  is  also  good, 
and  covered  with  pine,  spruce,  Sr, 
ash,  maple,  &c.  Cape  Horn,  an 
abrupt  mountain  of  1,000  feet  in 
height,  lies  near  the  centre  of  the 
town.  Its  north  base  is  separated 
from  the  Connecticut  by  a narrow 
plain,  and  the  upper  Amonoosuck 
passes  near  its  east  base,  as  it  falls 
into  the  Connecticut.  Here  the 
meadows  are  extensive,  and  are  an- 
nually covered  by  the  spring  floods, 
presenting  the  appearance  of  aD 
inland  sea.  At  the  falls  in  the  Con- 
necticut, below  the  mouth  of  the 
Amonoosuck,  a handsome  bridge 
connects  Northumberland  with 
Guildhall,  in  Vermont.  A dam  is 
also  thrown  across  the  river  at  this 
place,  at  both  ends  of  which  are 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


pleasant  villages  and  mills  of  vari- 
ous kinds  are  erected.  Northum- 
berland was  incorporated  in  1779. 
First  settled,  1767.  Population, 
1830,  352. 

Near  the  river  a small  fort  was 
erected  during  the  revolutionary 
war,  and  placed  in  the  command  of 
Capt.  Jeremiah  Eames,  afterwards 
well  known  for  his  usefulness,  wit 
and  pleasantry. 

North  wood,  N.  II. 

Rockingham  co.  There  are  a num- 
ber of  ponds  in  this  town,  and  ex- 
cellent fishing.  Suncook  pond, 
750  rods  long,  100  wride  ; Jenness’ 
pond,  300  rods  long,  150  wide  ; Long 
pond,  about  300  rods  long,  50  wide  ; 
Harvey’s  pond,  200  rods  long,  from 
40  to  80  wide  ; a part  of  Great  Bow 
pond  is  also  in  this  town,  and  a part 
of  North  river  pond  ; Pleasant  pond, 
and  Little  Bow  pond.  The  north 
branch  of  Lamprey  river  has  its 
rise  in  this  town  near  Saddleback 
mountain,  a high  ridge  between 
this  town  and  Deerfield.  On  the  E. 
side  of  this  ridge  are  found  crystals 
and  crystalline  spars  of  various  col- 
ors and  sizes.  This  town  has  an 
elevated  site, and  commands  a distant 
and  varied  prospect.  The  waters 
flowing  from  the  farm  of  the  late 
Jonathan  Clarke,  Esq.,  one  of  the 
first  settlers,  fall  into  three  different 
rivers,  the  Suncook,  Lamprey  and 
Isinglass.  The  soil  of  this  town  is 
generally  moist,  and  well  suited  to 
grazing.  North  wood  was  original- 
ly a part  of  Nottingham,  and  was 
settled  in  1763.  Northwood  is  20 
miles  E.  from  Concord,  20  N.  W. 
from  Exeter,  and  about  the  same 
distance  W.  from  Dover.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  1,342. 

Nortli  Yarmouth,  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  Thisis  a pleasant 
town  on  Casco  bay,  10  miles  N.  from 
Portland,  and  42  S.  E.  from  Augus- 
ta. Population,  1837,  2,782.  The 
town  was  first  settled  in  1640.  In 
1687  it  was  attacked  by  the  Indians, 
26 


and  deserted  by  the  whites;  and 
was  not  re-settled  by  them  until 
1725.  It  was  incorporated  in  1713. 
About  4000  tons  of  navigation  is 
owned  here,  employed  in  the  trans- 
portation of  lumber  and  the  fishery. 
There  is  a fine  stream  of  water  in 
the  town,  on  which  are  a paper  and 
saw  mills,  and  other  manufactories. 
The  academy  in  North  Yarmouth 
is  well  founded  and  is  in  a flourish- 
ing condition.  See  Register. 

Norton,  Mass. 

Bristol  co.  Norton  was  taken 
from  Taunton  in  1771.  It  lies  30 
miles  S.  from  Boston,  17  N.  E.  from 
Providence,  and  S N.  W.  from 
Taunton.  Population,  1837,  1,530. 
It  is  well  watered  by  Rumford,  Co- 
casset  and  Canoe  rivers,  which 
empty  into  the  Taunton.  The  manu- 
factures of  the  town  consist  of  sheet 
copper  and  copper  bolts,  cotton 
goods,  boots,  shoes,  leather,  iron 
castings,  ploughs,  shuttles,  straw 
bonnets  and  baskets  : — total  value, 
the  year  ending  April  1,  1837, 
$397,763. 

Winnicunnit  pond,  in  this  town, 
was  a great  resort  for  the  Indians, 
some  of  whom  resided  in  natural 
caves,  on  its  shores,  and  lived  on  fish 
and  clams. 

Norwalk,  Ct. 

Fairfield  co.  This  pleasant  town 
lies  on  Long  Island  Sound,  32  miles 
W.  S.  W.  from  New  Haven,  22  S. 
from  Danbury,  and  48  N.  E.  from 
New  York.  Population,  1830, 
3,792. 

— Norwalk  originally  included  part 
of  the  present  towns  of  New  Cana- 
an and  Wilton,  and  part  of  West- 
port.  In  the  ancient  record,  the 
bounds  are  stated  to  be  “ from  Nor- 
walk river  to  Sauhatuck  river,  from 
sea,  Indian  one  day  walk  into  the 
country.”  For  this  tract  the  fol- 
lowing articles  were  given,  viz  ; “ 8 
fathom  wampum,  6 coats,  10  hatch- 
ets, 10  hoes,  10  knives,  10  scissors, 
lOjewsharps,  10  fathom  tobacco,  3 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


kettles,  3 hauds-about,  and  10  look- 
ing glasses.”  The  following  arti- 
cles were  given  to  the  Indians  for 
the  tract  ££  from  Norwalk  river  to 
Five  mile  river,  from  sea,  Indian 
one  day  in  country,”  viz.  “ 10 
fathom  wampum,  3 hatchets,  3 hoes 
when  ships  come,  6 glasses,  12  to- 
bacco pipes,  3 knives,  1ft  drillers, 
10  needles.”  The  name  of  Nor- 
walk is  derived  from  the  above  bar- 
gain, viz  ; the  northern  bounds  of 
the  lands  purchased  were  to  extend 
from  the  sea  one  day’s  “ north  walk ” 
into  the  country. 

The  soil  in  this  town  is  excel- 
lent. The  surface  is  uneven,  be- 
ing pleasantly  diversified  with  hills 
and  valleys.  On  the  border  of  the 
Sound  the  hills  are  generally  mod- 
erate, and  in  the  interior  more  ele- 
vated. 

“ The  valley  which  lies  along 
Norwalk  river,  and  in  which  the 
town  is  built,  is  beautiful.  Few 
richer  prospects  cif  the  same  extent 
can  be  found  than  that  which  is 
presented  from  the  neighboring  em- 
inences of  this  ground  : the  town 
built  in  its  bosom,  with  its  cheerful 
spires  ; the  river  flowing  through 
the  middle  ; the  farms  on  the  bor- 
dering hills;  the  rich  plain  that 
skirts  the  Sound,  and  a train  of  is- 
lands fronting  the  mouth  of  the  riv- 
er, and  extending  eastward  five  or 
six  miles  ; together  with  an  unlim- 
ited view  of  the  Sound,  and  the 
Long  Island  shore.” 

Norwalk  contains  two  considera- 
ble and  flourishing  villages,  Nor- 
walk Borough,  and  the  village  of 
Old  Well.  Norwalk  Borough,  (con- 
stituted as  such  in  1836,)  is  a vil- 
lage of  upwards  of  130  handsome 
buildings,  and  an  extensive  pottery. 
Norwalk  is  a place  of  considerable 
activity  and  business,  being  a com- 
mercial depot  and  market  for  the 
northern  p*rt  of  the  county  ; a con- 
siderable proportion  of  the  staple 
products  being  brought  here  for 
sale,  or  to  be  freighted  for  New 
York. 


The  village  is  built  on  both  sides 
of  a small  river  or  creek,  which  is 
much  contracted  in  width  at  the 
bridge  which  connects  the  two  parts 
of  the  village,  and  the  buildings  on 
each  side  of  the  stream  are  so  near 
each  other,  that  the  passage  of  the 
river  from  the  north  is  not  readily 
perceived  at  a short  distance.  ~V es- 
sels  drawing  six  feet  of  water  can 
get  up  to  the  bridge  in  the  most 
compact  part  of  the  village. 

The  flourishing  village  of  Old 
Well  is  situated  about  11-2  miles 
south  of  the  central  part  of  Nor- 
walk Borough,  on  the  west  side  of 
the  creek. 

There  are  at  present  in  this  vil- 
lage six  or  seven  hat  factories,  three 
potteries,  and  a carriage  making 
establishment.  This  is  the  princi- 
pal landing  place  for  steam-boats  for 
Norwalk  and  the  vicinity,  there  be- 
ing a daily  line  from  and  to  New 
York.  A boat  every  other  day 
leaves  Norwalk  bridge  for  New 
York. 

There  is  a cotton  factory  and  a 
factory  for  manufacturing  carpets 
in  the  town.  This  establishment, 
called  the  ££  Patent  Carpet  Compa- 
ny,” was  commenced  in  1834. — 
Their  carpeting,  of  which  they 
manufacture  at  this  time  about  200 
yards  daily,  is  made  without  spin- 
ning or  weaving,  being  made  of 
felting,  the  material  of  which  hats 
are  composed. 

This  town  was  burnt  by  the  Brit- 
ish, under  Tryon,  on  the  17th  July, 
1779.  Eighty  dwelling  houses,  2 
churches,  87  barns,  17  shops,  4 
mills,  and  5 vessels  were  destroyed. 

Norway,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  This  is  a fine  town- 
ship, well  watered  by  several 
streams  and  ponds.  One  of  the 
ponds  is  large, — very  handsome, 
and  discharges  its  waters  into  Little 
Androscoggin  river.  Norway  lies 
47  miles  W.  by  S.  from  Augusta, 
and  is  bounded  on  the  E.  by  Paris. 
Incorporated,  1797.  Population, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


1S37,  1,791.  Wheat  crop,  same 
year,  7,272  bushels. 

Norwich,  Vt. 

Windsor  co.  This  town  lies  on 
the  west  side  of  Connecticut  river, 
and  is  connected  with  Hanove^  N. 
H.  by  a bridge.  The  surface  of 
the  town  is  uneven,  but  the  soil  is 
good  for  grain,  pasturage  and  fruit. 
Ompomponoosuck  river  and  other 
streams  water  the  town  and  afford 
it  good  mill  seats.  First  settled, 
1763.  Population,  1830,  2,316. — 
It  lies  40  miles  S.  S.  E.  from  Mont- 
pelier and  19  N.  from  Windsor. 

Norwich  village  is  pleasantly 
situated  on  a plain,  near  Connecti- 
cut river,  and  contains  a university 
and  a number  of  handsome  build- 
ings. See  Register. 

Norwich,  Mass. 

Hampshire  co.  This  mountain- 
ous town  is  watered  by  Westfield 
river.  The  soil  in  many  parts  is 
good  for  grazing,  and  many  sheep 
are  kept  here.  There  is  a cotton 
mill  in  the  town,  and  manufactures 
of  leather,  boots,  shoes,  axes,  and 
spirits.  It  lies  108  miles  W.  from 
Boston,  and  12  W.  by  S from 
Northampton.  Incorporated,  1773. 
Population,  1837,  714. 

Norwich,  Ct. 

One  of  the  chief  towns  of  New 
London  county.  Norwich  city  is 
situated  at  the  head  of  navigation 
of  Thames  river,  at  the  point  of 
land  formed  by  the  junction  of  the 
Shetucket  and  Yantic  rivers,  whose 
united  waters  constitute  the  Thames. 
The  main  part  of  the  city  is  built 
on  the  southern  declivity  of  a high 
and  rocky  hill : the  houses  are  built 
in  tiers,  rising  one  above  another. 
The  city,  as  it  is  approached  from 
the  south,  presents  one  of  the  most 
beautiful,  interesting  and  romantic 
prospects  in  the  state.  The  build- 
ings, which  are  mostly  painted 
white,  appear  in  full  view  for  a con- 
siderable distance  down  the  river ; 


these  contrasted  with  the  deep  green 
foliage  covering  the  rocky  and  ele- 
vated banks  of  the  river,  give  a 
picturesque  variety  to  the  scene, 
forming  on  the  water  a delightful 
avenue  to  the  city.  There  are  in 
this  city,  (or  as  it  was  formerly  call- 
ed, Chelsea  or  Norwich  Landing,) 
a court  house  and  town  hall.  A 
high  school  for  boys,  and  a female 
academy,  in  which  the  higher 
branches  of  education  are  taught, 
have  been  in  operation  for  a consid- 
erable time,  and  are  in  flourishing 
circumstances.  About  a mile  east- 
ward of  the  landing  is  situated  the 
flourishing  village  of  Greenville,  at 
the  eastern  extremity  of  which  a 
dam  has  been  constructed  across  the 
Shetucket, which  will,  it  is  calculat- 
ed furnish  sufficient  water  power  to 
carry  60,000  spindles  : four  or  five 
large  factories,  and  perhaps  40  or 
50  dwelling  houses,  are,  or  are 
about  to  be  built.  Among  the  fac- 
tories there  is  perhaps  the  most  ex- 
tensive paper  mill  in  the  state,  own- 
ed, by  the  Chelsea  Manufacturing 
Company.  There  are  also  two  oth- 
er paper  mills  near  the  falls,  which 
do  an  extensive  business.  The  first 
paper  manufactured  in  Connecticut 
was  made  in  this  town  by  Col. 
Christopher  Leflingwell.  There 
are  at,  and  near  the  falls,  9 or  10 
establishments  for  manufacturing 
purposes.  Besides  these,  and  those 
at  Greenville,  there  are  some  more 
in  other  parts  of  the  town.  The 
principal  manufactures  are  those  of 
cotton,  paper  and  ~woole,ns.  Nor- 
wich city  is  13  miles  N.  from  New 
London,  38  S.  E.  from  Hartford,  38 
S.  W.  from  Providence,  and  50  N. 
E.  from  New  Haven.  Population 
of  Norwich,  in  1830,  was  5,179  ; of 
which  3,144  were  in  the  city  limits. 

Above  the  cove,  which  sets  up 
about  a mile  from  the  river,  “ the 
bed  of  the  river  consists  of  a solid 
rock,  having  a perpendicular  height 
of  ten  or  twelve  feet,  over  which 
the  whole  body  of  water  falls  in  an 
entire  sheet  upon  a bed  of  rocks 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


below.  The  river  here  is  compress- 
ed into  a very  narrow  channel,  the 
banks  consisting  of  solid  rocks,  and 
being  bold  and  elevated.  For  a 
distance  of  15  or  20  rods,  the  chan- 
nel or  bed  of  the  river  has  a gradual 
descent,  is  crooked  and  covered 
with  pointed  rocks.  The  rock, 
forming  the  bed  of  the  river  at  the 
bottom  of  the  perpendicular  falls, 
is  curiously  excavated,  some  of  the 
cavities  being  five  or  six  feet  deep, 
from  the  constant  pouring  of  the 
sheet  of  water  for  a succession  of 
ages.”  At  the  bottom  of  the  falls 
there  is  the  broad  basin  of  the  cove, 
where  the  enraged  and  agitated 
element  resumes  its  usual  smooth- 
ness and  placidity,  and  the  whole 
scenery  about  these  falls  is  uncom- 
monly beautiful  and  picturesque. 

During  the  wars  between  Uncas 
and  the  Narragansets,  Uncas  was 
closely  besieged  in  his  fort  near  the 
Thames,  until  his  provisions  be- 
came nearly  exhausted,  and  he  with 
his  men  were  on  the  point  of  per- 
ishing by  famine  or  sword.  Fortu- 
nately he  found  means  of  giving  in- 
telligence to  the  scouts  who  had 
been  sent  out  from  Saybrook  fort. — 
By  his  messengers,  he  represented 
the  great  danger  the  English  would 
be  in,  were  the  Narragansets  suf- 
fered to  overpower  the  Mohegans. 

“ Upon  this  intelligence,  one 
Thomas  Leffingwell,  an  ensign  at 
Saybrook,  an  enterprising,  bold 
man,  loaded  a canoe  with  beef,  corn 
and  peas,  and  under  the  cover  of 
night  paddled  from  Saybrook  into 
the  Thames,  and  had  the  address  to 
get  the  whole  into  the  fort.  The 
enemy  soon  perceiving  that  Uncas 
was  relieved,  raised  the  siege. — • 
For  this  service,  Uncas  gave  Lef- 
fingwell a deed  of  a great  part,  if 
not  the  whole  town  of  Norwich. — 
In  June,  1659,  Uncas  with  his  two 
sons,  Owaneko  and  Attawanhood, 
by  a more  formal  and  authentic  deed, 
made  over  to  said  Leffingwell,  John 
Mason,  Esq.,  the  Rev.  James  Fitch 
and  others,  consisting  of  thirty-five 


proprietors,  the  whole  of  Norwich, 
which  is  about  nine  miles  square. 
The  company  at.  this  time  gave  Un- 
cas and  his  sons  about  £70,  as  a 
further  compensation  for  so  large 
and  fine  a tract.” 

Nottingliam,  N.  II., 

Rockingham  co.,  is  25  miles  E. 
S.  E.  from  Concord,  and  20  W.  from 
Portsmouth.  Population,  in  1830, 
1,157.  There  are  several  ponds  in 
this  town,  mostly  of  small  size.  Lit- 
tle river  and  several  other  streams 
rise  here  ; and  North  river  passes 
through  the  town.  The  soil  is  in 
many  parts  good,  though  the  sur- 
face is  rough  and  broken.  Sever- 
al mountains  extend  along  the  W. 
part  of  the  town,  forming  parts  of 
the  range  called  Blue  Hills. 

Nottingham  Square  is  a pleas- 
ant village  on  an  elevated  site.  Bog 
iron  ore  is  found  here  in  great  quan- 
tities ; and  it  is  said  inexhaustible 
masses  of  mountain  ore  exist  in  the 
mountains.  Crystals  and  crystal- 
line spars  are  found  here  ; and  also 
ochres  in  small  quantities.  Not- 
tingham was  incorporated  in  1722, 
and  settled  in  1727. 

Gen.  Joseph  Cilley  entered 
the  army  of  the  revolution  at  its 
commencement  and  commanded  the 
1st  N.  H.  regiment.  He  was  dis- 
tinguished for  bravery  and  patriot- 
ism during  the  whole  contest. 

Hon.  Thomas  Bartlett  was 
an  active  revolutionary  patriot ; one 
of  the  committee  of  safety  ; Lt.  Col. 
under  Stark  at  the  capture  of  Bur- 
goyne,  and  commanded  a regiment 
at  West  Point  in  1780,  when  the 
treachery  of  Arnold  betrayed  that 
post. 

Gen.  Henry  Butler  was  an 
officer  in  the  army  of  the  revolu- 
tion, and  Major  General  of  militia. 
Descendants  of  these  revolutionary 
worthies  now  live  in  the  town. 

Nulhegan.  River,  Vt. 

This  river  rises  by  several  branch- 
es in  the  highlands,  at  the  north 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


part  of  Essex  county.  These 
branches  unite  and  fall  into  the 
Connecticut  at  Brunswick.  This 
river  is  in  some  parts  rapid  ; in  oth- 
ers, deep  and  sluggish.  It  waters 
about  120  square  miles,  and  is  fifty 
feet  wide  at  its  mouth.  The  head 
waters  of  this  and  of  the  river  Clyde, 
pass  N.  into  Memphremagog  lake, 
and  are  near  each  other.  This 
was  formerly  an  Indian  route  be- 
tween Connecticut  river  and  Cana- 
da. 

Oakham,  Maas. 

Worcester  co.  The  surface  of 
this  town  is  uneven  ; some  of  the 
lands  which  border  on  the  streams 
that  fall  into  Chickopee  river  are 
fertile.  The  highlands  are  not  very 
good.  There  is  a satinet  factory  in 
the  town,  and  manufactures  of 
straw  bonnets,  palm-leaf  hats,  leath- 
er, ploughs,  boots  and  shoes. 

Oakham  lies  60  miles  W.  from 
Boston,  and  15  N.  W.  from  Worces- 
ter. It  was  taken  from  Rutland  in 
1762.  Population,  1837,  1,109. 

Oldtown,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  See  Orono. 

Oldtown  Harbor,  Mass. 

See  Edgartown. 

Olanimon,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  See  Greenbush. 

Onipomponoosuc  River,  Vt. 

This  good  mill  stream  is  about  20 
miles  in  length  : — it  rises  near  the 
centre  of  the  county  of  Orange, 
and  falls  into  Connecticut  river  at 
Norwich. 

Onion  River,  Vt. 

This  is  one  of  the  largest  and 
most  valuable  rivers  in  the  state. — 
It  is  about  70  miles  in  length,  and  in 
its  course  fertilizes  large  tracts  of 
land  and  produces  a great  hydraulic 
power.  This  stream  rises  in  Cale- 
donia county : it  passes  nearly 

through  the  centre  of  the  counties 
of  Washington  and  Chittenden,  and 
26* 


I after  passing  **  Winooski  city”  it 
falls  into  Champlain  lake,  five  miles 
N.  from  Burlington  village. 

Winooski  is  the  beautiful  Indian 
name  of  this  river,  and  had  the  good 
people  of  Winooski  possessed  the 
exquisite  taste  of  their  predecessors 
they  would  probably  have  called 
their  charming  little  city  cabbage 
town. 

Onion  river,  so  called,  has  nu- 
merous tributaries,  and  is  one  of  the 
most  romantic  streams  in  the  coun- 
try. The  channels  which  have 
been  worn  in  the  rocks,  by  its  cease- 
less current,  are  objects  of  great 
admiration.  In  its  passage  through 
the  mountains  are  found  fissures 
through  solid  rocks  from  30  to  100 
feet  in  depth,  with  smooth  perpen- 
dicular sides,  60  or  70  feet  in  width. 
In  many  places  on  this  stream  are 
natural  bridges,  curious  caverns, 
and  delightful  water-falls. 

The  road  near  the  banks  of  this 
stream,  from  Connecticut  river  to 
Burlington,  is  said  to  be  the  best 
passage  across  the  mountains,  in 
that  direction : it  is  certainly  highly 
picturesque  and  delightful. 

Oquossak  Lake,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  This  large  lake  lies  a 
few  miles  N.  E.  of  the  Mooseluck- 
maguntic.  It  is  very  irregular  in  its 
form,  and  contains  many  islands. 

Orange,  N.  II., 

Grafton  co.,  is  16  miles  E.  from 
Dartmouth  college,  10  S.  W.  from 
Plymouth,  and  40  N.  W.  from  Con- 
cord. Population,  1830,  405.  In 
this  town  are  found  many  mineral 
substances,  such  as  lead  ore,  iron 
ore,  & c.  There  is  in  the  S.  E.  part 
a small  pond,  in  which  is  found  a 
species  of  paint  resembling  spruce 
yellow.  Chalk,  intermixed  with 
magnesia,  is  said  to  be  procured 
from  the  same  pond.  In  1810,  a 
valuable  species  of  ochre  was  dis- 
covered. It  is  found  in  great  abun- 
dance, deposited  in  veins,  and  of  a 
quality  superior  to  the  imported. — 


NEW  ENGLAND  GA/UTTEXE. 


Large  quantities  of  it  are  annually 
prepared  for  market.  The  surface 
of  Orange  is  uneven,  but  the  soil 
m many  parts  of  it  is  productive. — 
Cardigan  mountain  lies  in  the  E. 
part  of  the  town.  Orange  was 
panted  by  the  name  of  Canii^aa*, 
Feb-  6.  176$.  Its  settlement  com- 
menced in  1773. 

Onn$t  County.  Tt. 

flfiswt,  chief  town.  This  coun- 
ty is  bounded  X.  by  Washington 
and  Caledonia  counties.  F.  by  Con- 
necticut river.  S.  by  WikkIsoc  coun- 
ty, andW.  by  Addison  and  Wash- 
ington counties.  Area,  6o0  square 
:\  ■ 1 >2  24.16$ ; 

1S30.  27.2So.  Population  to  a 
square  mr?e.  42.  Incorporated, 
1TS1.  The  eastern  range  of  the 
Green  naoun  rains  extends  along  the 
northwestern  part  of  the  county. 
The  principal  rivers,  besides  the 
Connect: cut,  are  the  Ompom poooo- 
suc.  Wait's,  branches  of  the  White, 
and  Stevens’  branch  of  the  Out  on. 
The  1 anus  in  Orange  county  are  gen- 
erally g.vd  for  crating,  and  supply 
many  cattle  and  all  the  varieties  cl 
the  dairy,  of  which  a large  amount 
is  annually  sen:  to  market.  In 
1SS7  there  were  $$.346  sheep  with- 
in its  limits.  This  county  contains 
some  excellent  tracts  of  land  on  the 
banks  of  the  Connecticut.  Iron  and 
lead  ores,  slate  and  granite,  are 
abundant. 

Orsuagc,  Tt. 

Grange  co.  This  town  lies  12 
— he s S if  >/  u M:rr:  .e~  : : If 

X.  from  Chelsea.  First  settled. 
17$S.  Population.  1S30.  1.016 — 
The  soil  is  cold  .and  better  suited  for  ! 
gracing  than  grain.  Knox's  moun- 
tain lies  in  this  town  : — it  is  cuke  an 
elevation,  and  is  composed  princi- 
pally of  granite.  Some  of  the 
quarries  in  the  town  produce  excel- 
lent granite  fee  building,  and  here 
are  found  plates  of  beautiful  white 
mica,  several  inches  square.  The 


products  of  the  town  in  cattle  and 
wool  are  considerable. 

Ovwmge.  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  Orange  lies  72 
miles  W from  Poston'  and  20  E. 
from  Greenfield.  Incorporated, 

1.o4A  The  manufactures  of  the 
town  consist  of  iron  castings,  Kvts, 
shoes,  palm-leaf  hats,  card  boards, 
shoe  pegs,  chairs  and  cabinet  ware  : 
uunual  amount  about  $40,000.  Mil- 
ler's river  affords  the  town  a good 
waterpower,  and  Tully  hill  a fine 
prospect.  The  soil  is  uneven,  and 
better  fitted  for  grazing  than  tillage. 
There  is  a pleasant  village  in  the 
town,  and  a good  fish  pond. 

Orauage,  Ct, 

New  Haven  co.  This  town  was 
taken  from  Xew  Haven  and  Mil- 
ford :n  1522.  The  name  was  adopt- 
ed in  honor  of  William,  Prince  of 
Orange,  in  commemoration  of  the 
benefits  received  from  him  by  the 
colony  of  Connecticut;  particular- 
ly fee  the  restoration  of  their  char- 
ter after  the  usurpation  and  tyranny 
of  Edmund  Andros. 

Grange  lies  about  4 miles  S.  W. 
from  Xew  Haven  and  is  a pleasant 
town  with  a productive  soil.  The 
inhabitants  are  principally  farmers. 
Sue  in  -Keck  in  this  town  is  a roman- 
tic spot,  and  a place  of  resort  in  the 
summer.  There  are  mines  of  sil- 
ver and  copper  in  the  town,  and  as- 
bestos is  found  in  abundance  in  ser- 
pentine  rocks.  Population,  1530, 
1,341. 

Orfortl.  X.  H. 

Grafton  co.  It  lies  on  Connecti- 
cut river,  over  which  is  a bridge, 
connecting  with  Fairiee.  Oxford  is 
11  miles  below  Haverhill.  17  N.  of 
Hanover,  and  64  X.  W.  from  Con- 
cord. The  soil  is  generally  of  a 
fertile  character.  The  large  inter- 
vale farms,  watered  by  the  Connec- 
ticut, are  particularly  distinguished 


NLW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


for  their  beauty  and  fertility.  There  { 
are  two  considerable  elentMos.  ! 
called  Mount  Cuba  and  Mount  Sun- 
day, lying  near  the  centre  of  the 
town-  There  are  four  or  fire  pond* 
of  considerable  size,  one  of  which, 
called  Baker's  upper  pond,  lies  with-  1 
in  3 or  4 miles  of  Connecticut  river. 
This  pond  discharges  its  waters  in- 
to another  pond,  ljtng  partly  in 
Wentworth,  and  the  waters  of  both 
empty  into  Bakers  river.  Indian  j 
pond  lies  about  1 mile  west  from 
Baker’s  ripper  pond-  Limestone 
is  found  in  great  abundance. 
It  is  of  the  primitive  kind,  coarse 
grained,  and  forms  a strong  and  Lard 
cement  It  is  found  at  the  foot  of  a 
mountain,  about  400  or  300  feet 
above  Connecticut  river.  Soap 
stone  is  also  found  here  in  great 
abundance.  A light  grey  granite 
rock,  much  used  for  mill  stones  and 
for  building,  is  found  in  various  pla- 
ces. Galena,  or  lead  ore,  of  a very 
fine  texture,  containing  needles  of 
crystallized  quartz,  or  lead.hasbeen 
found,  in  considerable  quantities  in 
sinking  a well.  Orford  contains  a 
pleasant  village,  situated  on  the 
main  road.  “ It  is  built  on  a beau- 
tiful plain  bordered  by  intervale  <m 
the  W.  The  hills  on  both  sides  of 
the  river,  near  the  centre  of  the  ex- 
pansion, approach  each  other  so  as 
to  form  a kind  of  neck : and  with  a 
similar  approximation  it  the  two 
ends  give  the  whole  the  appear- 
ance of  a doable  amphitheatre,  or 
of  the  numerical  figure  *.  The 
greatest  breadth  of  each  division  is 
about  1 1-2  miles : and  the  length  of 
each  between  2 and  3 miles.”  The 
buildings  stand  principally  on  a sin- 
gle street,  of  2 or  3 miles  in  extent. 
Orford  was  granted  Sept.  23,  1761. 
In  Jane,  1765,  a Mr.  Cross  with  his 
family,  from  Lebanon,  first  settled 
in  this  town.  A congregational 
church  was  gathered  Aug.  27, 1770. 
Rev.  Oliver  Noble  was  ordained 
Nov.  5,  1771.  Population,  lb30, 
1^29 


Or  Land,  Me. 

Hancock  co.  This  town  lies  on 
the  east  side  of  Penobscot  river,  op- 
posite to  Orphan’s  Island.  It  lies 
64  miles  L.  from  Augusta  and  12 
W.  from  Ellsworth.  Orland  is  fine- 
ly watered  by  ponds  and  streams : 
it  has  a good  soil,  a pleasant  village 
and  great  navigable  facilities.  In- 
corporated. 1 860.  Population,  1*50, 
975 : 1*27,  1,244. 

Or learns  County.  Vt. 

Ira*Mtr*h,  chief  town.  This 
county  Is  bounded  N.  by  Lower 
Canada,  £.  by  Essex  and  Caledonia 
counties,  S.  by  Caledonia  county, 
and  W.  by  Franklin  and  Lamoille; 
counties.  This  county  lies  between 
the  eastern  and  western  ranges  of 
the  Green  mountains.  The  surface 
is  generally  handsome  and  the  soil 
well  adapted  for  wheat,  rye  and 
zrass : the  climate  is  rather  too  cold 
for  com,  and  some  parts  of  the  coun- 
ty is  low  and  marshy.  Orleans 
county  is  watered  by  Missisqae, 
Black,  Barton  and  other  rivers.  It 
contains  more  pond.*  than  any  coun- 
ty in  die  state.  Much  of  its  trade 
goes  to  Canada  by  the  way  of 
Memphremagog  lake,  which  lies  in 
this  county  and  Canada.  In  1*37 
there  were  30,637  sheep  in  the 
county.  Incorporated,  1792.  Pop- 
ulation, 1*30, 11.375. 

Orleans,  Mass. 

Barnstable  co.  Orleans  was  tak- 
en from  Eastham , in  1797.  It  ex- 
, tends  across  a narrow  part  of  Cape 
• Cod,  and  is  indented  with  coves  and 
creeks  on  both  sides.  Stage  harbor 
opens  on  the  east  through  Chatham 
and  Nauset  beaches,  which  extend 
along  the  coast  r — between  which 
and  the  town  is  Pleasant  bay,  with 
several  islands.  In  1*37,  there 
were  33  vessels  belonging  to  Orleans 
engaged  in  the  cod  and  mackerel 
fishery,  the  tmnanof  which  was 
2,310  tens.  They  tmk  20  0 quin- 

tals of  cod  fish  and  600  barrels  of 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


mackerel.  There  were  31,000 
bushels  of  salt  used,  and  2 64  men 
and  boys  were  employed.  The 
value  of  fish  taken,  when  cured  and 
packed,  was  $91,100  : — capital  in- 
vested, $33,000.  There  are  50  es- 
tablishments for  the  manufacture 
of  salt  in  the  town  ; during  the  year 
ending  April  1,  1837,  there  were 
21,780  bushels  made.  There  are 
also  manufactures  of  palm-leaf  hats, 
leather,  boots,  shoes  and  tin  ware. 
Orleans  lies  20  miles  E.  from  Barn- 
stable. Population,  1830,  1,799 ; 
1837,  1,936. 

Orono,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  This  town  lies  on 
the  west  side  of  Penobscot  river,  and 
is  watered  by  Dead  stream  and  a 
large  part  of  Pushaw  lake.  It  is 
74  miles  N.  E.  from  Augusta.  In- 
corporated, 1806.  Population,  1830, 
1,473;  1837,  3,981.  The  soil  of 
the  town  is  good,  and  produced,  in 
1337,  1,744  bushels  of  wheat.  This 
town  borders  on  the  Great  Falls  in 
Penobscot  river,  and  contains  a 
great  number  ‘of  saw  mills,  which 
manufacture  a vast  amount  of  lum- 
ber annually  for  the  Bangor  market. 
Orono  is  pleasant  and  uncommonly 
flourishing. 

A rail-road  between  Bangor  and 
the  villages  of  Stillwater  and  Old- 
town,  in  Orono,  was  opened  for 
travel  in  1836.  It  is  12  miles  in 
length,  and  cost  $350,000.  The 
Penobscot  river  at  Oldtown,  above 
the  falls,  is  40  feet  higher  than  at 
Bangor.  The  village  of  Stillwater 
is  4 miles  below  Oldtown. 

Above  the  falls,  and  about  a mile 
above  the  village  of  Oldtown,  near 
the  mouth  of  Dead  stream,  on  “ Old- 
town Island,”  is  the  Indian  Settle- 
ment. This  settlement  is  very  plea- 
santly located,  and  secure  from  ap- 
proach except  by  boats  or  canoes. 
It  contains  a number  of  framed 
houses,  and  a neat  chapel  with  a 
bell. 

In  1837,  John  Neptune,  the  lieu- 
tenant Governor,  and  other  officers 


of  the  Penobscot  tribe  of  Indians, 
finished  taking  by  families  a very 
particular  census  of  all  who  belong 
to  the  tribe,  for  the  purpose  of  a 
just  and  equal  distribution  of  the 
annuities  and  other  monies  paid  to 
them.  It  was  found  that  the  fami- 
lies in  all  were  ninety  five — the  list 
exhibiting  the  head  of  each  family 
by  name,  and  the  number  of  indi- 
viduals each  one  contains,  annexed 
thereto.  The  whole  number  of 
souls  in  the  tribe  was  three  hundred 
and  sixty-two.  Their  officers  are, 
a governor,  lieutenant  governor, 
a colonel,  four  captains,  one ’squire, 
and  one  deacon.  In  religion  they 
are  catholics.  Several  of  them  can 
read,  and  a few  can  write,  though 
in  a poor  hand. 

The  whole  tribe  is  divided  in  pol- 
itics, and  on  some  occasions  party 
spirit  rages  with  almost  as  much 
warmth  as  among  the  pale  faces, 
though  generally  better  tempered. 
No  affair  of  honor , or  rather  of 
murder,  has  ever  been  known  to 
disgrace  these  savages. 

The  tribe  own,  collectively,  all 
the  islands  in  the  Penobscot  river, 
beginning  with  that  of  Oldtown, 
where  their  village  is,  and  including 
all  up  as  far  as  the  forks,  several 
miles  above  the  Matawamkeag, 
many  of  which  are  exceedingly 
pleasant  and  fertile. 

The  Indians  are  not  poor,  having 
sold  some  of  their  lands  for  large 
sums.  To  such  a remnant,  howev- 
er, is  this  tribe  reduced — a tribe  an- 
ciently and  uniformly  called  the 
Tarratines,  who  could  bring  into 
the  field  more  than  two  thousand 
warriors,  and  who  claimed  the  lands 
on  both  sides  of  the  Penobscot  riv- 
er from  its  sources  to  its  mouth. 

Orphan’s  Island,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  This  island,  con- 
taining about  5,000  acres  of  excel- 
lent land,  at  the  mouth  of  Penob- 
scot river,  is  4 miles  in  length.  It  is 
attached  to  the  town  of  Bucksport ; 
the  head  or  north  part  of  it  lies  oppo- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


site  to  the  beautiful  village  in  that 
town.  This  island  divides  the  Penob- 
scot into  two  branches  : the  western 
or  main  branch  is  called  the  f£  Nar- 
rows,’on  which  side  a fort  is  about  to 
he  constructed  by  the  U.  S.  govern- 
ment for  the  protection  of  the  river. 
The  other  branch  is  called  “ Eastern 
river.” 

This  beautiful  island  derived  its 
name  from  its  having  been  the  pro- 
perty of  an  orphan  heiress  who  in- 
herited it  as  her  part  of  the  Waldo 
Patent. 

Orrington,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  This  is  a fine  town- 
ship of  land  with  a handsome  vil- 
lage on  the  east  side  of  Penobscot 
river,  opposite  to  Hampden.  The 
town  has  a good  mill  stream  and  en- 
joys great  navigable  facilities.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  1,426.  Wheat  crop, 
same  year,  2,340  bushels. 

Orwell,  Vt. 

Rutland  co.  This  town  lies  on 
Champlain  lake  opposite  to  Ticon- 
deroga,  N.  Y.  and  contains  Mount 
Independence,  celebrated  in  the  an- 
nals of  the  revolutionary  war.  The 
lake  here  is  about  a mile  wide,  and 
from  the  Mount  a delightful  pros- 
pect is  presented.  Orwell  was  first 
permanently  settled  in  1783.  The 
soil  of  the  town  is  generally  good 
and  productive.  In  1837  it  contain- 
ed 21,512  sheep.  There  is  aspring 
in  the  town  from  the  waters  of 
which  Epsom  salts  have  been  made, 
and  shells  of  animals  have  been 
found  supposed  to  have  pertained  to 
the  ocean.  There  are  good  mill 
streams  in  Orwell  and  a pleasant 
village.  Population,  1330,  1,598. 

Ossipee,  X.  H., 

Strafford  co.  is  60  mile«  N.  N.  E. 
from  Concord,  and  about  15  N.  E. 
from  Gilford,  across  Winnepisiogee 
lake.  Ossipee  mountain,  a rough 
and  broken  range,  lies  in  the  N.  W. 
part  of  Ossipee,  extending  into  the 
adjoining  towns.  It  is  6 or  8 miles 


in  length,  and  is  so  elevated  that 
in  easterly  storms  the  winds  break 
over  the  summits,  frequently  caus- 
ing much  injury  to  the  farms,  and 
buildings  at  its  base.  Ossipee  lake 
is  in  this  town,  and  Freedom  : it  is 
a fine  body  of  water,  of  an  oval  form, 
covering  about  7,000  acres,  having 
no  island,  and  its  waters  clear  and 
beautiful.  Ossipee  river  flows  from 
this  lake,  from  whence  it  passes 
through  Freedom  into  the  Saco,  in 
Maine.  Pine  river  passes  through 
the  E.  part  of  Ossipee,  and  Bear- 
camp  river  falls  into  the  lake  on  the 
N.  W.  There  are  several  ponds  in 
Ossipee,  the  largest  of  which  lies 
partly  in  Tuftonborough,  and  is 
about  400  rods  long.  Bear  pond  in 
the  S.  E.  part,  has  no  visible  outlet. 
Near  the  W.  shore  of  Ossipee  lake, 
is  a mound  of  earth  45  or  50  feet  in 
diameter,  of  a circular  form,  and 
about  10  feet  high,  from  which  have 
been  taken  several  entire  skeletons, 
and  also  tomahawks,  &c.  exhibiting 
the  strongest  evidence  that  the  tribe 
once  so  powerful  in  this  vicinity 
had  their  principal  residence  here. 
Ossipee  was  incorporated,  Feb.  22, 
1785.  Population,  1830,  1,935. 

Otis,  Me. 

Hancock  co.  Otis  was  incorpo- 
rated in  1335.  It  is  bounded  on  the 
west  by  Ellsworth.  It  is  the  source 
of  some  of  the  rivers  which  flow 
into  Frenchman’s  bay,  and  Union 
river,  passes  its  N.  W.  corner.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  92. 

Otis,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  This  township  is 
on  high  ground,  and  is  the  source  of 
some  of  the  head  waters  of  Farm- 
ington and  Westfield  rivers.  These 
streams  flowfrom  several  very  hand- 
some ponds.  The  surface  of  the 
town  is  uneven  but  the  soil  is  pro- 
ductive, particularly  of  good  pastur- 
age. The  manufactures  consist  of 
leather,  boots,  shoes,  chairs,  cabi- 
net ware,  lumber,  &c.  It  lies  130 
miles  W.  by  S.  from  Boston,  and  15 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


S.  E.  from  Lenox.  Population,  1S37. 
1,077.  Incorporated.  1793. 

Otis£cld.  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  This  town  is 
watered  by  Crooked  river,  which 
empties  into  Sebago  lake.  The  soil 
is  very  stood,  and  produced,  in  1SS7, 
4,525  bushels  of  wheat.  It  lies  S2 
es  S.  S.  W.  from  Augusta  and 
cd  X.  N.  W.  from  Portland.  Pop- 
ulation 1SS0,  1,257. 

Otter  Cwk,  Vt. 

This  stream  rises  on  the  south  part 
o]  Rutland  county  : — it  traverses,  in 
a northern  course,  nearly  through 
the  centre  of  that  county,  and  wa-  j 
ters  Clarendon.  Rutland,  Pittsford.  | 
Brandon.  and  other  towns ; it  then 
enters  Addison  county,  and  passes 
to  Middlebury.  where  it  falls  very 
considerably , affording  that  pleasant 
town  an  admirable  water  power; — 
it  then  passes  Wey bridge,  N e w Ha- 
ven and  Verge  tines,  and  falls  into 
Champlain  lake  at  Ferrisburgh. 
From  Vergenoes  it  is  navigable  for 
t;ie  largest  lake  vessels.  S miles. 
There  are  no  considerable  falls  on 
this  stream  except  at  Middlebury, 
Weybridgeand  Vergennes.  In  ma- 
ny parts  of  its  course  it  is  sluggish. 
From  Middlebury  to  Pittsford.  a 
distance  of  25  miles,  it  is  navigable 
for  boats.  Otter  Creek  has  many 
tributaries  which  afford  a great  wa- 
ter power.  Its  length  is  about  90 
miles,  and  on  its  banks  are  large 
tracts  of  alluvial  meadows,  some  of  • 
the  best  in  the  state.  It  receives 
the  waters  of  a basin  of  about  900 
square  miles. 

Owl’s  Head,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  This  noted  place  on 
our  eastern  waters  is  a point  of  land 
attached  to  the  town  of  Thomaston, 
running  out  three  or  four  miles  into 
Penobscot  bay,  opposite  to  the  island 
town  of  Vinalhaven.  Owl’s  Head  . 
forms  the  western  entrance  into  the 
mouth  of  Penobscot  river,  and  has  I 


a light  house  to  guide  the  wary 
mariner  on  his  way.  A breakwater 
is  about  being  erected,  which  will 
render  the  harbor  at  this  place  one 
of  the  most  commodious,  as  it  is  one 
of  the  most  important,  on  the  coast. 
An  almost  countless  number  of  ves- 
1 sels  pass  this  place  annually.  Fre- 
| quently  five  hundred  pass  in  a day. 
FVm  March  15th  to  June  1 5 ih.  I S38, 
5019  sail  were  seen  to  pass  in  the 
| day  time.  Owl’s  Head  is  not  only 
; a stopping  place  in  a storm,  but  a 
resort  tor  great  numbers  of  people, 

1 formonv  miles  around,  to  take  pas- 
sages on  board  of  steamers  and  oth- 
er vessels.  It  is  a delightful  place 
in  summer,  and  has  justly  acquired 
a reputation  for  possessing  all  the 
various  enjoyments  which  induce 
thousands  to  visit  the  sea  coast  at 
other  places.  It  lies  4 miles  E.  from 
Thomaston.  55  S.  from  Bangor.  40 
S.  E.  from  Augusta,  and  79  E.  N.  E. 
j from  Portland. 

Oxford  Count}-,  Me. 

Paris . chief  town.  This  county 
[ is  bounded  N.  by  Lower  Canada.  E. 
by  Franklin  and  Kennebec  coun- 
ties. 5.  by  Cumberland  and  York 
counties,  and  W.  by  New  Hamp- 
shire. 

It  is  watered  by  the  Margalla- 
way,  Androscoggin,  Saco,  and  nu- 
merous other  rivers.  In  the  not  th- 
em part  of  the  county  lies  a collec- 
tion of  large  lakes  whose  waters 
empty  into  the  1'mbagog.  and  pass 
to  the  ocean  by  the  Androscoggin 
and  Kennebec  rivers.  Although 
some  parts  of  the  county  are  rough 
and  mountainous,  yet  a very  large 
part  of  it  is  exceedingly  fertile,  par- 
ticularly on  the  borders  of  its  nu- 
merous rivers,  lakes  and  ponds. 
This  county  contained  an  area  of 
2.6S4  square  miles  previous  to  the 
formation  of  Franklin  county,  in 
1S3S,  which  was  formed  partly  from 
Oxford  county.  The  population  of 
Oxford  countv.  in  1S20.  was  17.630, 
1530,  35.211 ; 1S37,  40,640.  Popu- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


lation  to  a square  mile,  15.  The 
number  of  sheep  in  this  county,  in 
1837,  was  76,028. 

Oxford,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  This  town  is  watered 
by  little  Androscoggin  river  and 
several  ponds.  It  contains  some 
excellent  land  and  two  flourishing 
villages.  It  produced,  in  1837,  3,226 
bushels  of  wheat.  Population,  same 
year,  1,124.  Oxford  lies  52  miles 
S.  W.  from  Augusta,  and  8 S.  from 
Paris. 

Oxford,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  i:s  an  impor- 
tant manufacturing  town,  of  uneven 
surface,  strong,  gravelly  soil;  45 
miles  W.  from  Poston  and  10  S.  from 
Worcester.  Incorporated,  1773. 
Population,  1837,2,047.  There  are 
in  the  town  5 woolen  and  4 cotton 
mills,  and  manufactures  of  boots 
and  shoes  : — total  value,  the  year 
ending  April  1,  1837,  $501,391. 
Oxford  is  a pleasant  town,  and  fine- 
ly watered  by  French  river,  which 
passes  to  the  ocean  by  the  Quinne- 
baug  and  Thames. 

The  original  township  of  Oxford 
was  eight  miles  square,  and  was 
granted  to  Joseph  Dudley  and  oth- 
ers, in  1680,  for  the  accommodation 
of  about  30  French  protestant  fam- 
ilies, who  had  escaped  from  France 
after  the  revocation  of  the  Edict  of 
Nantz,  when  they  became  exposed 
to  every  cruelty  and  hardship  that 
catholic  intolerance  and  religious 
bigotry  could  invent.  They  were 
assisted  in  their  emigration  to 
this  country  by  the  proprietors  of 
the  grant,  and  settled  here  about 
1686.  They  built  a fort  on  a hill  in 
the  eastern  part  of  the  town,  now 
called  Mayo’s,  or  Fort  Hill,  where 
its  remains  are  still  visible.  It  was 
constructed  by  the  rules  of  art,  with 
bastions,  and  had  a well  within  its 
enclosure.  They  had  another  fort, 
and  a meeting  house.  The  grapes, 
currants,  and  asparagus  of  their 
planting,  still  grow  here,  and  the 


last  of  the  peach  trees  was  destroy- 
ed by  the  gale  of  1815.  They  had 
a minister  while  resident  here, 
whose  name  was  Bondet.  These 
people  remained  here  till  1696, 
when  the  Indians  attacked  the  place 
and  murdered  some  of  the  people. 
This  so  terrified  the  inhabitants  that 
they  left  the  place,  and  most  of 
them  settled  in  Boston,  where  a 
French  church  was  maintained  by 
them  several  years. 

Oxford,  Ct. 

New  Haven  co.  Oxford  was  tak- 
en from  Derby  in  1798.  It  lie3 
14  miles  N.  W.  from  New  Haven 
and  40  S.  W.  from  Hartford.  It  is 
watered  by  Housatonick  and  Nau- 
gatuck rivers.  The  surface  of  the 
town  is  diversified  with  hills  and 
valleys; — the  soil  is  generally  a 
gravelly  loam,  fertile  and  produc- 
tive. 

There  are  large  manufacturing 
establishments  in  Oxford,  among 
which  are  three  satinet  factories 
and  an  extensive  hat  manufactory. 

! The  water  power  at  this  place  is 
excellent.  Population,  1830,  1,763. 
From  “ Governor’s  Hill”  a fine 
view  of  the  neat  village  of  “ Qua- 
ker Farms,”  and  the  surrounding 
country  is  presented. 

About  one  mile  south  of  the  cen- 
tral part  of  the  town  is  a remarka- 
ble mineral  spring,  called  “ The 
Pool,”  from  the  circumstance  of  its 
waters  being  efficacious,  and  much 
used  for  the  cure  of  the  salt  rheum 
and  other  complaints.  “ Once  in  a 
month  a yellowish  scum  will  col- 
lect upon  the  surface  of  the  water, 
which  in  a few  days  runs  off, 
and  leaves  the  pool  perfectly  clear. 
In  the  coldest  weather,  this  spring 
never  freezes  ; in  the  dryest  season 
it  is  as  full  as  at  other  times.” 

Palermo,  Me. 

Waldo  co.  This  town  is  watered 
by  several  beautiful  ponds,  which 
form  the  head  waters  of  Sheepscot 
river.  This  is  a farming  town  of 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


good  soil  and  undulating  surface, — 
it  produced,  in  1837,  5,326  bushels  of 
wheat.  .Population,  same  year, 
1,538.  It  lies  16  miles  E.  N.  E. 
from  Augusta,  and  24  W.  from  Bel- 
fast. Incorporated,  1804. 

Palmer,  Mass. 

Hampden  co.  This  town  was 
originally  settled  by  a colony  from 
Ireland.  It  was  incorporated  in 
1752.  The  surface  of  Palmer  is 
hilly,  but  the  soil  is  good,  particu- 
larly along  the  banks  of  Ware  and 
Swift  rivers,  by  which  it  is  finely 
watered,  and  supplied  with  water 
power.  There  are  I woolen  and  2 
cotton  mills  in  the  town,  and  manu- 
factures of  boots,  shoes,  scythes, 
palm-leaf  hats  and  wagons; — total 
amount,  the  year  ending  April  1, 
1837,  $178,556.  The  value  of 
2,652  fleeces  of  wool  sheared  in  this 
town,  that  year,  was  $4,243. — 
Palmer  lies  70  miles  W.  by  S.  from 
Boston,  and  16  E.  N.  E.  from 
Springfield.  Population, 1830, 1,237; 
1837,  1,810. 

Palmyra,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  Sebasticook  river 
passes  through  this  town,  and  af- 
fords it  a good  water  power.  The  soil 
is  rich,  and  the  surface  undulating. 
There  are  some  mills  in  the  town, 
and  considerable  attention  is  paid 
to  its  agricultural  interests.  It  lies 
51  miles  N.  N.  E.  from  Augusta, 
and  25  E.  N.  E.  from  Norridgewock. 
Incorporated,  1807.  Population,  in 
1837,  1,328.  Wheat  crop,  same 
year,  8,523  bushels. 

Panton,  Vt. 

Addison  co.  This  town  is  bound- 
ed W.  by  Champlain  lake,  and  E. 
by  Otter  creek.  A sluggish  stream 
passes  through  it ; yet,  although  thus 
watered,  it  does  not  possess  a good 
mill  site,  the  country  being  exceed- 
ingly level.  It  lies  40  miles  W.  S. 
W.  from  Montpelier,  13  N.  W. 
from  Middlebury,  25  S.  by  W.  from 
Burlington,  and  is  4 miles  from 


Elizabethtown,  N.  Y.,  across  the 
lake.  Population,  1830,  605. 

Paris,  Me. 

Chief  town,  Oxford  co.  Paris  is 
well  watered, and  supplied  with  mill 
privileges  by  Little  Androscoggin 
river,  on  which  are  several  mills  in 
the  town.  The  soil  is  excellent,  al- 
though in  some  parts  uneven  and 
mountainous.  The  principal  vil- 
lage is  well  built,  pleasantly  located, 
and  the  seat  of  considerable  busi- 
ness. The  town  was  incorporated 
in  1793.  Population,  1837,  2,352. 
Wheat  crop,  same  year,  10,453 
bushels.  Paris  lies  42  miles  W.  by 
S.  from  Augusta,  and  40  N.  by  W. 
from  Portland. 

Paikman,  Me. 

Piscataquis  co.  This  town  is  wa- 
tered by  a branch  of  Piscataquis 
river,  and  has  an  excellent  soil  for 
agricultural  purposes.  It  lies  64 
miles  N.  by  E.  from  Augusta,  and 
14  W.  from  Dover.  Incorporated, 
1822.  Population,  1830, 803  ; 1837, 
1,125.  Wheat  crop,  1837,  6,018 
bushels. 

Parsonsfield,  Me. 

York  co.  This  town  lies  at  the 
N.  W.  corner  of  the  county,  and  is 
bounded  W.  by  the  state  of  New 
Hampshire,  and  N.  by  Ossipee  riv- 
er. It  is  36  miles  W.  by  N.  from 
Portland,  21  N.  by  W.  from  Alfred, 
and  93  W.  S.  W.  from  Augusta. — 
First  settled,  1774.  Incorporated, 
1785.  Population,  1S37,  2,510.— 
The  surface  of  the  town  is  rough 
and  hilly,  but  the  soil,  though  hard, 
is  productive  of  good  crops  of  grain 
and  hay.  Wheat  crop,  1837,  3,929 
bushels. 

There  are  many  good  farmers  in 
this  town,  and  good  specimens  ol 
iron  ore,  zinc  and  crystalized  quartz 
are  found  here.  In  this  place  is  an 
incorporated  seminary,  for  the  edu- 
cation of  males  and  females.  The 
institution  is  under  the  direction  ot 
the  Free  Will  Baptists,  and  is  in  a 
flourishing  condition. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Passadumkeag,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  This  town  lies  on 
the  east  side  of  Penobscot  river,  9S 
miles  N.  E.  from  Augusta,  and  30 
N.  by  E.  from  Bangor.  The  soil  of 
the  t6wn  is  fertile,  and  promises  a 
rich  reward  to  the  industrious  farm- 
er. Population,  1837, 422.  Wheat 
crop,  same  year,  1,070  bushels. 

The  village  of  Passadumkeag 
is  admirable  located,  and  "will  doubt- 
less become  an  important  mart  of 
the  trade  of  a large  section  of  coun- 
try. This  flourishing  village  lies  at 
the  junction  of  Passadumkeag  river 
with  the  Penobscot.  This  delight- 
ful stream  is  about  25  miles  in 
length.  It  rises  in  the  north  east- 
ern part  of  this  county,  and  waters 
the  northern  part  of  Hancock  coun- 
ty. It  re-enters  Penobscot  county, 
and  receives  the  Cold  stream,  two 
miles  from  Passadumkeag  village. 
Both  the  Passadumkeag  and  Cold 
stream  afford  excellent  mill  privi- 
leges. 

Passamaqrtocldy  Bay,  Me. 

This  bay  lies  partly  in  Maine, 
and  partly  in  the  British  Province 
of  New  Brunswick.  The  bounda- 
ry line  between  the  state  of  Maine 
and  New  Brunswick  passes  through 
the  western  part  of  this  bay  up  the 
river  St.  Croix.  Campo  Bello, Deer, 
and  other  English  islands  almost  en- 
close this  bay  from  the  ocean.  At 
its  mouth  it  is  about  9 miles  in  width, 
and  extends  from  West  Quoddy 
Head,  in  Lubec,  due  north  into 
New  Brunswick,  about  25  miles. — 
This  bay  contains  a great  number  of 
excellent  harbors ; it  is  never  froz- 
en over,  and  abounds  with  cod,  her- 
ring and  other  fishes.  The  most 
important  English  town  on  this  bay 
is  St.  Andrews,  a very  flourishing 
place,  15  miles  N.  from  Eastport. — 
The  Passamaquoddy  Indians  re- 
side at  Perry,  Me. 

Passnmpsick  River,  Vt. 

This  river  rises  in  Caledonia, 
and  on  the  south  border  of  Essex 

27 


counties.  It  passes  south  about 
35  miles,  and  falls  into  the  Connec- 
ticut at  Barnet,  about  a mile  below 
the  foot  of  Fifteen  Mile  Falls.  It 
has  a number  of  tributaries.  This 
is  a valuable  stream,  both  on  ac- 
count of  the  numerous  mill  sites  it 
affords,  and  the  large  tracts  of  choice 
intervale  it  forms  on  its  borders. — 
It  is  generally  deep,  but  in  many 
places  it  is  very  rapid,  and  forms 
beautiful  cascades. 

Fatricktown,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  This  plantation 
contains  the  principal  part  of  a large 
pond,  and  is  watered  by  streams 
which  flow  into  the  Sheepscot  and 
Damariscotta.  This  is  a large  plan- 
tation, of  good  soil.  Population, 
1S37,  465.  It  lies  17  miles  E.  from 
Augusta,  and  20  N.  W.  from  War- 
ren. 

Pawcatxick  River. 

This  river  rises  in  the  western 
part  of  Rhode  Island,  and  empties 
into  Long  Island  Sound,  separating, 
at  its  mouth,  the  towns  of  Westerly, 
R.  I.,  and  Stonington,  Ct.  It  is 
navigable  about  6 miles  from  its 
mouth,  and  Wood  and  Charles  riv- 
ers, two  of  its  principals  tributaries, 
are  good  mill  streams. 

Pawcatuck  village.  See  West- 
erly. 

Pawlet,  Vt. 

Rutland  co.  First  settled,  1761. 
Population,  1S30,  1,965.  Pawlet 
Ties  21  miles  S.  W.  from  Rutland, 
and  27  S.  E.  from  Whitehall,  N.  Y. 
The  town  is  watered  by  Pawlet 
river,  which  falls  into  Champlain 
lake  at  Whitehall,  and  by  Indian 
river,  which  rises  from  a spring 
sufficiently  large  to  carry  a mill. — 
The  latter  river  was  formerly  a 
great  resort  of  the  natives,  who  fre- 
quented it  for  trout  and  other  fish 
with  which  it  abounds.  The  terri- 
tory of  Pawlet  is  nearly  divided  by 
a range  of  mountains,  the  highest 
I summit  of  which  is  known  by  the 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


name  of  Haystack.”  This  is  a 
pleasant  town,  with  some  manufac- 
tures. The  soil  is  dry  and  warm, 
and  produces  good  crops  of  corn  and 
hay.  It  feeds  about  14,000  sheep. 

Pawtucket,  Mass. 

Bristol  co.  The  town  of  Pawtuck- 
et lies  on  the  east  side  of  the  river  of 
the  same  name.  It  is  two  miles 
square,  and  was  taken  from  Seekonk 
in  1828.  The  population  of  the 
town,  inlS30,was  1,453;  1837, 1,881. 

The  village  of  Pawtucket  is 
very  pleasant; — it  is  an  important 
manufacturing  place,  commanding 
a considerable  trade,  and  contains  a 
population  of  about  8,000.  It  lies 
on  both  sides  of  the  river,  and  in- 
cludes a pari  of  the  town  of  North 
Providence,  in  R.  I. 

The  first  manufacture  of  cotton 
cloth  in  this  country,  by  water  pow- 
er machinery,  was  commenced  at 
this  place.  The  water  power  is 
immense,  and  the  fall  of  the  river 
within  a short  distance,  is  50  feet. 

The  river  is  navigable  to  the  vil- 
lage for  vessels  of  considerable 
burthen.  It  runs  4 miles  S.  by  W. 
to  Providence  river,  at  India  Point, 
near  the  depot  of  the  Boston  and 
Providence  rail-road,  one  mile  be- 
low the  centre  of  the  city  of  Provi- 
dence. The  river,  above  Pawtuck- 
et, in  Massachusetts,  takes  the  name 
of Blackstone;  below  the  falls  it  takes 
the  name  of  Seekonk.  This  place 
is  4 miles  N.  from  Providence,  36 
S.  from  Boston,  16  W.  byS.  from 
Taunton,  and  33  S.  E.  from  Wor- 
cester. At  this  place  are  12  or 
more  cotton  mills  and  print  works, 
and  manufactures  of  cotton  machin- 
ery, bobbins,  spools,  &c.  ; of  boots, 
shoes,  carriages,  vessels,  chairs, 
cabinet  wares,  &c. ; total  annual 
value,  about  two  millions  of  dollars. 

The  turnpike  road  from  this  place 
to  Providence' is  probably  the  best 
road  of  the  kind  in  the  world.  It 
is  very  straight,  wide,  level,  smooth, 
and  shaded  on  each  side  by  beauti- 
ful trees. 


Samuel  Slater,  Esq.,  the 
father  of  cotton  manufactures  in 
America,  resided  in  this  village 
many  years.  He  died  at  Webster, 
Mass.,  greatly  respected,  April  20, 
1835,  aged  67. 

Pawtuxet  River,  R.  I. 

This  celebrated  river  rises  in  the 
western  part  of  the  S£ate.  It  has  nu- 
merous tributaries, and  mingles  with 
the  waters  of  the  Narraganset,  five 
miles  below  Providence.  This  riv- 
er is  distinguished  for  its  valuable 
mill  sites,and  for  the  numerous  man- 
ufacturing establishments  erected 
on  its  banks.  Pawtuxet  and  its 
branches  fertilize  a large  portion  of 
the  state.  See  Warwick. 

Paxton,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  Paxton  was  tak- 
en from  Leicester  and  Rutland,  in 
1765.  It  is  on  high  ground;  its 
waters  descend  both  to  the  Connec- 
ticut and  Merrimack.  It  lies  50 
miles  W.  from  Boston,  and  7 N.  W. 
from  Worcester.  Population,  1837, 
619.  This  is  a pleasant  town,  with 
manufactures  of  palm-leaf  hats, 
boots,  shoes,  leather,  carriages,  &c. 
The  surface  of  the  town  is  uneven, 
but  the  soil  is  good,  and  well  culti- 
vated by  its  proprietors, 

Feacliam,  Vt. 

Caledonia  co.  As  no  town  can 
be  considered  properly  peopled 
without  some  of  the  fair  sex,  the 
date  of  the  first  settlement  of  Peach- 
am  must  have  been  near  1777,  when 
Henry  Elkins,  the  first  child  in 
town,  was  born.  The  first  mill  was 
erected  in  1731.  The  town  is  well 
watered  by  several  ponds  and 
streams  ; the  surface  is  pleasantly 
diversified  ; the  soil  fertile  and  well 
cultivated  by  independent  farmers. 
The  agricultural  products  are  con- 
siderable. About  6,000  sheep  are 
kept.  Peacham  lies  20  miles  E.  by 
N.  from  Montpelier,  and  8 S.  by 
W.  from  Danville.  Population, 
1830,  1,351. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Peeling,  N.  II. 

Grafton  co.  This  town  is  20  miles 
N.  from  Plymouth,  and  60  N.  from 
Concord.  The  Pemigewasset  pas- 
ses through  its  E.  section.  The  three 
branches  of  this  river  unite  in  the 
N.  part  of  Peeling.  There  are  sev- 
eral brooks  and  rivulets  which  sup- 
ply this  place  with  a number  of  mill 
privileges.  The  ponds  are  numer- 
ous. Cushman’s  mountain,  in  the 
S.  W.,  Black  mountain  in  the  N. 
W.,  and  Blue  mountain  in  the  W. 
are  the  highest  elevations.  Among 
these  mountains,  branches  of  the 
Wild  Amonoosuck  and  Baker’s  riv- 
ers, and  Moosehillock  brook,  have 
their  sources.  On  the  last  stream 
there  is  a beautiful  cascade.  There 
are  here  two  springs  which  have 
been  termed  medicinal.  Peeling 
was  settled  about  1773.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  291. 

Pelliam,  N.  II. 

Hillsborough  co  This  town  is 
distant  37  miles  S.  from  Concord, 
and  19  S.E.  fromAmherst.  Here  are 
three  ponds,  called  Gumpas,  Island, 
and  North  ponds.  Beaver  river 
passes  through  the  town.  On  this 
river  and  the  tributary  streams 
there  is  much  valuable  meadow. — 
The  inhabitants  depend  principally 
on  agriculture  for  the  means  of  sup- 
port. Much  timber  and  cord  wood 
are  carried  annually  to  the  banks  of 
the  Merrimack,  and  thence  convey- 
ed to  Newburyport,  or  to  Boston 
through  Middlesex  canal.  The 
first  settlements  were  made  in  1722. 
The  town  was  incorporated  in  1746, 
about  5 years  after  the  state  line  was 
established,  by  which  a part  was 
separated  from  Dracut,  Mass.  Pop- 
ulation in  1830,  1,075. 

Pelham,  Mass. 

Hampshire  co.  This  town  lies 
80  miles  W.  from  Boston,  and  13  N. 
E.  from  Northampton.  It  was  in- 
corporated in  1742.  Population,  in 
1837,  957.  The  surface  of  the 


town  is  elevated  and  uneven ; the 
soil  is  hard  but  productive.  Swift 
and  Fort  rivers  afford  it  mill  privi- 
leges. Some  palm-leaf  hats  are 
made  here. 

Some  years  ago  the  notorious 
Stephen  Buz-roughs  profaned  the 
chz-istian  sabbath,  by  imposing  him- 
self on  the  innocent  people  of  Pel- 
ham as  a minister  of  the  gospel. 

Pemadiuncook  ILalie,  Me., 

Or  the  Eamedumphok.  Thi3 
large  lake  is  of  very  irregular  form, 
containing  a great  number  of  isl- 
ands,and  lies  a few  miles  N.from  Ba- 
ker’s mountain.  It  receives  the 
waters  of  numerous  lakes,  or  col- 
lections of  water,  lying  between  it 
and  the  eastern  sources  of  the 
Moose  Head.  The  soil  on  the  bor- 
ders of  the  Pemadumcook,  and  the 
lakes  connected  with  it,  is  remark- 
ably fertile.  The  Jo  Mary  lakes 
are  beautiful  sheets  of  water,  and 
are  surrounded  by  some  of  the  best 
timbered  land  in  the  state.  They 
lie  near  the  Pemadumcook ; and  the 
facilities  afforded  for  rafting  lumber 
down  the  Penobscot,  through  that 
lake,  render  that  section  of  country 
very  valuable. 

Pemlbrolse,  Me. 

Washington  co.  Population,  in 
1837, 866.  Wheat  crop,  same  year, 
1,216  bushels.  It  lies  178  miles 
from  Augusta. 

See  “ Down  East.” 

— Peinbrolie,  N.  II., 

Merrimack  co.,  lies  60  miles  N. 
W.  from  Boston,  and  6 S.  E.  from 
Coneoi’d.  This  town  is  generally 
well  watered.  The  Suncook,  on  the 
S.  E.  boundary,  furnishes  many  val- 
uable water  privileges.  The  main 
street  extends  nearly  on  a parallel 
with  Merrimack  river  in  a straight 
course  about  three  miles,  and  is  very 
pleasant.  On  this  are  situated  the 
academy  and  the  principal  village. 
Pembi’oke  has  a vai’iety  of  soils, 
mostly  very  productive.  On  the 


NEW  ENGLAND 


GAZETTEER. 


rivers  are  small  but  valuable  tracts 
of  intervale,  and  from  these  the 
land  rises  in  extensive  and  beauti- 
ful swells,  yielding  in  abundance 
when  properly  cultivated.  Pem- 
broke is  the  ancient  Suncook  of  the 
Indians.  It  was  granted  by  this 
name  in  1727,  by  the  government 
of  Massachusetts,  to  Capt.  John 
Lovewell,  and  his  brave  associates, 
in  consideration  of  their  services 
against  the  Indians.  The  whole 
number  of  grantees  was  60  ; 46  of 
whom  accompanied  Lovewell  in 
his  last  march  to  Pequawkett.  The 
first  survey  was  made  in  1728  ; and 
in  the  following  year  settlements 
were  commenced.  The  settlements 
increased  slowly,  in  consequence 
of  the  frequent  alarms  from  the  In- 
dians, who  committed  many  depre- 
dations upon  their  property.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  1,312. 

Fembrolie,  Mass. 

Plymouth  co.  This  town  was 
taken  from  Duxbury  in  1711.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  1,258.  It  lies  27 
miles  S.  E.  from  Boston,  and  12  N. 
N.  W.  from  Plymouth.  North  riv- 
er separates  this  town  from  Hano- 
ver; and  some  branches  of  that 
stream,  rising  from  ponds  in  Pem- 
broke, give  it  a good  water  power. 
For  more  than  40  years  after  the 
settlement  at  Plymouth,  this  town 
contained  the  only  saw-mill  in  the 
colony.  Pembroke  is  at  the  head 
of  navigation  on  the  North  river, 
and  possesses  superior  advantages 
for  ship  building  ; and  many  noble 
vessels,  constructed  of  native  white 
ohk,  are  annually  launched.  The 
manufactures  of  the  town  consist  of 
vessels,  cotton  goods,  tacks,  iron 
ware,  chairs,  cabinet  ware,  &c. 

The  North  river  is  very  deep  and 
narrow,  and  so  exceedingly  crook- 
ed that  it  meanders  18  miles  in  its 
course  from  Pembroke  to  Scituate 
harbor,  when  the  distance  by  land 
is  less  than  6 miles. 


Pemigewasset  River,  N.  II. 

This  stream  and  the  Winnepisio- 
gee  constitute  the  Merrimack.  It 
is  formed  of  three  principal  branch- 
es, having  their  sources  in  Peeling, 
Franconia,  and  the  ungranted  lands 
S.  W.  of  the  White  Mountains. — 
These  branches  unite  in  Peeling, 
from  whence  the  main  stream  pass- 
es in  a S.  direction  through  Thorn- 
ton, Campton,  between  Plymouth 
and  Holderness  ; Bridgewater,  Bris- 
tol and  New  Hampton;  Hill  and 
Franklin,  where  it  unites  with 
Winnepisiogee  river,  and  the  main 
stream  becomes  the  Merrimack. 

Pern  in  a quid  Point,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  This  is  an  important 
point  of  land,  extending  into  the 
sea  between  Muscongusbay  on  the 
east,  and  Pemmaquid  river  and  the 
waters  of  Damariscotta  on  the  west. 
There  is  a light  house  on  this  point, 
which  bears  W.  10  miles  from  St. 
George’s  island,  and  about  N.  E.  9 
miles  from  Bantam  Ledge. 

Peiioliscot  River  and  Bay,  Me. 

This  large  and  important  river, 
with  its  numerous  and  extensive 
branches  water  a large  portion  of 
the  state.  It  pierces  the  county 
which  bears  its  name  and  receives 
tributaries  from  Washington,  Han- 
cock, Waldo,  Piscataquis  and  Som- 
erset counties.  Below  the  union 
of  the  eastern  and  western  branch- 
es the  Piscataquis  and  Matawam- 
keag  are  its  largest  tributaries. 
From  the  junction  of  the  two 
branches,  or  “the  Forks,”  to  tide 
water  at  Bangor  is  about  76  miles. 

The  east  branch  rises  at  the  north, 
in  the  Seboois  lakes,  near  Aroostook 
river,  and  on  its  passage  to  the  junc- 
tion, a distance  of  about  50  miles, 
it  is  properly  called  Seboois  river. 

The  western  branch  of  the  Pe- 
nobscot rises  in  the  high  lands  on 
the  border  of  Lower  Canada  and 
the  western  frontier  of  Maine.  It 
passes  through  the  counties  of  Som- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


erset  and  Piscataquis  in  an  eastern 
direction,  to  its  junction  with  the 
eastern  branch,  receiving  in  its 
course  the  waters  of  lakes  Chesun- 
cook,  Pemadumeook,  Millinoket, 
and  other  large  collections  of  water. 
This  branch  passes  within  3 miles 
of  the  northern  border  of  Moose 
Head  lake,  the  source  of  Kenne- 
bec river.  The  length  of  this  branch 
of  the  Penobscot,  from  its  source  to 
its  union  with  the  east  branch  or 
Seboois  river,  may  be  stated  at 
about  140  miles;  and  the  greatest 
length  of  the  river  to  Bangor, 
215,  and  to  the  ocean,  275  miles. 

Some  of  the  most  important 
tributaries  of  this  majestic  river, 
are  noted  under  their  distinctive 
names;  a description  of  them  all  with 
their  hydraulic  powers  and  boat- 
able  capabilities,  their  rapid  cour- 
ses and  beautiful  cataracts,  their 
fertilizing  qualities,  and  other  pecu- 
liarities, would  fill  a volume.  In- 
deed, these  streams  and  the  immense 
basin  which  they  drain,  are  so  little 
known,  that  some  years  must  elapse 
before  any  thing  like  a fair  delinea- 
tion of  the  value  and  beauty  of  this 
interesting  section  of  New  Eng- 
land can  be  given. 

Penobscot  Bay.  The  waters  of 
this  bay  extend  from  Oivl's  Head 
on  the  west,  to  Burnt  Coat  Island 
on  the  E. ; a distance  of  about  30 
miles.  At  its  mouth  are  Fox  Is- 
lands, Deer  Isle,  Isle  of  Haut, 
and  a number  of  smaller  islands. 
It  extends  to  Belfast  bay,  at  the 
mouth  of  Penobscot  river,  a dis- 
tance of  20  miles  N.  from  Owl’s 
Head.  This  bay  contains  a great 
number  of  commodious  harbors,  and 
on  its  borders  are  many  large  and 
flourishing  commercial  towns.  It 
affords  a great  variety  of  fish,  and 
the  scenery  among  the  islands  is  de- 
lightful. 

Penobscot  County,  Me. 

Bangor,  chief  town.  This  sec- 

27* 


tion  of  country  constituting  a coun- 
ty, is  rather  a district  within  the 
state,  to  be  divided  into  counties  as 
exigencies  may  require.  Not  more 
than  a fourth  part  of  the  territory 
is  settled,  incorporated  into  towns, 
or  even  granted.  With  the  excep- 
tion of  a small  portion  at  its  south- 
ern boundary  , it  comprises  a fertile 
wilderness,  densely  wooded,  pierc- 
ed in  every  direction  with  mill 
streams,  and  adorned  with  beautiful 
lakes.  It  contains  a larger  extent 
of  territory  than  the  whole  agri- 
cultural state  of  Vermont,  with  its 
14  large  and  flourishing  counties  ; 
of  no  better  soil,  at  a greater  dis- 
tance from  the  ocean,  in  nearly  the 
same  latitude,  and,  in  1837,  with  a 
population  of  no  less  than  31  to  a 
square  mile. 

In  1837,  before  a part  of  this  ter- 
ritory was  set  off  to  form  Piscataquis 
county,  it  comprised  an  area  of  10,- 
578  square  miles.  It  was  incorpo- 
rated as  a county  in  1816.  In  1790, 
it  contained  a population  of  only 
1,154.  In  1820,  the  population  was 
13,870;  1830,  31,530,  and  in  1837, 
54,961.  Population  to  a square 
mile,  5 and  a fraction.  Increase  of 
population,  in  7 years,  74  per  cent. 

There  are  some  mountains  in  this 
county,  but  the  surface  is  generally 
undulating,  containing  as  small  a 
portion  of  waste  land  as  any  county 
in  the  state,  in  proportion  to  its  size. 

With  regard  to  its  soil,  it  is  con- 
ceded by  all  who  have  traveled 
through  the  territory  and  examined 
it,  that  its  quality,  for  the  produc- 
tion of  all  the  commodities  necessa- 
ry for  the  wants  and  comforts  of 
man,  is  better  than  the  soil  of  New- 
England  generally. 

The  manufactures  of  this  county 
consist  principally  of  lumber,  of 
which  an  immense  amount  is  annu- 
ally transported.  Other  manufac- 
tures, however,  are  rising  on  the 
banks  of  its  rivers,  and  will  doubt- 
less increase  with  its  population. 
In  1837,  there  were  39,154  sheep 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


in  the  county  of  Penobscot,  and  its 
wheat  crop,  the  same  year,  amount- 
ed to  202,143  bushels. 

Large  portions  of  the  soil  of  this 
almost  wilderness  county  are  stated 
to  be  exceedingly  luxuriant,  equal- 
ling in  quality  the  famed  lands  of 
the  Ohio  valley.  There  are  doubt- 
less large  tracts  of  land  in  the  val- 
leys of  the  Mattawamkeag,  Aroos- 
took, St.  Johns,  and  Madawaska,  as 
fertile,  and  which  will  ultimately 
become  as  valuable  for  their  agri- 
cultural productions,  as  any  in  our 
country". 

The  water  power  of  this  county 
is  unrivalled  by  any  section  of  coun- 
try of  its  extent  in  the  world,  and 
the  noble  Penobscot  furnishes  it 
with  a cheap  and  convenient  pas- 
sage for  the  wants  of  its  people 
from  abroad,  and  for  the  surplus 
productions  of  the  soil  at  home. 

When  the  resources  of  this  coun- 
ty are  more  fully  developed  and 
better  understood ; when  the  health- 
fulness of  the  climate,  the  purity 
of  its  air  and  water,  are  fairly 
compared  with  those  of  the  western 
and  southern  prairies,  and  when  the 
value  of  a surplus  bushel  of  wheat, 
or  a fat  ox  on  the  banks  of  the  Ohio, 
is  compared  with  the  value  of  the 
same  productions  on  the  banks  of 
the  Penobscot,  we  trust  there  will 
be  less  complaint  against  the  soil  of 
New  England,  for  the  want  of  pat- 
ronage it  affords  to  the  enterprize, 
comfort,  and  wealth  of  her  children. 

Feno'bscot,  Me. 

Hancock  co.  A maritime  town, 
on  the  E.  side  of  Penobscot  bay, 
nearly  opposite  to  Belfast,  and  i'2 
miles  E.  by  N.  from  it.  It  is  75 
miles  E.  by  N.  from  Augusta,  S N. 
by  E.  from  Castine,  and  17  S.  W. 
from  Ellsworth.  An  arm  of  Penob- 
scot bay  sets  up  from  the  S.  W.,  and 
gives  the  town  great  navigable  facil- 
ities. It  has  a great  waterpower, 
and  its  manufacture  of  lumber,  its 
ship  building,  and  coasting  trade, 
render  it  an  important  and  flourish- 


ing sea  port.  The  surface  of  the 
town  is  pleasant,  and  the  soil  good. 
Population,  1837,  1,496.  Wheat 
crop,  same  year,  2,074  bushels. — 
Incorporated,  1787. 

Pepperell,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  This  is  a very 
pleasant  town,  with  a good  soil  and 
handsome  orchards.  It  is  watered 
by  the  Nashua  river,  which  gives 
it  a good  water  power.  There  are 
three  paper  mills  in  the  town,  and 
manufactures  of  palm-leaf  hats, 
boots,  shoes,  & c.  Annual  amount 
about  $80,000.  Incorporated,  1753. 
Population,  1837,  1,536.  It  lies  33 
miles  N.  W.  from  Boston,  and  17 
N.  N.  W.  from  Concord. 

Col.  William  Prescott,  the 
brave  defender  of  Charlestown 
heights,  was  a native  of  this  town. 
He  died  in  1795,  aged  70. 

This  town  derived  its  name  from 
Sir  William  Pepperell,  who 
about  the  year  1727,  was  chosen 
ore  of  his  majesty’s  council,  and 
was  annually  re-elected  32  years, 
till  his  death.  Living  in  a coun- 
try exposed  to  a ferocious  enemy, 
he  was  well  fitted  for  the  situa- 
tion, in  which  he  was  placed,  for  it 
pleased  God  to  give  him  a vigorous 
frame,  and  a mind  of  firm  tex- 
ture, and  of  great  calmness  in  dan- 
ger. He  rose  to  the  highest  mili- 
tary honors  which  his  country"  could 
bestow  upon  him.  When'  the  ex- 
pedition against  Louisbourg  was 
contemplated,  he  was  commission- 
ed by  the  governors  of  New  Eng- 
land to  command  the  troops.  He 
invested  the  city"  in  1745.  There 
was  a remarkable  series  of  provi- 
dences in  the  whole  affair,  and  Mr. 
Pepperell  ascribed  his  unparalleled 
success  to  the  God  of  armies.  The 
king,  in  reward  for  his  services, 
conferred  upon  him  the  dignity  of  a 
baronet  of  Great  Britain,  an  honor 
never  before  conferred  on  a native 
of  New  England.  He  died  at  his 
seat  in  Kittery,  Maine,  July  6, 
1759, aged  63  years,  leaving  but  one 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


daughter,  the  wife  of  Col.  Nathan- 
iel Sparhawk.  The  last  Sir  Wil- 
liam (son  of  Col.  Sparhawk,)  died 
in  London  in  1817.  The  name  and 
title  are  extinct. 

Lady  Mary  Pepperell,  relict  of 
Sir  William  Pepperell,  died  at  her 
seat  in  Kittery,  Nov.  25,  1789.  She 
was  daughter  of  Grove  Hirst, 
Esq.  and  grand-daughter  of  Hon. 
Judge  Sewall.  Her  natural  and 
acquired  powers  were  said  to  be 
very  respectable,  and  she  was  much 
admired  for  her  wit  and  sweetness 
of-  manners. 

William  Pepperell,  the  fa- 
ther of  the  first  Sir  William,  was  a 
native  of  Cornwall,  England,  and 
emigrated  to  this  country  about  the 
year  1676,  and  settled  at  the  Isles 
of  Shoals,  as  a fisherman.  It  is 
said,  he  was  so  poor  for  some  time 
after  his  arrival,  that  the  lady  to 
whom  lie  paid  his  addresses  at  the 
Shoals  would  not  hearken  to  him. 
However,  in  a few  years,  by  his 
industry  and  frugality,  he  got 
enough  to  send  out  a brig,  which 
ho  loaded  (o  Hull.  The  lady  now 
gave  her  consent.  After  his  mar- 
riage, he  removed  to  Kittery, 
where  he  became  a very  wealthy 
merchant,  and  died  in  1734. 

Pequaxvltett  River,  Iff.  H. 

PequawTkett,  written  by  Belknap 
Pigwacket,  and  by  Sullivan  Pick- 
wocket,  but  the  true  orthography  is 
found  to  be  Pe-quaw-kett;  an  In- 
dian name  applied  to  a considerable 
tract  of  country,  now  including 
Conway,  N.  H.,  Fryeburgh,  Me., 
and  some  of  the  adjacent  towns. — 
It  is  also  the  name  of  a river  flow- 
ing into  the  Saco,  from  two  ponds 
in  Eaton  ; and  of  a mountain  be- 
tween Bartlett  and  Chatham,  for- 
merly called  Kearsarge. 

Perry,  He. 

"Washington  co.  This  town  lies 
on  the  W.  side  of  St.  Croix  river, 
and  5 miles  N.  W.  from  Eastport, 
to  which  it  is  connected  by  a bridge. 


It  is  favored  with  good  navigable 
waters,  and  is  a place  of  considera- 
ble enterprise  in  the  fishing  busi- 
ness, ship  building,  and  the  coasting 
and  lumber  trade.  It  is  184  miles 
E.  by  N.  from  Augusta,  and  25  E. 
N.  E.  from  Machias.  Incorporated, 
1818.  Population,  1837,  929. 

At  Pleasant  Point,  in  this  town, 
on  the  margin  of  the  river,  is  an 
Indian  reservation,  the  residence  of 
the  remnant  of  the  Openangos,  or 
P assamaquoddy  tribe.  The  village 
contains  a Roman  Catholic  church, 
about  20  cottages,  and  120  souls. — 
The  reservation  comprises  about 
27,000  acres. 

Peru,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  Peru  is  bounded  on 
the  N.  by  Androscoggin  river,  and 
contains  some  pleasant  ponds  and 
mill  streams.  It  has  a good  soil  and 
produced,  in  1837,  3,457  bushels  of 
wheat.  Population,  same  year, 
854.  Incorporated,  1821.  Peru 
lies  38  miles  W.  by  N.  from  Augus- 
ta, and  17  N.  by  E.  from  Paris. 

Peru,  Vt. 

Bennington  co.  This  is  a Green 
Mountain  township,  high  and  brok- 
en. It  contains  two  large  fish  ponds 
from  which  issue  beautiful  moun- 
tain streams.  First  settled,  1773. 
Population,  1830,  455.  It  lies  3C 
miles  N.  N.  E.  from  Bennington, 
and  30  S.  W.  from  Windsor. 

Peru,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  This  is  a rough 
and  mountainous  town,  wherein 
branches  of  Housatonick  and  West- 
field  rivers  rise.  It  was  formerly 
called  Partridgefield,  and  incorpo- 
rated by  that  name  in  1771.  The 
soil  is  cold  but  adapted  for  grazing. 
The  inhabitants  are  chiefly  farm- 
ers. Population,  1837,  656.  In 
that  year  6,127  sheep  were  sheared 
in  this  town  ; the  value  of  the  wool, 
which  weighed  18,381  lbs.,  was 
$11,948.  Peru  lies  111  miles  W. 
from  Boston,  IS  N.  E.  from  Lenox, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


and  47  E.  from  Albany,  N.  Y.  It 
is  the  highest  land  between  the 
Connecticut  and  Hudson  rivers. 

Peterljorowgli,  N.  IT. 

Hillsborough  co.  This  town  lies 
midway  between  Amherst  and 
Keene,  being  20  miles  from  each. 
It  is  75  miles  W.  S.  TV.  from  Ports- 
mouth, 60  N.  W.  from  Boston,  and 
40  S.  W.  from  Concord.  Peterbo- 
rough lies  in  a N.  E.  direction  from 
the  Grand  Monadnock,and  is  bound- 
ed on  the  E.  by  a chain  of  hills 
called  Pack  Monadnock.  Contoo- 
cook  river  runs  in  a N.  E.  and  N. 
direction  through  the  centre  of  the 
town,  affording  several  good  privi- 
leges for  mills  and  factories.  The 
N.  branch,  from  Dublin,  originating 
partly  from  waters  near  the  Monad- 
nock, and  partly  from  Long,  or 
Hunt’s  pond,  lying  in  Nelson  and 
Hancock,  affords  a never-failing 
supply  of  water,  and  furnishes  those 
noble  falls,  on  which  are  situated 
several  factories.  There  are  ex- 
tensive and  valuable  meadows  on 
this  branch,  above  these  falls ; and  j 
the  soil  generally  throughout  the 
town  is  excellent.  In  the  centre 
of  the  town  is  a high  hill,  formerly 
the  site  of  a meeting  house,  at  an 
elevation  of  200  feet  above  the  riv- 
er. The  chain  of  hills  on  the  E.  is 
distinguished  by  two  principal  sum- 
mits. Between  these  summits  is  a 
depression  of  a quarter  part  of  the 
mountain’s  height.  About  60  rods 
W.  of  the  ridge,  or  summit  of  this 
depression,  on  an  embenchment  of 
the  mountain,  is  a pond  of  about 
9 acres  extent,  very  deep  and  re- 
plenished with  fish,  at  an  elevation 
of  200  feet  above  the  site  of  meet- 
ing house  hill.  There  are  rocks 
in  several  places  which  afford  indi- 
cations of  sulphur,  and  crumble  on 
exposure  to  the  sun  and  air.  Iron 
ore  of  an  excellent  quality  has  been 
discovered,  but  as  yet  in  small 
quantities.  Peterborough  was  grant- 
ed in  173S,  by  the  government  of 
Massachusetts  to  Samuel  Heywood 


and  others.  The  first  settlement 
took  place  in  1739.  In  1759  there 
were  45  families,  and  on  the  17th 
Jan.,  the  next  year,  the  town  was 
incorporated.  The  first  settlers  of 
Peterborough  were  Scotch  Presby- 
terians, from  Ireland,  or  their  im- 
mediate descendants.  Wholly  un- 
used to  clearing  and  cultivating  of 
wild  lands,  they  endured  great  hard- 
ships. Their  nearest  gristmill  was 
at  Townsend,  25  miles  distant — 
their  road,  a line  of  marked  trees. 
The  first  male  child  born  here,  was 
John  Richie  ; he  was  born  Feb  22, 
1751,  and  died  in  the  service  of  his 
country  at  Cambridge,  in  1776. — 
Population,  1830, 1,934. 

Petersham,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  Petersham  is  a 
very  pleasant  town,  elevated  on  a 
swell  of  fertile  land,  and  pre- 
senting a fine  prospect  of  many 
of  the  neighboring  towns.  It  was 
first  settled  about  the  year  1732,  and 
was  called  by  the  Indians  JVasha- 
wang.  Swift  river  waters  a part 
of  the  town,  and  affords  a water 
power.  There  is  a woolen  mill  in 
the  town;  and  manufactures  of 
palm-leaf  hats,  leather,  boots,  shoes, 
chairs,  and  cabinet  ware  : total  an- 
nual value,  about  $60,000.  It  lies 
62  miles  W.  by  N.  from  Boston,  and 
27  N.  W.  from  Worcester.  Popula- 
tion, 1337,  1,731.  Incorporated, 
1754. 

Phillips,  Me. 

Franklin  co.  This  town  is  wa- 
tered bjr  Sandy  river.  It  lies  53 
miles  N.  W.  from  Augusta,  and  15 
N.  W.  from  Farmington.  Incorpo- 
rated, 1812.  Pop.  1830,  954;  1S37, 
1,233.  Wheat  crop,  in  1837,  6,233 
bushels. 

Phillipston,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  There  is  a large 
pond  in  this  town,  the  source  of 
Burnshint  river.  This  pleasant  town 
was  taken  from  Athol  and  Temple- 
ton, in  1786.  It  was  called  Gerry 
until  1312.  The  manufactures  of 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


the  town  consist  of  cotton  and 
woolen  goods,  palm-leaf  hats,  leath- 
er, boots  and  shoes  ; annual  value, 
about  $75,000.  It  lies  58  miles  N. 
W.  by  W.  from  Boston,  and  25  N. 
W.  from  Worcester.  Population, 
1837,  8S7. 

PJupsljurgh,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  This  is  a maritime 
town  at  the  mouth  of  Kennebec  riv- 
er, on  the  west  side,  40  miles  S. 
from  Augusta,  and  18  S.  W.  from 
Wiscasset.  Population,  1837,  1,430. 
It  consists  of  a peninsula  of  land, 
of  about  15  miles  in  length,  and 
from  two  to  four  miles  in  width,  ly- 
ing between  Kennebec  river,  on 
the  east,  and  New  Meadows,  or 
Stevens’  "river,  on  the  west,  and  ex- 
tending from  Small  Point,  the  east- 
ern boundary  of  Casco  bay,  to  the 
town  of  Bath  on  the  north.  It  con- 
tains a U.  S.  fort,  and  Seguin  and 
Pond  islands,  on  which  are  light 
houses. 

Phipsburgh  was  taken  from  the 
ancient  town  of  Bristol,  in  1816, 
and  named  in  honor  of  Governor 
Phips,  who  was  born  in  Bristol. 

Governor  Phips  lived  in  the  wil- 
derness of  Maine  till  he  was  eigh- 
teen years  of  age,  and  was  then  an 
apprentice  to  a ship-carpenter  four 
years.  He  went  to  Boston,  and 
learned  to  read  and  write.  He  chose 
to  seek  his  fortune  on  the  sea,  and 
had  the  good  luck  to  discover  the 
wreck  of  a very  valuable  Spanish 
vessel  on  the  coast  of  Hispaniola, 
and  by  the  aid  of  the  British  gov- 
ernment succeeded  in  fishing  up 
plate,  pearls  and  jewels,  amounting 
in  value  to  three  hundred  thousand 
pounds  sterling,  with  which  he 
sailed  to  England  in  1687.  He  ob- 
tained by  his  enterprise  sixteen 
thousand  pounds,  and  the  honor  of 
knighthood.  He  returned  to  Bos- 
ton in  1690,  and  commanded  the 
expedition  against  Port  Royal, 
which  place  he  captured.  When 
the  new  charter  of  Massachu- 
setts was  obtained  he  was  appointed 


the  first  governor  under  it.  He  ar- 
rived at  Boston, as  governor,  in  1692 
In  1694,  in  a dispute  with  the  col 
lector  of  the  port,  Sir  William  so 
far  forgot  his  dignity  as  to  descend 
to  blows.  He  was  removed  from 
office,  and  returned  to  England. 
He  received  assurance  of  being  re- 
stored, but  before  that  event  hap- 
pened he  died,  in  1695,  aged  44. 

Phipsburgh  has  considerable 
trade  and  navigation.  Ship  build- 
ing is  pursued,  and  fishing  is  a 
source  of  profit.  There  is  no  bet- 
ter site  for  fishing  establishments 
on  the  coast.  It  is  a very  pleasant 
town,  and  an  agreeable  location  to 
court  the  sea  breezes  in  summer. 

Piermont,  N.  II., 

Grafton  co.,  is  bounded  N.  by 
Haverhill.  It  is  65  miles  N. 
N.  W.  from  Concord.  The  soil, 
especially  on  the  Connecticut,  is 
good.  The  meadows,  or  intervales, 
are  extensive,  and  in  some  instan- 
es  highly  cultivated.  The  mead- 
ows are  composed  of  sandy  loam, 
in  some  places  inclined  to  marie, 
and  are  favorable  to  the  growth  of 
wheat,  corn  and  every  kind  of  grain. 
Back  from  the  river  the  town  is 
made  up  of  swells  of  fine  grazing 
and  mowing  land, well  watered  with 
brooks  and  springs.  In  the  N.  E. 
part  of  the  town  are  three  consid- 
erable ponds,  called  Eastman’s 
ponds.  From  these  ponds  issues 
Eastman’s  brook,  which,  passing  in 

E.  direction,  falls  into  Connec- 
ticut river,  forming  a number  of 
excellent  mill  seats.  Indian  brook, 
on  which  mills  are  erected,  is  in  the 
S.  part.  The  settlement  commenc- 
ed in  1770.  Population,  in  1830, 
1,042. 

Pilot  Mountain,  N.  H. 

See  Kilkenny. 

Piscataqua  River,  N.  H. 

The  only  large  river  whose  entire 
course  is  in  New  Hampshire,  is 
formed  by  the  junction  of  several 


NEW  ENGLAND 


GAZETTEER. 


small  streams  in  a wide  and  deep 
bed  ; hollowed  out  partly  by  them, 
and  partly  by  the  tide.  The  names 
of  these  streams,  beginning  at  the 
northeast,  are  Salmon  Fall,  Coche- 
co,  Bellamy  bank, Oyster,  Lamprey, 
Squamscot,  and  Winnicut  rivers. 
The  five  last  unite  their  waters  in 
a large  and  irregular  bay  between 
Durham  and  Greenland,  more  re- 
sembling a lake  than  a river.  The 
waters  of  this  bay  meet  those  of 
Salmon  Fall  and  Cocheco  rivers, 
coming  from  the  northwest  at  Hil- 
ton’s point,  a few  miles  below  Do- 
ver. After  this  junction,  they  pro- 
ceed in  a direct  line  to  the  south- 
east ; and  join  the  ocean  2 or  3 miles 
below  Portsmouth ; embosoming 
several  islands,  and  forming  one  of 
the  best  harbors  on  the  continent. 
Few  rivers  make  a more  magnifi- 
cent appearance  than  this  ; yet  the 
streams  by  which  it  is  supplied  are 
small.  Salmon  Fall  furnishes  more 
than  all  the  rest.  This  stream  is 
called  Newichawannock  from  the 
falls  in  Berwick  till  it  receives  the 
waters  of  the  Cocheco  ; but  the 
name  of  Piscataqua  ought  to  be  ap- 
plied to  the  whole  of  Salmon  Fail 
river. 

Piscataquis  River,  Me. 

The  head  waters  of  this  river  are 
found  in  the  high  lands  which  sep- 
arate the  waters  of  Penobscot  and 
Kennebec  rivers.  Its  length  is  about 
65  miles,  passing  in  a course  nearly 
east.  It  has  many  tributaries,  of 
which  Sebec  and  Pleasant  rivers, 
and  Seboois  stream,  from  the  north, 
are  the  largest.  In  its  course  it 
fertilizes  large  tracts  of  country, 
and  gives  to  the  towns  through 
which  it  passes  a good  hydraulic 
power. 

Piscataquis  County,  Me. 

Dover,  chief  town.  This  county 
was  incorporated,  March  23,  1838. 
Its  territory  is  thus  described  in  the 
act  of  incorporation,  to  wit : 


“ That  from  and  after  the  last 
day  of  April  next,  all  that  portion 
of  territory  lying  north  of  the  south 
lines  of  Parkman  and  Wellington, 
in  the  county  of  Somerset,  and  lying 
north  of  the  north  lines  of  the  towns 
of  Dexter,  Garland,  Charleston, 
Bradford,  and  south  line  of  Kilmar- 
nock, in  the  county  of  Penobscot; 
and  bounded  east  by  the  east  lines  of 
Milton,  Kilmarnock  and  townships 
numbered  four  in  the  eighth  and 
ninth  ranges ; and  thence  bounded 
east  by  a line  running  north  from 
the  northeast  corner  of  said  town- 
ship numbered  four,  in  the  ninth 
range,  to  the  north  line  of  the  state  ; 
and  bounded  on  the  west  by  the 
west  lines  of  Wellington,  Kings- 
bury, Shirley, and  township  number 
two  in  the  fifth  range  ; and  thence 
bounded  west  by  a line  running 
north  from  the  northwest  corner 
of  said  township  number  two,  to  the 
Kennebec  river ; thence  up  and  by 
the  southerly  bank  of  said  river  to 
Moose  Head  lake  ; thence  bounded 
westerly  by  the  westerly  margin 
of  said  lake,  to  the  northwest  angle 
of  said  lake — and  thence  bounded 
west  by  a line  running  north,  to  the 
north  line  of  the  state — be  and  the 
same  is  hereby  constituted  and 
made  a county  by  the  name  of,”  &c. 

This  county  is  therefore  bounded 
N.  W.  and  N.  by  the  British  pos- 
sessions in  Lower  Canada,  E.  by  the 
county  of  Penobscot,  S.  by  the 
counties  of  Penobscot  and  Somer- 
set, and  W.  by  Somerset  county 
There  are  numerous  lakes  and  ponds 
in  the  county,  the  largest  of  which 
are  the  Moose  Head,  Chesuncook 
and  Pemadumcook.  The  county  is 
crossed  by  the  Piscataquis,  Penob- 
scot and  Walloomstook  rivers,  but 
most  of  its  excellent  mill  streams, 
of  which  there  are  many,  rise  with- 
in the  county,  from  its  own  natural 
sources.  There  are  some  consider- 
able elevations,  the  largest  of  which 
is  Katalidin  Mountain.  The  char- 
acter of  the  surface  and  soil  of  Pis- 
cataquis county  is  generally  that  cf 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER 


Penobscot  and  Somerset  counties, 
from  which  it  was  taken. 

Piscataquog  River,  N.  H., 

Is  formed  of  two  principal  branch- 
es, one  from  Francestown,  the  other 
from  Henniker  and  Deering,  which 
unite  and  form  the  main  stream  near 
the  W.  line  of  Goffstown.  It  pur- 
sues a southeasterly  course  through 
Goffstown  and  the  N.  E.  corner  of 
Bedford,  where  it  falls  into  Merri- 
mack river. 

PlSCATAQUOG  VILLAGE,  On 
this  river  and  near  its  mouth,  is  a 
thriving  and  pleasant  village,  situ- 
ate in  the  N.  E.  part  of  Bedford.  A 
handsome  bridge  is  constructed  over 
the  Piscataquog,  in  this  village,  60 
feet  in  length.  Since  the  Union 
Canal  commenced  operation,  the 
boating  business  to  this  place  has 
been  carried  on  with  much  success. 
On  the  S.  side  of  the  river,  below 
this  village,  is  a public  landing 
place,  extending  to  the  Merrimack, 
and  from  this  place  lumber  of  all 
descriptions  from  the  circumjacent 
country,  is  conveyed  down  the  riv- 
er to  market  by  rafts  and  boats  to 
Newburyport,and  through  the  Mid- 
dlesex canal  to  Charlestown  and 
Boston.  The  rise  and  present  flour- 
ishing appearance  of  this  village  is 
owing  in  a great  measure  to  the 
enterprise  and  industry  of  William 
Parker  and  Isaac  Riddle,  esquires, 
who  were  the  first  to  commence 
the  mercantile  business  in  this 
place. 

Pittsfield,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  This  is  a town  of 
excellent  soil,  and  a branch  of  Se- 
basticook  river  rises  in  the  S.  E. 
corner.  The  inhabitants  are  gen- 
erally good  and  thriving  farmers. 
Pittsfield  was  incorporated  in  1819. 
Wheat  crop,  1837,  4,869  bushels. 
Population,  1830,  609  ; 1837,  836. 
It  lies  38  miles  N.  N.  E.  from  Au- 
gusta,and  20  E.  from  Norridgewock. 


Pittsfield,  Iff.  Ii. 

Merrimack  co.  The  surface  of 
Pittsfield  is  pleasantly  varied.,  with 
a good  soil.  Suncook  river  passes 
through  the  town,  affording  good 
mill  privileges.  Catamount  moun- 
tain stretches  across  the  S.  E.  part  of 
the  town,  from  the  summit  of  which 
delightful  views  are  obtained.  There 
are  a number  of  ponds  in  the  town  ; 
west  of  which  the  magnetic-needle 
varies  materially.  Berry’s  pond  is  on 
the  mountain  : — it  is  half  a mile  in 
length,  and  is  supplied  by  mountain 
springs.  There  is  a neat  and  flour- 
ishing village  in  Pittsfield  ; a large 
cotton  mill,  a scythe  factory,  and  an 
academy. 

This  town  was  first  settled  in  1784. 
Population,  1830,  1,271.  It  is  16 
miles  N.  E.  from  Concord. 

Pittsfield,  Vt. 

Rutland  co.  Tweed  river  is  form- 
ed in  this  town,  by  two  branches, 
which  afford  mill  seats : it  empties 
into  White  river,  which  passes 
through  the  N.  E.  corner.  The 
surface  of  the  town  is  mountainous, 
and  the  soil  hard.  Pittsfield  was 
first  settled  in  1786.  Population, 
1830,  505.  It  lies  35  miles  S.  S.  W. 
from  Montpelier,  and  17  N.  E.  from 
Rutland. 

Pittsfield,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  This  large  manu- 
facturing and  agricultural  town,  a 
mart  of  trade  for  a large  section  of 
country,  lies  125  miles  W.  from 
Boston,  5 N.  from  Lenox,  and  33  E. 
from  Albany,  N.  Y.  Population, 
1837,  3,575.  The  settlement  of 
this  place,  the  Indian  Pontoosuck% 
was  commenced  in  1736.  It  was 
incorporated  in  1761.  It  was  a fron- 
tier town  for  some  years,  and  garri- 
sons w'ere  erected  for  the  protection 
of  (lie  inhabitants  against  the  in- 
roads of  the  savages.  The  town  is 
finely  watered  by  two  branches  of 
the  Housatonick,  which  unite  near 
its  centre.  There  are  in  Pittsfield 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


6 woolen  and  2 cotton  mills,  and 
manufactures  of  muskets,  iron  cast- 
ings, tin  ware,  leather,  hats,  car- 
riages, prunella  buttons,  chairs, 
corn  brooms,  cabinet  ware,  &c. ; 
total  amount,  the  year  ending  April 
1, 1S37,  $683,716.  The  value  of 
12,962  fleeces  of  wool  sheared  in 
the  town  the  same  year,  was 
$19,443.  Pittsfield  is  one  of  the 
pleasantest  towns  in  New  England  : 
it  lies  1,000  feet  above  the  level  of 
the  sea,  in  a fertile  valley  between 
the  Taughkannick  and  Green  moun- 
tain ranges.  The  village  is  well 
located,  and  contains  many  beauti- 
ful buildings,  which,  with  the  fine 
scenery  and  well  cultivated  farms 
that  surround  it,  presents  a great 
variety  to  charm  the  eye  and  to 
gratify  the  taste  of  the  intelligent 
agriculturalist. 

There  are  in  Pittsfield  a medical 
institution,  a female  academy,  &c., 
which  will  be  noticed  in  the  Reg- 
ister. 

Pittsford,  Vt. 

Rutland  co.  Otter  creek  mean- 
ders through  this  very  pleasant  and 
flourishing  town,  nearly  in  its  cen- 
tre, and  fertilizes  a large  part  of 
its  territory.  Furness  river  affords 
the  town  good  privileges,  on  which 
are  large  iron  works  and  other  man- 
ufactories. Iron  ore  of  a very  fine 
quality,  and  elastic  marble,  are 
abundant;  also,  the  oxide  of  man- 
ganese. The  agricultural  produc- 
tions are  valuable.  In  1337  there 
were  in  the  town  12,363  sheep.  A 
female  child  was  born  here  in  1734, 
who  died  at  the  age  of  9 years,  and 
weighed  200  pounds.  Pittsford  was 
first  settled  about  the  year  1770. — 
It  was  a frontier  town  for  a num- 
ber of  years.  The  remains  of  Fort 
Yengence  are  still  visible.  This 
town  lies  44  miles  S.  W.  from  Mont- 
pelier, and  S N.  from  Rutland. — 
Population,  1330,  2,003. 

Pittston,  3Ie. 

Kennebec  co.  Pittston  is  a pleas- 


ant town,  on  the  east  side  of  Ken- 
nebec river,  opposite  to  Gardiner ; 
7 miles  S.  by  E.  from  Augusta.  It 
is  a flourishing  town,  of  good  soil, 
and  has  several  ponds  and  mill 
streams,  and  a considerable  business 
in  the  lumber  trade.  Incorporated, 
1779.  Population,  1337,  2,121. — 
Wheat  crop,  same  year,  2,231  bush- 
els. 

Plainfield,  X.  H., 

Sullivan  co.,  lies  on  Connecticut 
river.  It  is  12  miles  S.  from  Dart- 
mouth college,  and  N.  W.  53  from 
Concord.  There  is  considerable 
valuable  intervale,  on  Connecticut 
river,  and  in  other  parts  are  excel- 
lent meadows.  There  are  two 
ponds.  At  the  S.  W.  part  of  this 
town,  in  Connecticut  river,  is  Hart’s 
island,  which  contains  19  acres. — 
Waterqueechy  falls  are  in  this  town. 
A bridge  was  erected  here  in  1307. 
A small  stream,  flowing  from  Croy- 
don mountains,  waters  the  town. — 
Plainfield  has  a pleasant  village, 
situated  on  a handsome  plain, 
through  the  centre  of  which  the 
street  passes  N.  andS.  On  a pleas- 
ant eminence  in  Meriden  parish  is 
located  “ The  Union  Academy,”  in- 
corporated June  16,  1313.  It  is  en- 
dowed with  a permanent  fund  of 
$40,000,  the  liberal  bequest  of  the 
late  Hon.  Daniel  Kimball,  the 
interest  of  which,  as  directed  by 
his  last  will,  is  to  be  applied  as  fol- 
lows, viz  : $150  annually  to  the 
support  of  a Calvinistic  preacher, 
and  the  remainder  for  the  instruc- 
tion of  pious  young  men  for  the 
ministry.  This  seminary  is  in  a 
flourishing  condition.  Plainfield 
was  granted  in  1761,  and  was  settled 
in  1764.  Population,  1330,  1,531. 

Plainfield,  Vt. 

Washington  co.  First  settled, 
1794.  Population,  1330,  374.  It 
lies  8 miles  E.  from  Montpelier,  and 
21  from  Newbury.  At  the  junc- 
tion of  Onion  river  and  Great  brook, 
in  this  town,  is  a neat  village  with 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER 


some  manufacturing  operations  by 
water.  There  is  a mineral  spring 
in  the  town  of  some  note,  and  a fine 
trout  pond.  The  soil  is  generally  of 
a good  quality,  and  feeds  about 
3,000  sheep. 

Plainfield,  Mass. 

Hampshire  co.  This  town  is 
elevated  on  the  Green  mountain 
range,  at  the  N.  W.  corner  of  the 
county,  and  watered  by  the  upper 
branches  of  Westfield  river. — 
Although  the  surface  is  rough  and 
mountainous,  yet  the  soil  is  excel- 
lent for  pasturage, and  produces  some 
fine  cattle.  In  1837,  the  fleeces  of 
3,772  sheep,  sheared  in  this  town, 
were  valued  at  $5,379.  There  are 
2 woolen  mills,  and  manufactures  of 
boots,  shoes,  leather,  palm-leaf  hats, 
chairs,  cabinet  ware,  &c  ; total  an- 
nual value  about  $40,000.  Plain- 
field  lies  110  miles  W.  by  N.  from 
Boston,  and  20  N.  W.  from  North- 
ampton. Incorporated,  1785.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  865. 

Plainfield,  Ct. 

Windham  co.  Mooseup  river  af- 
fords this  town  a good  water  power, 
on  which,  in  the  pleasant  villages  of 
Unionville  and  Centreville,  are 
considerable  manufactures  of  cot- 
ton and  woolen  goods.  This  town 
was  incorporated  in  1700 : a part 
of  the  land  is  broken  and  stony,  but 
in  the  western  section  there  is  an 
extensive  plain,  of  a light  sandy 
loam,  noted  for  its  adaptation  to  the 
growth  of  corn  and  other  grain. — 
In  olden  times  this  plain  was  called 
the  Egypt  of  the  surrounding  coun- 
try. 

The  village  is  on  a commanding 
eminence,  from  which  there  is  an 
extensive  prospect,  and  in  which  is 
one  of  the  best  academies  in  the 
state  ; incorporated  in  1783.  It  lies 
41  E.  from  Hartford,  and  8 S.by  E. 
from  Brooklyn.  Population,  1830, 
2,290. 


Plaistow,  N.  II. 

Rockingham  co.  It  lies  36  miles 
S.  S.  E.  from  Concord,  and  30  S.  W. 
from  Portsmouth.  Plaistow  was  or- 
riginally  a part  of  Haverhill,  Mass., 
and  included  in  the  purchase  of  the 
Indians  in  1642.  Among  the  first 
settlers  were  Capt.  Charles  Bartlett, 
Nicholas  White,  Esq.,  Dea.  Benja- 
min Kimball  and  J.  Harriman. — 
Their  posterity  now  inhabit  the 
town.  After  it  became  annexed  to 
New  Hampshire,  a charter  was 
granted  in  1749.  The  soil  of  this 
town  is  good,  being  a mixture  of 
black  loam,  clay  and  gravel.  Popu- 
lation, in  1830,  591. 

Platt  River,  Vt. 

This  small  but  good  mill  stream 
rises  in  a pond  in  Richmond  ; pass- 
es through  Hinesburgh,  and  a cor- 
ner of  Charlotte,  and  falls  into 
Shelburne  bay. 

Pleasant  Rivers,  Me. 

Pleasant  River , in  W ashington 
county,  rises  from  a pond  in  Bed- 
dington,  and  passing  in  a N.  E.  di- 
rection falls  into  Pleasant  river  bay, 
which  lies  E.  from  Naraguagus  bay, 
and  is  connected  with  that  bay,  at 
its  mouth. 

Pleasant  River,  Piscataquis  coun- 
ty, is  an  important  mill  stream ; a 
tributary  of  the  Piscataquis,  from 
the  north.  It  receives  the  two 
Ebeeme  branches,  as  they  are  call- 
ed, about  15  miles  from  its  mouth, 
in  Milo. 

Plum  Island,  Mass. 

See  Newbury. 

Plymouth,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  This  is  a fine 
township  of  land,  watered  by  beau- 
tiful ponds,  and  a valuable  branch 
of  Sebasticook  river.  It  lies  45 
miles  N.  E.  from  Augusta,  and  23 
W.  from  Bangor.  Wheat  crop,  1837, 


28 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


4,530  bushels.  Population,  same 
year,  791.  Incorporated,  1826. 

Plymouth,  N.  H., 

The  half  shire  of  Grafton  county, 
is  75  miles  N.  W.  from  Portsmouth, 
31  S.  E.  from  Haverhill,  and  40  N. 
from  Concord.  This  town  is  well 
watered.  Besides  numerous  small- 
er streams,  there  are  two  rivers, 
Pemigewasset  and  Baker’s,  both  of 
which  are  of  considerable  impor- 
tance. They  take  their  rise  in  the 
height  of  land  between  the  Con- 
necticut and  Merrimack,  called  the 
eastern  ridge.  Baker’s  river  is  30 
miles  in  length.  The  soil  is  tolera- 
bly good,  and  in  general  is  well  cul- 
tivated. Holmes’ academy  is  situ- 
ated in  this  town,  and  is  a very  flour- 
ishing school.  Plymouth  wa3  grant- 
ed in  1763.  The  first  settlement 
commenced  in  1764.  The  inter- 
vales in  this  town  were  formerly  the 
resort  of  Indians  for  hunting.  At 
the  mouth  of  Baker’s  river  they 
had  a settlement,  where  Indian 
graves,  bones,  &c.,  have  been 
found : also  gun  barrels,  stone 
mortars,  pestles,  and  other  utensils. 
Here,  it  is  said,  the  Indians  were 
attacked  by  Capt.  Baker  and  a party 
from  Haverhill,  Mass.,  who  defeat- 
ed them,  killed  a number  and  de- 
stroyed a large  quantity  of  fur. — 
From  him,  Baker’s  river  derives  its 
name.  Population,  in  1830,  1,175. 

Plyxuoutli,  Vt. 

Windsor  co.  Two  mountains  in 
this  town  rise  to  a considerable  ele- 
vation, one  of  which,  Mount  Tom, 
is  quite  abrupt.  The  soil  is  gener- 
ally good  for  grazing,  and  consider- 
able products  of  the  dairy  are  sent 
to  market.  Black  and  Queechy 
rivers  take  their  rise  here,  and  af- 
ford mill  privileges.  There  are  a 
number  of  natural  ponds  in  the 
town,  which  furnish  a great  sup- 
ply of  trout  and  other  fish.  Among 
the  lime  stone  rocks  which  abound 
in  this  town  are  numerous  caves, 
some  of  which  are  very  large,  and 


curious.  Extensive  beds  of  soap- 
stone are  found  here. 

Plymouth  lies  52  miles  S.  from 
Montpelier,  and  15  W.  by  N.  from 
Windsor.  Population,  1830,  1,237. 
First  settled,  1776. 

Plymouth  County,  Mass. 

Plymouth,  chief  town.  The  soil 
of  this  most  ancient  county  in  New 
England,  is  not  so  productive  as  that 
of  many  others  in  Massachusetts; 
yet  there  is  considerable  good  land 
within  its  limits.  It  has  a great 
waterpower,  which  is  more  partic- 
ularly applied  to  the  manufacture 
of  iron  ware,  of  all  sorts,  both 
wrought  and  cast.  It  has  an  abun- 
dant supply  of  iron  ore,  of  a supe- 
rior quality.  This  county  has  a sea 
coast  on  Massachusetts  bay,  of  be- 
tween 30  and  40  miles,  and  many 
ships  are  built  in  its  numerous  ports 
of  native  white  oak.  This  county 
has  considerable  foreign  commerce; 
but  its  shipping  is  principally  en- 
gaged in  the  fishing  business  and 
coasting  trade.  It  is  bounded  N. 
E.  by  Massachusetts  bay,  N.  by 
Norfolk  county,  and  Boston  harbor, 
W.  and  N.  W.  by  Norfolk  county, 
S.  W.  by  Bristol  county,  and  S.  E. 
by  Buzzard’s  bay,  and  Barnstable 
county.  Area,  about  600  square 
miles.  This  county  was  incorpor- 
ated in  1635.  Population,  1S20, 
38,136;  1830,42,993;  1837,46,253. 
Population,  to  a square  mile,  77. — 
The  North  river,  emptying  into 
Massachusetts  bay,  and  numerous 
branches  of  the  Taunton,  are  its 
chief  rivers. 

In  1837,  there  were  in  this  coun- 
ty 11,410  sheep.  The  value  of  the 
manufactures,  the  year  ending 
April  1,  1837,  was  $4,896,907.— 
The  value  of  the  fishery,  during  the 
same  period,  was  $582,419. 

Plymouth,  Mass. 

Plymouth  co.  Chief  town.  This 
place  is  full  ofinterest.it  being  the 
oldest  settlement  by  Europeans  in 
*New  England,  and  the  landing 


Landing  of  the  Pilgrims  at  Plymouth , Pt  ctmber 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


place  of  our  forefathers  on  the  22d  of 
Decemher.  1620.  Its  Indian  name 
was  Patuxet.  Plymouth  lies  35 
miles  S.  E.  by  S.  from  Boston  : N. 
lat.  41°  57'  30".  W.  Ion.  70°  40' 
45".  Population,  1830,  4,384;  1837, 
5,034.  Incorporated,  1620. 

“Plymouth  was  the  first  town  built 
in  New  England  by  civilized  man  ; 
and  those  by  whom  it  was  built 
were  inferior  in  worth  to  no  body 
of  men,  whose  names  are  recorded 
in  history,  during  the  last  seventeen 
hundred  years.  A kind  of  vener- 
ableness, arising  from  these  facts, 
attaches  to  this  town,  which  may 
be  termed  a prejudice.  Still,  it  has 
its  foundation  in  the  nature  of  man, 
and  will  never  be  eradicated  either 
by  philosophy  or  ridicule.  No 
New  Englander,  who  is  willing  to 
indulge  his  native  feelings,  can 
stand  upon  the  rock,  where  our  an- 
cestors set  the  first  foot  after  their 
arrival  on  the  American  shore, 
without  experiencing  emotions  very 
different  from  those  which  are  ex- 
cited by  any  common  object  of  the 
same  nature.  No  New  Englander 
could  be  willing  to  have  that  rock 
buried  and  forgotten.  Let  him 
reason  as  much,  as  coldly,  and  as 
ingeniously  as  he  pleases,  he  will 
still  regard  that  spot  with  emotions 
wholly  different  from  those  which 
are  excited  by  other  places  of  e*qual 
or  even  superior  importance.  We 
cannot  wish  this  trait  in  the  human 
character  obliterated.  In  a higher 
state  of  being,  where  truth  is  uni- 
versally as  well  as  cordially  embrac- 
ed, and  virtue  controls  without  a 
rival,  this  prejudice,  if  it  must  be 
called  by  that  name,  will  become 
useless,  and  may,  therefore,  be 
safely  discarded.  Butin  our  pres- 
ent condition,  every  attachment, 
which  is  innocent,  has  its  use,  and 
contributes  both  to  fix  and  to  soften 
man.  When  we  call  to  mind  the 
history  of  their  sufferings  on  both 
sides  of  the  Atlantic,  when  we  re- 
member their  pre-eminent  patience, 
their  unspotted  piety,  their  immove- 


able fortitude,  their  undaunted  re- 
solution, their  love  to  each  other, 
their  justice  and  humanity  to  the 
savages,  and  there  freedom  from  all 
those  stains  which  elsewhere  spot- 
ted the  character  even  of  their  com- 
panions in  affliction,  we  cannot  but 
view  them  as  illustrious  brothers, 
claiming  the  veneration  and  ap- 
plause of  all  their  posterity. 

The  institutions,  civil,  literary, 
and  religious,  by  which  New  Eng- 
land is  distinguished  on  this  side  the 
Atlantic,  began  here.  Here  the 
manner  of  holding  lands  in  free 
soccage,  now  universal  in  this  coun- 
try, commenced.  Here  the  right 
of  sufferage  was  imparted  to  every 
citizen,  to  every  inhabitant  not  dis- 
qualified by  poverty  or  vice.  Here 
was  formed  the  first  establishment 
of  towns,  of  the  local  legislature, 
which  is  called  a town  meeting,  and 
of  the  peculiar  town  executive, 
styled  the  selectmen.  Here  the 
first  parochial  school  was  set  up, 
and  the  system  originated  for  com- 
municating to  every  child  in  the 
community  the  knowledge  of  read- 
ing, writing,  and  arithmetic.  Here, 
also,  the  first  building  was  erected 
for  the  worship  of  God ; the  first 
religious  assembly  gathered ; and 
the  first  minister  called  and  settled, 
by  the  voice  of  the  church  and  con- 
gregation. On  these  simple  found- 
ations has  since  been  erected  a 
structure  of  good  order,  peace,  lib- 
erty, knowledge,  morals  and  relig- 
ion, with  which  nothing  on  this  side 
the  Atlantic  can  bear  a remote  com- 
parison.” 

The  land  in  this  town  is  generally 
hilly,  and  sandy ; but  there  is  a 
border  of  considerable  extent  on 
the  sea  board, having  been  well  cul- 
tivated, consisting  of  a rich  loamy 
soil,  and  capable  of  yielding  large 
crops. 

The  town  is  watered  by  Eel  and 
Wonkinqua  rivers,  Town,  Willings- 
ly  and  Double  brooks,  and  more 
than  200  ponds,  the  largest  of  which 
i3  called  Billington  Sea.  “ This 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


was  formerly  called  Fresh  Lake. 
It  was  discovered  about  the  1st  of 
January,  1621,  by  Francis  Billing- 
ton,  while  mounted  on  a tree 
standing  on  a hill.  It  was  in  the 
midst  of  a thick  forest,  and  when 
seen  at  a distance,  Billington  sup- 
posed it  to  be  another  sea.  On  the 
8th  of  January,  he  went  with  one 
of  the  master’s  mates,  to  view  the 
place.  They  found  two  lakes  con- 
tiguous,separated  by  a narrow  space; 
the  largest  is  about  six  miles  in 
circumference,  and  is  the  far  famed 
Billington  Sea.  It  is  about  two 
miles  southwest  from  the  town,  and 
from  it  issues  the  Town  brook.  In 
this  pond  there  are  two  small  isl- 
ands. The  largest,  containing  about 
two  acres,  having  been  planted 
with  apple-trees,  produces  excel- 
lent fruit.  This  pond  is  well  stock- 
ed with  pickerel  and  perch.  The 
majestic  eagle  is  frequently  seen 
cowering  over  this  pond,  and  has 
for  ages  built  its  nest  in  the  branch- 
es of  the  trees,  visiting  the  flats  in 
the  harbor  at  low  tide  in  pursuit  of 
fish  and  birds.  Loons,  and  the  beau- 
tiful wood-duck  produce  their  young 
in  sequestered  retreats  about  this 
pond,  annually. 

The  fallow  deer,  tenacious  of 
their  ancient  place  of  rendezvous, 
continue  to  visit  this  pond  for  drink, 
and  to  browse  on  its  margin.  For 
many  years  this  beautiful  pond  was 
a favorite  resort  for  social  parties. 
A house  was  erected  on  the  bank,  a 
pleasure-boat  was  in  the  pond,  and 
tea-parties  and  fishing-parties  unit- 
ed in  the  happiest  enjoyments. 

There  are  on  the  road  to  Sand- 
wich, in  the  woods,  two  rocks  call- 
ed Sacrifice  rocks.  They  are  cov- 
ered with  sticks  and  stones,  which 
have  been  accumulating  for  centu- 
ries. It  was  the  constant  practice 
among  the  aboriginals,  to  throw  a 
stone,  or  stick  on  the  rock  in  pass- 
ing. The  late  Rev.  Mr.  Hawley, 
who  spent  many  years  among  the 
natives  atMarshpee,  endeavored  to 
learn  from  them  the  design  of  this 


singular  rite,  but  could  only  con- 
jecture that  it  was  an  acknowledg- 
ment of  an  invisible  Being,  the  un- 
known God  whom  this  people  wor- 
shipped. This  pile  was  their  altar. 

Burying  Hill,  formerly  Fort 
Hill.  Immediately  in  the  rear  of 
the  town  is  a hill,  rising  165  feet 
above  the  seale vel,  embracing  about 
eight  acres.  On  the  summit  of  the 
southwest  side,  the  pilgrims  erect- 
ed first  some  temporary  defence, 
but,  in  1675,  on  the  approach  of 
Philip’s  war  they  erected  a strong 
fort,  100  feet  square,  strongly  palis- 
adoed,  ten  and  a half  feet  high. — 
No  other  place  could  have  been  so 
well  chosen,  either  for  discovering 
the  approach  of  savages,  or  for  de- 
fending the  town  against  their  at- 
tacks. The  settlement  was  rend- 
ered perfectly  secure,  and  springs 
of  water  were  at  their  command. 
The  whole  circuit  of  the  fort  is  still 
distinctly  visible,  a watch-house  of 
brick  was  also  built  near  the  fort. 

The  view  presented  from  this 
eminence,  embracing  the  harbor 
and  the  shores  of  the  bay  for  miles 
around,  is  not,  perhaps,  inferior  to 
any  in  the  country.  Let  the  anti- 
quarian come  at  full  tide  and  when 
the  billows  are  calmed,  and  seat 
himself  on  this  mount,  that  he  may 
survey  the  incomparable  landscape, 
and  enjoy  the  interesting  asso- 
ciations with  which  he  will  be  in- 
spired. Immediately  beneath  the 
hill  lies  the  town  in  full  view,  and 
beyond  this  the  harbor  and  ship- 
ping. The  harbor  is  a beautiful 
expanse  of  water,  bounded  on  the  S. 
by  Manomet  point,  and  near  which 
commences  a beach  three  miles  in 
length,  breasting  the  rolling  billows 
of  the  bay,  and  serving  as  a barrier 
to  the  wharves  ; and  on  the  N.  E. 
by  a promontory  extending  from 
Marshfield,  called  the  Gurnet,  on 
the  point  of  which  stands  the  light- 
house. 

These  several  points,  together 
with  the  opposite  shores,  complete- 
ly enclose  the  harbor,  having 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Clark’s  Island  and  Saquish  in  its 
bosom.  Beyond  these  points  opens 
the  great  bay  of  Massachusetts, 
bounded  at  the  southern  extremity 
by  the  peninsula  of  Cape  Cod, 
which  is  distinctly  visible,  and 
spreading  boundless  to  the  north- 
east. On  the  N.  appears  the  flour- 
ishing village  of  Duxbury,  shooting 
into  the  bay,  and  exhibiting  a hand- 
some conical  hill,  ever  to  be  re- 
membered as  once  the  property  and 
residence  of  the  gallant  Standish. 
Between  Duxbury  and  Plymouth, 
is  the  harbor  and  pleasant  village 
of  Kingston.  Having  taken  a sur- 
vey of  this  magnificent  group,  so 
exceedingly  endeared  to  the  New 
England  antiquarian,  and  enjoyed  a 
spiritual  vision  of  the  Mayflower, 
laden  with  men,  women  and  chil- 
dren, come  as  founders  of  a mighty 
empire,  we  are  next  led  to  view  a 
scene  of  more  solemn  contempla- 
tion. The  whole  extent  of  the  hill 
is  covered  with  the  symbols  of  mor- 
tality, the  sepulchres  of  our  vener- 
ated fathers.  We  tread  on  the  ash- 
es of  some  of  those  to  whom  we  are 
indebted,  under  Providence,  for  our 
most  precious  earthly  enjoyments, 
all  that  is  valuable  in  life,  much  of 
principle  and  example  which  are 
consoling  in  death.  With  what  so- 
licitude do  we  search  for  a sepul- 
chral stone  bearing  the  names  of 
Carver,  Bradford,  and  their  glorious 
associates. 

The  following  are  the  most  an- 
cient monuments  which  can  be 
traced  within  this  enclosure  : — 

Here  lies  the  body  of  Edward  Gray, 
Gent.,  aged  about  fifty-two  years,  and 
departed  this  life  the  last  of  June, 
1681. 

Here  lyes  ye  body  of  ye  Honorable 
Major  William  Bradford,  who  expired 
February  ye  20,  1703-4,  aged  79  years. 

He  lived  long,  but  still  was 
doing  good, 

And  in  his  country’s  service  lost 
much  blood. 

After  a life  well  spent  he’s  now 
at  rest— 

His  very  name  and  memory  is  blest. 

28* 


There  are  in  Plymouth  3 cotton 
mills,  3 nail  factories,  and  manufac- 
tures of  vessels,  cordage,  boots, 
shoes,  leather,  hats,  straw  bonnets, 
chairs,  tin  and  cabinet  wares  : — the 
value  of  which  for  the  year  ending 
April  1,1337,  was  $508,932.  Dur- 
ing that  year  there  were  4 vessels 
engaged  in  the  whale  fishery,  45  in 
the  cod  and  mackerel  fishery,  and  a 
large  number  of  vessels  employed 
in  the  merchant  service  and  coast- 
ing trade.  Tonnage  of  the  district, 
in  1837,  26,635  tons.  The  product 
of  the  fishery,  the  same  year,  was 
$154,636. 

The  corner  stone  of  Pilgrim 
Hall  was  laid  in  this  town  on  the 
1st  of  September,  1824.  This  edi- 
fice is  70  by  40  feet,  with  walls  of 
unwrought  split  granite ; the  height 
from  the  top  of  the  foundation  to 
the  eave  cornice  being  about  33 
feet,  forms  two  stories.  The  low- 
er room  is  about  10  feet  in  the  clear 
of  the  ceiling;  and  the  upper  to 
the  impost  moulding  about  20  feet, 
to  which  being  added  the  curve  of 
the  ceiling  is  about  23  feet.  It  is 
intended,  as  soon  as  the  state  of  the 
funds  will  justify,  to  form  the  front 
by  an  addition  of  about  20  feet, 
with  a double  tier  of  steps,  having 
entrance  to  the  upper  room  and  by 
descent  to  the  lower.  The  front  to 
be  finished  with  a Doric  portico  on  4 
columns,  of  about  20  feet  in  height, 
the  base  of  which  to  be  from  3 to 
4“  feet  above  the  level  of  the 
street.  The  situation  presents  a 
full  view  of  the  river  and  outer 
harbor. 

An  Anniversary  Commemora- 
tion of  the  landing  of  the  pilgrims 
commenced  in  Plymouth  on  the 
22d  of  December,  1769,  and  will, 
we  trust,  be  continued  in  Pilgrim 
Hall , so  long  as  the  virtues,  unpar- 
alleled sufferings,  and  the  conscien- 
tious performance  of  the  duties  of 
piety  and  benevolence  of  our  pil- 
grim fathers  are  held  in  veneration 
by  a grateful  posterity.  See  Reg - 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ister,  and  Thachers  History  of 
Plymouth. 

Plymouth,  Ct. 

Li  chfield  co.  Plymouth  lies  22 
miles  W.  S.  W.  from  Hartford,  31 
N.  by  W.  from  New  Haven,  and 
12  S.  E.  from  Litchfield.  Taken 
from  Waterbury  in  1795.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  2,084.  The  surface  of 
the  town  is  rough  and  hilly,  with  a 
strong,  gravelly  soil,  well  adapted 
for  grazing.  The  Naugatuck  affords 
an  ample  water  power,  which  is 
improved  for  the  manufacture  of 
cotton  goods,  clocks,  &c. 

The  manufacture  of  small  wood- 
en clocks,  it  is  believed,  originated 
with  Mr.  Terry,  of  this  town,  about 
20  years  ago  ; since  that  period,  the 
manufacture  of  wooden  clocks  has 
been  widely  extended,  and  forms  a 
very  important  branch  of  the  man- 
ufactures in  this  part  of  the  state. 

Plympton,  Mass. 

Plymouth  co.  This  town  is  wa- 
tered by  a branch  of  Taunton  river. 
It  lies  32  miles  S.  E.  by  S.  from 
Boston,  and  8 W.  from  Plymouth. 
Incorporated,  1707.  Population, 
1S37,  835.  The  manufactures  of 
the  town  consist  of  cotton  and  wool- 
en goods,  nails,  shovels,  spades, 
hoes,  forks,  hoop  rivets,  shoes,  leath- 
er, palm-leaf  hats,  chairs  and  cabi- 
net ware ; annual  amount  about 
$100,000.  The  Indian  name  of 
Plympton  was  Wanatuxet. 

A noble  white  oak  was  cut  in  this 
town  a few  years  ago.  It  contain- 
ed seven  tons  and  seven  feet  of  ship 
timber,  and  two  cords  of  fire  wood. 

Poge,  Cape,  Mass. 

This  cape  forms  the  northern  ex- 
tremity of  C’nappequiddic  island,  a 
part  of  Dukes  county. 

Poland,  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  Poland  is  situ- 
ated on  Little  Androscoggin  river, 
6 miles  above  Lewiston  falls.  It  is 
44  miles  S.  W.  from  Augusta,  and 


26  N.  from  Portland.  Incorporated, 
1795.  Population,  1837,  2,251.— 
Wheat  crop,  same  year,  3,965  bush- 
els. This  is  an  excellent  farming 
town  with  good  mill  privileges,  sev- 
eral ponds,  and  a pleasant  village. 

A family  consisting  of  about  70 
of  that  curious  people  denomina- 
ted “ Shakers,”  reside  in  Poland. 
They,  possess  about  600  acres  of 
choice  land.  They  are  attached  to 
the  society  at  New  Gloucester, 
about  a mile  distant.  Their  village 
is  on  a beautiful  eminence.  To 
say  that  their  village  is  neat  and 
handsome,  and  that  their  lands  and 
gardens  are  well  improved,  would 
be  superfluous.  See  Canterbury , 
JY.H. 

Pomfrct,  Vt. 

Windsor  co.  First  settled,  1770. 
Population,  1830,  1,867.  Pomfret 
lies  45  miles  N.  by  E.  from  Mont- 
pelier and  20  N.  N.  W.  from  Wind- 
sor. The  town  is  watered  by  White 
and  Queechy  rivers.  The  surface 
is  hilly,  but  the  soil  is  generally 
good,  particularly  for  grazing  : — it 
pastures  about  8000  sheep.  Pom- 
fret contains  a mineral  substance, 
said  to  prove  a good  substitute  for 
paint. 

Pomfret,  Ct. 

Windham  co.  Pomfret  was  first 
settled  in  1686.  Incorporated,  1713. 
Its  Indian  name  was  Mushamoquet. 
The  surface  of  the  town  is  pleasantly 
diversified  by  hills  and  valleys : from 
some  of  the  elevations,  delightful 
views  are  obtained.  The  soil  is 
deep,  strong  and  fertile,  and,  al- 
though somewhat  stony,  is  very 
productive,  and  exceedingly  well 
adapted  for  grazing.  A considera- 
ble amount  of  the  productions  of  the 
dairy  are  sent  to  market.  The 
Quinnebaug  and  several  of  its 
branches  water  the  town,  and  flour- 
ishing manufacturing  establish- 
ments of  cotton  and  other  materials 
are  springing  up  within  its  borders. 
Pomfret  lies  40  miles  E.  by  N.  from 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Hartford,  7 N.  from  Brooklyn  and 
30  TV.  from  Providence,  R.  I.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,1,981. 

Pomfret  contains  the  “TVolf  Den,” 
celebrated  for  the  bold  exploit  of 
the  gallant  Putnam,  who  resided 
here  some  years.  He  died  at  Brook- 
lyn, in  this  state,  in  1790. 

The  aperture  to  this-den  or  cave, 
which  is  situated  under  a high  ledge 
of  rocks,  is  about  two  feet  square. 
It  is  about  forty  feet  in  length,  nar- 
row, of  uneven  surface,  and  in  no 
part  of  it  can  a man  stand  upright. 
The  sides  of  this  cave  are  of  smooth 
rock,  which  appear  to  have  been 
rent  asunder  by  an  earthquake.  Af- 
ter making  the  necessary  prepara- 
tions for  his  venturous  expedition, 
Putnam  entered  the  den,  and  “ hav- 
ing groped  his  passage  in  the  hori- 
zontal part  of  it,  the  most  terrify- 
ing darkness  appeared  in  front  of 
the  dim  circle  of  light  afforded  by 
his  torch.  It  was  silent  as  the 
house  of  death.  None  but  mon- 
sters of  the  desert  had  ever  before 
explored  this  solitary  mansion  of 
horror.  He  cautiously  proceeding 
onward  came  to  the  ascent ; which 
he  slowly  mounted  on  his  hands  and 
knees  until  he  discovered  the  glar- 
ing eye-balls  of  the  wolf,  who  was 
sitting  at  the  extremity  of  the  cav- 
ern. Starred  at  the  sight  of  fire, 
she  gnashed  her  teeth,  and  gave  a 
sudden  growl.  As  soon  as  he  had 
made  the  necessary  discovery,  he 
kicked  the  rope  as  a signal  for  pul- . 
ling  him  out.  The  people  at  the 
mouth  of  the  den,  who  had  listened 
with  painful  anxiety,  hearing  the 
growl  of  the  wolf,  and  supposing 
their  friend  to  be  in  the  most  immi- 
nent danger,  drew  him  forth  with 
such  celerity  that  his  shirt  was 
stripped  over  his  head  and  his  skin 
severely  lacerated.  After  he  had 
adjusted  his  clothes,  and  loaded  his 
gun  with  nine  buck-shot,  holding  a 
torch  in  one  hand  and  the  musket 
in  the  other,  he  descended  the  sec- 
ond time.  When  he  drew  nearer 
than  before,  the  wolf  assuming  a 


still  more  fierce  and  terrible  appear- 
ance, howling,  rolling  her  eyes, 
snapping  her  teeth,  and  dropping 
her  head  between  her  legs,  was 
evidently  in  the  attitude  and  on  the 
point  of  springing  at  him.  At  this 
critical  instant  he  leveled  and  fired 
at  her  head.  Stunned  by  the  shock, 
and  suffocated  with  the  smoke,  he 
immediately  found  himself  drawn 
out  of  the  cave.  But  having  re- 
freshed himself,  and  permitted  the 
smoke  to  dissipate,  he  went  down 
the  third  time.  Once  more  he  came 
in  sight  of  the  wolf,  who  appearing 
very  passive,  he  applied  the  torch 
to  her  nose,  and  perceiving  her  dead, 
he  took  hold  of  her  ears,  and  then 
kicking  the  rope,  (still  round  his 
legs,)  the  people  above,  with  no 
small  exultation,  dragged  them  both 
out  together.” 

Poplin,  Iff.  II., 

Rockingham  co.,  is  24  miles  W. 
S.  W.  from  Portsmouth,  and  33  S. 
S.  E.  from  Concord.  There  is  a small 
pond  in  the  N.  part  of  the  town  call- 
ed Loon  pond ; and  the  town  is  wa- 
tered by  Squamscot,  or  Exeter  riv- 
er, beside  several  small  streams. 
The  soil  is  generally  of  a good  qual- 
ity, and  the  surface  of  the  town  is 
not  broken  by  high  hills.  Poplin 
was  incorporated,  in  1764.  The  in- 
habitants are  principally  industri- 
ous farmers.  Population,  in  1830, 
429. 

Porpoise,  Cape,  Me. 

This  cape  lies  in  the  county  of 
York,  and  forms  the  N.  E.  bounda- 
ry of  Kennebunk  Harbor.  N.  lat. 
43°  22',  W.  Ion.  70°  23'. 

Porter,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  Porter  is  bounded  W. 
by  New  Hampshire,  and  Ossipee 
river  separates  it  from  the  county 
of  York.  It  lies  99  miles  S.  W. 
from  Augusta,  42  W.  N.  W.  from 
Portland,  and  37  S.  W.  from  Pans. 
Population,  1837,  1,037.  Incorpo- 
rated, 1807. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Portland,  3Ie. 

Chief  town,  Cumberland  co.  This 
beautiful  city  lies  upon  a peninsula 
at  the  western  extremity  of  Casco 
bay ; its  length  is  three  miles  from 
east  to  west,  and  the  average  width 
is  three  quarters  of  a mile  ; con- 
taining about  two  thousand  two 
hundred  acres  of  land.  The  settle- 
ment of  this  neck  of  land  was  com- 
menced as  early  as  1632,  by  two 
individuals  from  England,  George 
Cleaves  and  Richard  Tucker,  who 
purchased  the  whole  tract  in  1637, 
of  Gorges,  the  proprietor.  For  the 
first  40  years  the  settlement  made 
but  little  progress,  and  it  was  en- 
tirely destroyed  in  the  Indian  war 
of  1675.  In  1680,  it  was  revived 
under  more  favorable  auspices,  the 
government  of  Massachusetts  hav- 
ing some  years  previous  to  that 
time  extended  her  sovereignty  over 
this  part  of  Maine.  It  had  scarce- 
ly begun  to  gather  the  fruits  of 
prosperity,  before  it  was  again 
doomed  to  a second  entire  over- 
throw in  1690,  by  the  remorseless 
enemy,  who  spared  neither  dwell- 
ings nor  their  inhabitants. 

The  territory  lay  waste  after  this, 
until  about  1715,  when  a new  at-  i 
tempt  was  made,  and  the  founda-  j 
tions  of  the  present  city  were  laid. 
The  inhabitants  in  the  early  period 
of  the  settlement,  suffered  much  | 
from  the  privations  which  awaited 
them  in  this  their  remote  wilder- 
ness. The  Indians  were  still  hang- 
ing about  them  in  an  unquiet  state, 
and  occasionally  visiting  them  with 
rapine  and  blood. 

After  supplying  the  first  necessi- 
ties of  their  condition,  the  people 
turned  their  attention  to  the  lumber 
business,  the  materials  and  the  fa- 
cilities of  which,  were  abundant 
about  them.  In  about  20  years  from 
the  re-settlement,  it  became  the 
principal  port  on  the  coast  from 
which  the  English  Davy  was  sup- 
plied with  masts  and  spars.  They 
were  transported  in  large  ships 


1 owned  abroad.  Manufactured  lum- 
I be'r  was  sent  to  the  West  Indies  and 
to  the  colonies  on  the  continent. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  re- 
volutionary war,  there  were  owned 
in  Portland,  2,555  tons  of  shipping. 
The  population  was  about  1,900,  oc- 
cupying 230  houses  : there  were 
two  religious  societies,  one  congre- 
gational, the  other  episcopalian,  and 
the  place  was  marked  by  enterprise 
and  prosperity.  But  it  was  destined 
a third  time  to  be  prostrated  by  the 
ravages  of  war.  In  1775  it  was 
bombarded  by  a British  fleet,  by 
which  catastrophe  136  of  the  prin- 
cipal houses  were  destroyed,  to- 
gether with  a new  court  house,  the 
episcopal  church,  and  the  town 
house,  to  the  loss  of  the  inhabitants 
of  over  £54,000. 

From  the  close  of  the  revolution- 
ary war,  to  the  year  1307, the  growth 
of  the  town  was  almost  unexam- 
pled. The  amount  of  tonnage, 
which  in  1789  was  but  5,000  tons, 
had  increased  in  1807  to  39,000,  and 
the  amount  received  for  duties  had 
advanced  from  $3,000  to  $346,000. 
During  the  restrictions  and  war,  the 
town  suffered  severely.  It  had  been 
sustained  principally  by  foreign 
commerce,  which  those  disastrous 
times  wholly  prostrated.  After  the 
peace  of  1815,  the  old  channels  of 
trade  were  revisited,  and  new  ones 
opened  with  still  increasingsuccess. 
Portland  probably  enjoys  a larger 
commerce  with  the  West  Indies, 
than  any  other  port  in  the  union. 
In  1830,  the  quantity  of  shipping 
was  43,071  tons;  in  1832,  there 
were  owned  in  this  port  412  vessels, 
employing  2,700  seamen;  in  1834 
the  tonnage  of  vessels  belonging  to 
the  port  was  51,433  tons,  and  in 
1837,  53,081  tons.  There  arrived 
in  one  year  484  vessels  exclusive  of 
coastwise  arrivals  from  ports  north 
of  Cape  Cod,  of  which  163  were 
from  foreign  ports,  and  321  were 
coastwise.  The  importations  were 
as  follows,  molasses,  30,425  hhds ; 
flour,  65,471  barrels ; corn,  76,118 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


bushels;  salt,  24,267  hhds;  coal, 
1,758  tons,  &c.  The  principal  ex- 
ports are  lumber,  fish,  beef,  pork, 
pot  and  pearl  ashes,  hay,  pota- 
toes, &c. 

The  population  has  advanced  in 
a similar  ratio ; in  1790  it  was  2,- 
240;  1800,3,704;  1810, 7,169 ; 1820, 
8,521;  1830,12,601  ; 1834,  13,289; 
and  in  1837,  15,637,  exclusive  of 
foreigners. 

Portland  was  connected  with  Fal- 
mouth until  1786,  and  commonly 
went  by  the  name  of  Falmouth 
Neck.  In  that  year  it  was  incorpo- 
rated and  received  its  present  name. 
In  1832  a charter  for  a city  was  ob- 
tained, and  a government,  consisting 
of  a mayor,  seven  aldermen  and 
twenty-one  common  councilmen 
was  duly  organized  under  it  in 
April,  of  the  same  year. 

There  are  in  the  city  16  houses 
of  public  worship,  many  of  which 
are  very  elegant.  There  is  also  in 
the  city  a beautiful  court  house,  a 
spacious  city  hall,  and  a substantial 
stone  jail.  An  athenseum  was 
founded  here  in  1826,  embracing  a 
large  reading  room  and  library ; the 
library  at  this  time  contains  between 
3,000  and  4,000  volumes  of  well  se- 
lected books. 

The  public  press  is  as  flourishing 
in  Portland  as  in  other  parts  of  the 
United  States.  There  were  pub- 
lished in  that  city,  in  1837, 3 daily 
papers,  2 tri-weekly,  1 semi-week- 
ly and  12  weekly,  embracing  all, 
the  subjects  of  politics,  literature, 
agriculture,  religion  and  morals. 

Portland  is  110  miles  N.  N.  E. 
from  Boston,  54  S.  W.  from  Au- 
gusta, and  554  from  Washington. 
Lat.  43°  39'  26"  N.,  Ion.  70°  20' 
30"  W. 

It  is  pleasantly  situated  between 
Fore  or  Casco  river,  and  Back  cove. 
The  location  is  calculated  to  exhib- 
it the  city  very  favorably  on  ap- 
proaching it  from  the  sea,  as  the 
buildings  rise  between  two  hills  in 
the  form  of  an  amphitheatre.  On 
the  site  of  old  fort  Sumner  is  an 


observatory  about  70  feet  in  height, 
commanding  a delightful  view  of 
the  city,  the  harbor,  the  islands  in 
Casco  bay ; and,  extending  north- 
west to  the  elevated  peaks  of  the 
White  mountains. 

The  access  to  Portland  by  sea  is 
easy,  its  harbor  spacious  and 
safe,  and  rarely  obstructed  by  ice. 
It  has  a water  communication  with 
the  country  to  a distance  of  nearly 
50  miles,  by  the  Cumberland  and 
Oxford  Canal,  which  was  finished 
in  1830 ; and  it  is  the  nearest  sea- 
board market  for  the  rich  and  beau- 
tiful country  on  the  upper  waters 
of  Connecticut  river,  through  the 
Franconia  and  White  mountain  pass- 
es ; and  with  the  White  mountains 
over  a level  road  to  Lancaster  in 
N.  H. 

The  rail -road  from  Boston  will 
soon  reach  this  place,  and  a rail-road 
from  Portland  to  the  upper  waters 
of  the  Connecticut  is  in  contempla- 
tion. 

There  are  numerous  resources 
in  the  interior  not  yet  brought  into 
activity,  which  will  give  to  this 
place  continually  increasing  import- 
ance, and  reward  the  exertions  of 
its  intelligent  and  enterprising  in- 
habitants. 

Portsmouth.,  N.  II., 

Rockingham  co.,  is  the  principal 
town  in  the  state,  and  the  only  sea- 
port which  it  contains.  It  is  situa- 
ted in  N.  lat.  43°  4'  54",  W.  Ion. 
70°  45'.  Portsmouth  is  built  on  a 
beautiful  peninsula,  on  the  south 
side  of  the  river ; and,  as  seen  from 
the  towers  of  the  steeples,  the  riv- 
er, harbor,  points,  islands  and  adja- 
cent country,  presents  a delightful 
assemblage  of  objects.  In  many 
parts  of  the  town  are  beautiful  gar- 
dens. It  was  settled  under  the  aus- 
pices of  Sir  Ferdinando  Gorges 
andCapt.  John  Mason,  in  1623,  and 
was  incorporated  by  charter  in  1633. 
That  part  of  it  which  lies  round 
Church  hill,  extending  N.  and  W., 
was  originally  called  Strawberry 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Bank.  The  first  house  of  which 
we  have  any  account,  erected  in 
what  is  now  the  compact  part  of 
the  town,  was  built  by  Humphrey 
Chadbourne,  and  according  to  tra- 
dition, stood  near  the  corner  of 
Court  and  Pond  streets.  It  was 
called  the  “ Great  house,”  and  is 
frequently  referred  to  in  early  his- 
tories. Within  the  memory  of  the 
present  generation,  a garrison  house 
stood  in  Water  street,  another  in 
Fore  street,  and  a third  at  the  Fer- 
ry-ways. These  were  probably 
the  principal  houses  on  “ the  Bank.” 
The  first  meeting  house  stood  on 
Pleasant  street.  Except  the  garri- 
son houses  above  mentioned,  the 
earliest  settlements  were  probably 
on  the  south  road.  From  the  pe- 
culiar advantages  of  its  situation, 
Portsmouth  appears  almost  wholly 
to  have  escaped  the  ravages  of  the 
Indians.  Secured  on  three  sides 
by  the  Piscataqua,  the  ocean,  and 
an  inlet,  it  was  accessible  to  the 
savages  only  by  the  isthmus  which 
connects  it  with  the  main  ; and 
across  that  a stockade  fence  was  ex- 
tended for  defence.  The  settle- 
ments were  also  compact,  and  the 
number  of  inhabitants  at  an  early 
date  considerable.  In  1822,  the 
wealthy  and  enterprising  citizens 
of  this  town  connected  Portsmouth 
with  Kittery,  in  Maine,  by  two 
bridges,  one  480  feet  in  length, 
supported  by  20  piers;  the  other 
1750  feet,  supported  by  70  piers. 
Under  the  long  bridge,  for  900  feet, 
the  water  varies  from  45  to  53  feet 
in  depth  at  low  water.  The  draw 
is  1336  feet  from  the  island,  and 
the  water  is  21  feet  deep  at  low 
tide.  This  bridge  greatly  increases 
and  facilitates  the  travel  from  Port- 
land and  its  vicinity  to  this  town 
and  Boston.  The  town  is  also  con- 
nected with  New  Castle  by  abridge 
built  in  1821.  The  streets,  though 
not  laid  out  with  much  regularity, 
are  neat  and  pleasant,  and  contain 
many  beautiful  buildings.  Ports- 
mouth Aqueduct  Company  was  in- 


corporated 1797,  and  commenced 
its  operations  in  1799.  Water  of 
excellent  quality  is  brought  from  a 
fountain  about  3 miles  distant,  and 
conducted  into  all  the  principal 
streets.  Portsmouth  pier,  340  feet 
in  length,  and  about  60  feet  wide, 
was  incorporated  1795.  Portsmouth 
Athenaeum  was  incorporated,  1817, 
and  has  a library  of  about  5,000 
volumes  ; and  cabinets  of  mineral- 
ogy, natural  history,  &c.  The 
institution  is  rapidly  increasing  in 
value.  The  people  of  this  town  were 
at  an  early  period  friendly  to  litera- 
ture, and  their  institutions  for 
learning  are  highly  respectable. 
Portsmouth  is  the  centre  of  a con- 
siderable trade  directed  by  wealthy 
and  enterprising  citizens.  The 
Piscataqua,  as  it  passes  this  town, 
is  from  1-2  to  3-4  of  a mile  wide ; 
and  although  the  current  is  so  swift 
as  to  prevent  the  river  from  freez- 
ing, yet  it  forms  one  of  the  most  se- 
cure and  commodious  harbors  in  the 
United  States,  into  which  ships  of 
any  size  or  burthen  may  enter  with 
perfect  safety.  It  is  protected  by 
nature  from  the  ravages  of  the  N. 
E.  storms,  and  can  very  easily  be 
rendered  inaccessible  to  enemies. 
The  main  entrance  to  the  harbor, 
which  is  well  protected  by  forts,  is 
on  the  N.  E.,  between  New  Castle 
and  Kittery ; the  other  entrance, 
on  the  S.  of  New  Castle,  is  called 
Little  Harbor,  where  the  water  is 
shoal,  and  the  bottom  sandy.  At 
this  place,  in  the  spring  of  1623, 
the  first  settlers  of  this  state  made 
their  landing,  and  in  the  same  year 
commenced  settlements  here  and 
at  Dover. 

About  one  mile  below  the  town 
the  navigation  is  rendered  some- 
what difficult  by  the  rapidity  of 
the  current ; the  main  body  of  the 
river  being  forced  through  a chan- 
nel only  about  45  rods  wide. 

There  are  in  the  harbor  a number 
of  islands,  the  most  considerable  of 
which  is  Great  island.  The  others 
are  Continental  island,  on  which  is 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


the  Navy  yard,  one  of  the  safest 
and  most  convenient  on  the  coast; 
Badger’s  island,  on  which  the 
North  America,  (the  first  line  of 
battle  ship  launched  in  the  western 
hemisphere)  was  built  during  the 
revolutionary  war. 

Few  towns  in  New  England  have 
suffered  so  much  from  fires  as  Ports- 
mouth. On  Dec.  26,  1802,  102 
buildings  were  burnt.  Dec.  24, 
1806,  14  buildings,  including  St. 
John’s  church,  were  destroyed. 
But  the  most  calamitous  fire  broke 
out  Dec.  22,  1813,  when  397  build- 
ings were  burnt,  of  which  more 
than  100  were  dwelling  houses. 
The  ravages  extended  over  about 
15  acres. 

The  United  States  navy  yard  is 
admirably  located  for  its  object. 
There  are  at  present  three  ship 
houses  in  the  yard,  in  which  are  a 
74  and  a 40  gun  ship.  One  of  the 
houses  is  240  feet  long  and  131  feet 
wide: — the  roof  is  covered  with 
130  tons  of  slate.  In  this  building 
the  keel  of  the  frigate  Congress 
was  laid  in  1837.  The  government 
of  the  U.  S.  has  been  liberal  in  its 
appropriations  for  this  excellent  na- 
val depot,  at  which  a dry  dock 
will  soon  be  constructed.  Ports- 
mouth hgs  ever  been  celebrated  for 
its  fine  white  oak  timber  and  its 
naval  architects. 

Ship  building  for  the  merchant 
service  is  extensively  pursued,  and 
other  manufactures  flourish.  There 
are  35  ships  belonging  to  this  port 
regularly  engaged  in  the  freighting 
business ; 100  vessels  in  the  cod 
and  mackerel  fisheries,  52  in  the 
coasting  trade,  3 in  the  West  India 
business,  and  1 employed  in  whal- 
ing. The  number  of  men  and 
boys  employed  in  navigation,  in 
1837,  was  750.  The  tonnage  of  the 
district,  the  same  year,  was  25,114 
tons.  As  much  of  the  capital  of 
this  wealthy  town  is  employed 
abroad,  and  much  of  the  inland 
trade  passes  on  the  river,  there  is 
but  little  show  of  business  in  the 


streets,  compared  with  some  othe? 
commercial  places. 

Portsmouth  lies  45  miles  E.  S.  E. 
from  Concord,  56  N.  E.  from  Bos- 
ton, and  54  S.  W.  from  Portland. 
Population,  182Q,  7,327;  1830, 

8,082.  The  present  population  is 
about  9,000.  The  rail-road  from 
Boston  to  Maine  will  probably  pass 
through  this  town.  The  proximity 
of  Portsmouth  to  the  ocean,  its 
neatness,  quietude  and  beauty,  ren- 
der it  an  agreeable  residence,  and 
a fashionable  resort  in  the  summer. 

Among  the  citizens  of  Portsmouth 
distinguished  for  their  talents  or 
public  services,  we  may  mention 
William  Vaughan,  the  origin- 
al projector  of  the  expedition  against 
Louisbourg,  was  born  at  Ports- 
mouth, Sept.  12,  1703,  and  died  in 
London,  in  Dec.  1746. 

John  Wentworth,  the  first 
governor  of  that  name  in  N.  H. 
He  died  Dec.  12,  1730,  aged  59. 

Benning  Wentworth,  who 
died  Oct.  14,  1770,  aged  75. 

Dr.  Joshua  Brackett,  a dis- 
tinguished physician  and  founder  of 
the  N.  H.  Medical  Society,  died 
July  17,  1802,  aged  69. 

Hon.  Samuel  Hale,  a native 
of  Newbury,  Mass.,  who  for  more 
than  30  years,  taught  a public  school 
in  Portsmouth.  He  died  July  10, 
1807,  aged  89. 

Rev.  Samuel  Haven,  D.  D. 
wras  born  at  Framingham,  Mass. 
A.ug.  4, 1727 ; settled  at  Portsmouth 
in  1752  ; received  the  degree  of 
D.  D.  from  the  University  of  Edin- 
burgh in  1772 ; and  died  March  3, 
1806,  aged  79.  He  was  eminently 
useful . 

Dr.  Ammi  R.  Cutter,  was  born 
at  North  Yarmouth,  Me.  in  March 
1735.  For  60  years  he  was  an  em- 
inent practitioner,  and  during  life  a 
firm  supporter  of  his  country.  He 
died  Dec.  8,  1820,  aged  86. 

Hon.  John  Pickering,  LL.  D., 
was  a native  of  Newington.  He 
was  appointed  chief  justice  of  the 
superior  court  in  1790,  and  contin- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ued  in  office  five  years.  He  was 
afterwards  district  judge  of  the 
U.  S.,  and  died  April  11,  1805,  aged 
67.  Hon.  John  Langdon,  LL.D. 
was  born  at  Portsmouth  in  1740. 
In  1785  he  was  chosen  president  of 
the  state.  He  was  elected  to  the 
same  office  in  1788,  and  after  the 
adoption  of  the  constitution  was 
governor  six  years.  He  ever  dis- 
charged the  duties  of  the  offices  to 
which  he  was  elected  faithfully 
and  acceptably.  Unlike  many  ele- 
vated to  office,  he  remembered  that 
the  people  clothed  him  with  author- 
ity, and  his  only  study  was  to  serve 
them  honestly  and  faithfully.  He 
died  Sept.  18,  1819,  aged  79. 

Hon.  Woodbury  Langdon,  a 
firm  patriot  and  useful  citizen. 

Hon.  Richard  Evans  was 
born  at  Portsmouth,  May  13,  1777. 
He  died  July  18,  1816,  aged  39. 

Jonathan  M.  Sewall,  Esq., 
counsellor  at  law,  and  a respectable 
poet,  was  born  at  Salem,  Mass.,  in 
1748,  and  died  at  Portsmouth, March 
29,  1808. 

Rev.  Joseph  Buckminster, 
D.  D.  a native  of  Rutland,  Mass., 
settled  at  Portsmouth, 1779,  and  died 
at  Reedsborough,Vt.  June  10,  1812, 
aged  61.  Dr.  B.  was  a distinguish- 
ed scholar  and  an  eminent  divine. 

Portsmouth,  R.  I. 

Newport  co.  The  soil  of  this 
town,  in  common  with  all  the  lands 
on  the  island  of  R.  I.,  is  uncommon- 
ly fertile,  well  cultivated  and  pro- 
ductive. It  is  bounded  N.  by  Mount 
Hope  bay,  E.  by  the  Seaconnet  pas- 
sage from  the  sea  to  said  bay,  S.  by 
the  ocean,  and  W.  by  Middletown. 
The  maritime  situation  of  the  town 
affords  the  people  great  facilities  for 
the  fisheries,  which,  with  a fine 
soil,  and  industry,  give  them  a great 
degree  of  independence.  A number 
one  called  are  attached  to  this  town, 
of  which  the  beautiful  and  fertile 
island  of  Prudence  is  the  largest. 
It  is  six  miles  in  length,  and  about 
three  quarters  of  a mile  average 


width.  In  this  town  are  the  Rhode 
Island  coal  mines,  which  are  not 
worked  at  the  present  time.  A fine 
bed  of  plumbago  has  recently 
been  discovered.  Portsmouth  fur- 
nishes considerable  quantities  of 
wool,  hay,  grain,  vegetables,  and 
productions  of  the  dairy.  In  1837 
there  were  16,000  sheep  in  the 
town.  Population,  1830,  1,727. 

Portsmouth  lies  6 miles  N.  N.  E. 
from  Newport.  A stone  bridge, 
1,000  feet  in  length,  connects  it 
with  Tiverton.  It  received  its  char- 
ter from  Charles  II.,  in  1663. 

Foultney,  Vt. 

Rutland  co.  The  surface  of  this 
town  is  pleasantly  diversified  ; the 
soil  is'  warm  and  productive,  partic- 
ularly on  the  borders  of  the  river. 
First  settled,  1771.  Population, 1830, 
1,909.  There  are  two  flourishing 
villages  in  the  town,  and  manufac- 
tures of  various  sorts.  The  pro- 
ductions of  the  soil  are  considera- 
ble, and  12,000  sheep  are  kept.  It 
lies  60  miles  S.  W.  from  Montpe- 
lier, and  13  S.  W.  from  Rutland. 

Poultney  river,  rising  in  the  high 
lands  near  Middletown,  and  emp- 
tying into  East  bay,  an  arm  of 
Champlain  lake,  is  about  25  miles 
in  length,  and  in  its  course  affords 
numerous  valuable  mill  sites.  This 
stream  changed  its  course  in  1783, 
by  cutting  a channel  of  100  feet  in 
depth  through  a ridge  of  land  near 
the  bay,  and  destroying  the  navi- 
gation of  the  bay  for  a time,  by 
nearly  filling  it  with  earth.  This 
obstruction  has  been  removed. 

Pownal,  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  This  is  a small 
town,  of  good  soil,  and  bounded  N. 
by  Durham.  It  lies  35  miles  S.  W. 
from  Augusta,  and  19  N.  from  Port- 
land. Incorporated,  1808.  Popula- 
tion, 1837,  1,232. 

Poivnal,  Vt. 

Bennington  co.  First  settled, 
1761.  Population,  in  1830  1,835. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Pownal  lies  30  miles  W.  by  S.  from 
Bratfreborough,  and  8 S.  from  Ben- 
nington. The  surface  isbroken  and 
hilly,  but  the  soil  is  strong  and  re- 
markably well  adapted  for  grass, 
producing  all  the  varieties  of  the  dai- 
ry in  great  abundance  and  of  an  ex- 
cellent quality.  The  number  of 
sheep  kept  in  this  town  is  about 
8,000.  Pownal  is  watered  by  Hoo- 
sack  and  Walloomsac  rivers,  which 
produce  a good  water  power.  The 
village  is  very  pleasant. 

Powow  River. 

Powow  river  has  its  principal 
source  in  Great  and  Country  ponds 
in  Kingston,  N.  H.,  and  passes  over 
the  S.  W.  part  of  East  Kingston  in- 
to South  Hampton ; thence  into 
Amesbury,  Mass.,  where  it  turns 
E.  into  South  Hampton  again,  and 
returns  into  Amesbury,  falling  into 
the  Merrimack  between  Salisbury 
and  Amesbury.  There  are  several 
falls  in  this  river  ; those  in  Ames- 
bury being  the  most  remarkable,  the 
water  falling  100  feet  in  the  dis- 
tance of  50  rods,  and  presenting, 
with  the  variety  of  machinery  and 
dams,  houses  and  scenery  on  the 
falls,  one  of  the  most  interesting 
views  in  the  country. 

Prescott,  Mass. 

Hampshire  co.  The  surface  of 
this  town  is  rough  and  hilly.  The 
principal  manufacture  consists  of 
palm-leaf  hats,  of  which  about 
50,000  are  annually  made.  The 
soil  is  better  for  grazing  than  tillage. 
Prescott  lies  76  miles  W.  from  Bos- 
ton, and  19  N.  E.  from  Northamp- 
ton. Taken  from  Pelham  in  1822. 
Population,  1837,  788. 

Preston,  Ct. 

New  London  co.  This  is  an  ir- 
regular, uneven,  rocky  town,  of  a 
pretty  good  soil  for  corn  and  grazing. 
It  is  bounded  W.  and  N.  by  the 
Thames  and  Quinnebaug  rivers  : 44 
miles  E.  S.  E.  from  Hartford.  First 
settled,  1686.  Population,  1330, 

29 


1,935.  Poquetannuck,  an  ancient 
village/lips  partly  in  Preston  and 
par’^ydn-'Ledyard.  It  has  a water 
power, -and  small  vessels  pass  within 
a shorf  distance  of- it.  Many  of  the 
inhabitants  are  .employed  in  naviga- 
tion, and  considerable  ship  timber 
is  taken  from  there  down  the  river. 
Platan  City  lies  in  the  eastern 
part  o£  the  town,  5 miles  E.  from 
Poquetannuck,  and  6 E.  from  Nor- 
wich. Near  this  village  is  “Amos 
lake,”  a handsome  sheet  of  water, 
and  a place  of  resort  for  parties  of 
pleasure. 

Presumpscnt  River,  Me. 

This  is  the  outlet  of  Sebago  lake. 
It  passes  through  parts  of  Gorham 
and  Westbrook,  and  falls  into  Casco 
bay  at  Falmouth,  6 miles  N.  from 
Portland. 

Princeton,  Me. 

Washington  co.  Population,  in 
1837,  207.  See  “Down  East.” 

Princeton,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  town,  the 
Indian  Wachusett,  is  pleasantly 
situated  at  the  base  of  the  moun- 
tain of  that  name,  45  miles  W.  by 
N.  from  Boston,  and  16  N.  by  W. 
from  Worcester.  Incorporated, 1758. 
Population,  1837,  1,267.  This  is  a 
township  of  good  land,  and  produces 
considerable  quantities  of  beef, 
butter,  cheese,  &c.  It  is  watered 
hy  a branch  of  the  Nashua,  and  has 
some  manufactures.  Wachusett  is 
2,990  feet  in  height ; it  is  the  high- 
est land  in  the  county,  and  presents 
a landscape  exceedingly  variegated 
and  beautiful.  It  is  a place  much 
frequented  in  summer  months. 

The  manufactures  of  the  town 
consist  of  shoes,  leather,  palm-leaf 
hats,  chairs,  and  cabinet  ware  : an- 
nual amount,  about  $50,000. 

Prospect,  Me. 

Waldo  co.  This  is  a beautiful 
town,  of  good  soil,  on  the  west  side 
of  Penobscot  river.  It  is  bounded 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


on  the  S.  by  Belfast  bay  ; 52  miles 
E.  by  N.  from  Augusta,  12  N.  N. 
E.  from  Belfast,  and  18  S.  from 
Bangor.  Prospect  is  very  flourishing 
in  its  commercial  and  agricultural 
pursuits.  Population,  1830,  2,381 ; 
1837,  3,198.  Incorporated,  1794. 
Wheat  crop,  1837,  4,416  bushels. 

Prospect,  Ct. 

New  Haven  co.  This  stony  and 
mountainous  town  was  taken  from 
Cheshire  and  Waterbury,  in  1827. 
It  derived  its  name  from  its  elevat- 
ed situation.  There  is  a pretty 
village  in  the  town.  The  inhabit- 
ants are  chiefly  farmers.  It  lies 
17  miles  N.  by  W.  from  New  Ha- 
ven. Population,  1830,  651. 

Some  difficulty  arose  in  the  con- 
gregational society  in  this  town  a 
few  years  since,  in  consequence  of 
the  minister  and  a number  of  the 
influential  members  of  the  church 
having  adopted  the  sentiments  of 
the  Perfectionists.  The  stray 
sheep,  however,  soon  returned  to 
the  fold  again.  See  Religious 
Creeds  and  Statistics. 

Providence  County,  R.  I. 

Providence , chief  town.  This 
ancient  and  respectable  county  is 
boundedN.and  E.  by  Massachusetts, 
S.  by  the  county  of  Kent,  and  W.  by 
Connecticut.  It  contains  an  area 
of  381  square  miles.  Population, 
1820,  35,736  ; 1830,  47,018.  Pop- 
ulation to  a square  mile,  124.  The 
surface  of  the  county  is  generally 
uneven ; some  sections  of  it  presents 
rugged  features,  but  no  part  of  it 
is  mountainous.  The  soil  is  vari- 
ous : some  portions  of  the  county 
are  alluvial,  some  calcareous  loam, 
and  some  of  sileceous  sand  ; but  a 
strong  gravelly  loam  generally 
prevails. 

More  attention  is  paid  to  agricul- 
ture in  this  county  than  formerly ; 
good  crops  of  corn,  barley  and  rye 
are  obtained,  and  all  the  varieties 
of  the  dairy,  of  fruits  and  vegeta- 
bles are  abundant  for  the  supply  of 


its  numerous  villages  and  the  city. 

The  commercial  interests  of  the 
county  are  important,  but  are  prin- 
cipally confined  to  the  flourishing 
city  of  Providence  ; but  the  manu- 
facturing interests,  particularly  of 
cotton,  are  extended  throughout  the 
county,  and  engrosses  a large  share 
of  its  enterprize  and  capital.  While 
the  Pawtucket,  Pawtuxet,  Mashan- 
ticut,  Pochasset,  Wonasquatucket, 
and  other  streams,  give  those  inter- 
ests  a constant  operative  power,  the 
numerous  beautiful  villages  erected 
on  their  borders  testify  that  Provi- 
dence county  is  one  of  the  most  im- 
portant manufacturing  districts  in 
the  new  world. 

A statistical  account  of  the  resour- 
ces of  this  county,  and  cf  all  the 
| counties  and  towns  in  Rhode  Isl- 
and, is  in  preparation,  and  will  ap- 
pear in  the  Register. 

Providence,  R.  I. 

Chief  town.  Providence  co.  Rog- 
er Williams  was  the  founder  of  this 
beautiful  city.  He  was  banished 
from  the  Massachusetts  colony  for 
maintaining  that  all  denominations 
of  Christians  were  equally  entitled 
to  the  protection  of  the  civil  mag- 
istrate ; that  the  church  of  England 
was  no  true  church,  and  that  a 
patent  from  the  king  conveyed  no 
title  to  the  soil. 

In  1636,  Mr.  Williams,  accompa- 
nied by  William  Harris,  John 
Smith,  Joshua  Virrin,  Thomas  An- 
gell,  and  Francis  Wickes,  commenc- 
ed a settlement  and  called  it  Prov- 
idence ; regarding  his  preservation 
as  a favorable  interposition  of  heav- 
en. Mr.  Williams  sustained  the 
two-fold  character  of  a minister  of 
the  gospel  and  governor  of  the  col- 
ony ; he  formed  a constitution  on 
the  broad  principle  of  civil  and  re- 
ligious liberty,  and  thus  established 
the  first  free  government  on  the 
continent  of  America.  Mr.  Wil- 
liams was  a man  of  learning,  and 
set  a bright  example  of  that  tolera- 
tion which  he  demanded  from  oth- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ers.  He  was  born  in  Wales,  in  1599, 
and  died  in  16S3. 

Providence  suffered  great  losses 
in  king  Philip’s  war,  and  during 
the  revolutionary  contest  it  furnish- 
ed its  full  proportion  of  troops,  and 
partook  largely  of  the  sufferings  as 
well  as  of  the  glory  of  that  struggle. 

On  the  9th  of  June,  1772,  the 
king’s  ship  Gaspee  was  taken  pos- 
session of  and  burned,  and  the  com- 
mander, Lieutenant  Duddingston, 
wounded  with  a musket  ball,  in  the 
thigh.  Only  one  of  the  persons  en- 
gaged in  takiug  the  Gaspee  is  now 
living — Col.  Ephraim  Bowen,  of 
Providence. 

Thus  it  appears,  that  in  that  con- 
test, the  first  blood  was  shed  at 
Providence  ; but  the  first  American 
blood  and  life  was  sacrificed  at 
Lexington,  Mass.,  on  the  19th  of 
April,  1775,  and  the  first  British 
life , on  the  same  day,  a few  hours 
after,  at  Concord,  Massachusetts. 

Providence  formerly  comprised 
the  territory  of  a number  of  the 
neighboring  towns.  Its  present 
limits  contain  an  area  of  about  nine 
square  miles.  It  was  incorporated 
as  a town  in  1649,  and  as  a city  in 
1831.  Population,  in  1820,  11,767 ; 
1830,  16,832;  1836,  19,277.  The 
most  compact  part  of  the  city  is  di- 
vided into  two  nearly  equal  parts, 
on  both  sides  of  Providence  river, 
and  are  connected  by  wide  and  sub- 
stantial bridges.  The  two  princi- 
pal streets  are  long  and  irregular, 
and  comprise  the  business  portion 
of  the  city,  with  the  exception  of  a 
long  range  of  large  and  handsome 
brick  ware  houses  on  the  east  side 
of  the  river.  The  buildings  in  oth- 
er parts  of  the  city  are  constructed 
with  taste,  and  many  of  them  in  a 
style  of  superior  elegance.  On  the 
east  side  of  the  river  the  land  rises 
abruptly.  On  this  elevation  are  a 
number  of  streets  running  parallel 
with  the  river,  on  the  summit  of 
■which  is  located  Brown  University, 
established  here  in  1770.  From 
the  beautiful  buildings  on  these 


streets,  delightful  views  are  obtain- 
ed of  a great  extent  of  country,  of 
the  city,  the  shipping  in  the  river, 
and  of  Providence  and  Narraganset 
bays. 

There  are  in  Providence  a large 
number  of  handsome  churches,  and 
other  public  buildings.  The  Ar- 
cade is  one  of  the  most  beautiful 
buildings  in  the  country.  It  is  sit- 
uated on  the  west  side  of  the  river, 
and  fronts  on  two  streets.  It  is 
built  of  stone,  222  feet  in  length, 
and  72  feet  in  width.  The  fronts 
are  ornamented,  each  with  six  mas- 
sive columns,  25  feet  high,  the 
shafts  of  which  are  single  blocks, 
22  feet  in  length.  The  lower  part 
of  this  building  is  improved  for  dry 
goods  shops,  &c. ; the  upper  stories 
for  offices,  library  rooms,  &c.  It 
was  completed  in  1828,  and  cost 
$130,000.  The  architecture  of  this 
building  is  exceedingly  chaste. 

Providence  has  long  been  cele- 
brated for  the  commercial  spirit  of 
its  citizens,  and  for  their  large  in- 
vestments of  capital  in  foreign  com- 
merce, particularly  with  India.  It 
is  still  a flourishing  mart  erf  foreign 
trade  ; the  tonnage  of  the  port,  in 
1837,  was  17,526  tons.  Much  of 
the  capital  of  the  city  has,  how'ev- 
er,  of  late  years,  been  diverted  to 
the  pursuit  of  domestic  manufac- 
tures ; a pursuit  probable  of  greater 
profit,  and  no  less  patriotic. 

Besides  the  large  capital  employ- 
ed by  the  citizens  of  Providence  in 
manufacturing  establishments  with- 
out the  city, the  capital  thus  employ- 
ed within  it  is  very  great.  Those 
manufactures  consist  of  cotton  goods, 
(by  steam  power,)  machinery, 
steam  engines,  vessels,  jewelry, 
copper,  brass,  iron  and  tin  wares, 
glass,  combs,  oil,  soap,  candles,  hats, 
leather,  boots,  shoes,  and  numerous 
other  articles.  About  4,000  of  the 
people  of  Providence  are  engaged 
in  these  manufactures. 

The  public  schools  in  Providence 
are  well  sustained.  The  sum  of 
about  $10,000  is  annually  appropri- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ated  to  this  object.  The  number 
of  scholars,  in  1837,  was  1626.  A 
high  school  has  recently  been  es- 
tablished, and  $40,000  appropriated 
for  the  erection  of  new  school  hous- 
es. The  athenaeum  library  con- 
tains 7,000  volumes.  It  was  incor- 
porated in  1836.  See  Register. 

Providence  is  approached  with 
great  ease  from  almost  every  direc- 
tion. The  roads  are  generally  ex- 
cellent : that  to  Pawtucket  is  une- 
qualled by  any  in  New  England. 
The  Blackstone  canal,  after  wind- 
ing its  course  through  a fertile  and 
manufacturing  country,  from  Wor- 
cester, Mass.,  terminates  at  tide  wa- 
ter in  the  centre  of  the  city.  Steam 
boats,  of  superior  construction  and 
elegant  accommodations,  ply  be- 
tween this  city  and  New  York, 
daily.  Rail  road  cars  between  Bos- 
ton and  Stonington  cross  the  lower 
part  of  the  city  several  times  a day, 
and  steam  boats  and  packets  are  con- 
tinually passing  to  and  from  the 
several  important  towns  on  the 
shores  of  Narraganset  and  Mount 
Hope  bays. 

Providence  has  frequently  sus- 
tained heavy  losses  by  fire,  and 
once  by  water.  In  1815,  during 
the  memorable  gale  of  September 
23d,  the  tide  rose  12  feet  higher 
than  the  common  high  tides,  and 
spread  ruin  to  the  buildings,  navi- 
gation, wharves  and  bridges  in  eve- 
ry direction.  The  loss  sustained 
by  this  flood  was  estimated  at  a 
million  and  a half  of  dollars. 

Providence  lies  at  the  head  of 
ship  navigation  on  Providence  riv- 
er, the  most  northern  waters  of 
Narraganset  bay;  35  miles  from 
the  sea,  40  S.  W.  from  Boston,  169 
N.  E.  by  E.  from  New  York,  and 
396  N.  E.  from  Washington.  N. 
lat.  41°  49'  32",  W.  Ion.  71°  24'  45". 

Provincetown,  Mass. 

Barnstable  co.  A noted  fishing 
town  on  the  extreme  point  of  Cape 
Cod  ; including  Race  point,  which 
lies  3 miles  N.  W.  from  Province- 


town  village.  It  comprises  Cape 
Cod,  or  Provincetown  harbor, 
which  opens  on  the  S.  This  ocean 
harbor  is  very  large,  exceedingly 
easy  of  access,  and  has  sufficient 
depth  of  water  for  the  largest  ships 
of  war.  This  is  the  first  harbor  the 
“Mayflower”  touched  at  on  her 
passage  to  Plymouth  in  1620. 

An  elaborate  and  highly  interest- 
ing report  of  a survey  of  this  har- 
bor and  the  extremity  of  Cape  Cod, 
by  Major  J.  D.  Graham,  has  recent- 
ly been  printed  by  order  of  con- 
gress. 

The  report  is  accompanied  by  a 
series  of  tables,  showing  the  result 
of  a long  course  of  observations  on 
the  tide,  which  are  not  only  curi- 
ous, but  may  be  useful  to  those  who 
are  in  a situation  for  pursuing  their 
speculations  on  this  subject,  by 
comparing  them  with  the  results  of 
similar  observations  in  other  places. 
The  fullness  and  precision  of  these 
tables  indicate  the  care  and  labor 
with  which  the  work  has  been 
prosecuted.  The  result  is  of  a na- 
ture to  show  the  great  importance 
of  this  position,  both  as  a naval  and 
commercial  station. 

The  value  of  Cape  Cod  harbor  to 
our  naval  and  mercantile  marine  in 
time  of  war  is  inappreciable.  In 
possession  of  an  enemy,  it  would  af- 
ford facilities  for  annoying  our 
commerce,  without  exposure  to  the 
gales  that  so  often  sweep  along  the 
coast.  Fortified,  and  in  the  occu- 
pancy of  a portion  of  our  navy,  it 
offers  a secure  retreat,  accessible  at 
all  seasons,  and  sheltered  from  eve- 
ry storm. 

The  soil  of  this  town,  in  common 
with  many  others  on  Cape  Cod,  is 
very  sandy  ; indeed,  it  may  be  said 
to  possess  no  soil,  for  its  vegetable 
qualities  are  very  deficient. 

During  the  year  ending  April  1st, 
1837,  there  were  belonging  to 
Provincetown,  2 vessels  employed 
in  the  whale,  and  98  in  the  cod  and 
mackerel  fishery,  besides  a large 
number  in  the  freighting  business. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER 


The  value  of  fish  and  oil  taken  was 
$298,407.  Hands  employed,  1,113, 
During  that  year  48,960  bushels  of 
salt  were  made,  employing  156 
hands,  the  value  of  which  was 
$18,360.  Provincetown  lies  50 
miles  N.  E.  from  Barnstable,  by 
land,  and  50  E.  S.  E.  from  Boston, 
by  water.  Incorporated,  1727.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  1,710  ; 1837,  2,049. 

Putney,  Vt. 

Windham  co.  This  town  is  fine- 
ly located  on  the  west  side  of  Con- 
necticut river, and  embosoms  a large 
tract  of  excellent  intervale  land, 
called  the  “Great  Meadows. ’’There 
is  also  a good  tract  of  intervale  on 
Sacket’s  brook,  a fine  mill  stream, 
with  beautiful  falls,  on  which  are 
erected  valuable  mills  for  the  manu- 
facture of  woolen  goods,  paper,  and 
various  other  articles.  Sacket’s 
brook  is  a large  and  constant  stream: 
it  falls  150  feet  in  the  course  of  100 
rods.  Some  of  the  mill  sites  are 
unoccupied.  There  are  various 
mineral  substances  in  the  town, 
worthy  of  the  notice  of  the  geolo- 
gist. The  village  is  pleasant,  and 
bears  the  marks  of  taste  and  pros- 
perity. It  lies  9 miles  E.  from 
Newfane,  and  9 N.  from  Brattle- 
borough.  First  settled,  1754.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  1,510. 

Fusliaw  Lake,  Me. 

This  lake  lies  in  the  towns  of 
Orono,  Dutton  and  Kirkland,  Pe- 
nobscot county.  It  is  about  8 miles 
long,  and  one  mile  wide.  It  emp- 
ties into  Dead  stream,  which  meets 
the  Penobscot  at  Orono. 

Queecliy  River,  Vt., 

Sometimes  called  Waterqueechy, 
rises  in  Sherburne,  runs  nearly  east 
to  the  south  part  of  Bridgewater ; 
thence  through  Woodstock  irtothe 
south  part  of  Hartford,  and  thence 
southeast  through  the  northeast  cor- 
ner of  Hartland  into  Connecticut 
river,  about  two  miles  above  Quee- 
chy  falls.  In  Bridgewater  it  re- 
29* 


ceives  two  considerable  branches, 
namely,  north  branch,  which  rises 
in  the  north  part  of  this  township 
from  the  north,  and  south  branch, 
which  rises  in  Plymouth,  from  the 
south,  both  considerable  mill 
streams.  In  Woodstock  it  receives 
two  other  branches  of  considerable 
size ; one  rising  in  the  northeast 
corner  of  Bridgewater  and  southeast 
corner  of  Barnard,  falls  into  Quee- 
chy  river  from  the  north  just  below 
the  north  village  in  Woodstock,  or 
“ Woodstock  Green,”  the  other 
rising  in  the  south  part  of  Wood- 
stock,  passes  through  both  the  vil- 
lages in  that  town,  and  empties  into 
it  from  the  south  just  above  the 
mouth  of  the  last  mentioned  stream. 
Both  these  streams  afford  excellent 
mill  seats.  Queechy  river  in  its 
course  receives  numerous  other 
tributaries  of  less  note.  It  is  a 
clear  and  lively  stream,  with  a grav- 
el or  stony  bottom.  This  stream  is 
about  35  miles  in  length,  and  wa- 
ters about  212  square  miles. 

Quincy,  Mass. 

Norfolk  co.  The  territory  of 
Quincy  was  a part  of  ancient  Brain- 
tree, until  1792.  It  lies  on  Brain- 
tree or  Quincy  bay,  in  Boston  har- 
bor, and  is  bounded  on  the  N.  W. 
by  Neponset  river  and  the  town 
of  Milton.  It  is  8 miles  S.  by  E.  from 
Boston,  and  10  E.  by  S.  from  Ded- 
ham. Population,  1820,  1,623  ; 1830, 
-2,192;  1837,  3,049. 

The  surface  of  the  town  is  diver- 
sified by  hills,  valleys  and  plains. 
Back  from  the  bay  about  3 miles  is 
a range  of  elevated  land,  in  some 
parts  more  than  600  feet  above  the 
sea,  containing  an  inexhaustible 
supply  of  granite.  This  is  the 
source  of  the  “ Quincy  Granite,”  a 
building  material  justly  celebrated 
in  all  our  cities  for  its  durability 
and  beauty.  Vast  quantities  of 
this  admirable  stone  are  annually 
quarried  and  wrought  in  this  vicin- 
ity by  the  most  skillful  workmen, 
into  all  dimensions,  both  plain  and 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ornamental ; and  it  is  fortunate  for 
the  public  that  the  supply  is  abun- 
dant, for  the  demand  for  it  from  va- 
rious parts  of  the  United  States  is 
constant  and  increasing. 

By  means  of  a rail-road  from  these 
quarries  to  the  tide  waters  of  Ne- 
ponset  river,  and  of  a canal  to  the 
centre  of  the  town,  this  stone  is 
transported  with  great  expedition 
and  little  cost.  There  are  large 
quantities  of  slate  stone  near  Ne- 
ponset  river;  much  of  which  is 
quarried.  These  slate  quarries  bear 
indications  of  coal  in  their  vicinity. 

In  this  town,  between  Quincy 
and  Dorchester  bays,  is  a point  of 
land  called  Squantum,  celebrated 
as  having  been  the  residence  of  the 
famous  Indian  Sachem,  Chickatau- 
but.  This  place  is  the  Mos-wetu- 
set,  “ a few  miles  south  of  Boston,” 
supposed  by  some  to  have  origin- 
ated the  name  of  the  state.  Squan- 
tum is  a rocky,  romantic  place,  six 
miles  south  of  Boston,  and  a pleas- 
ant resort  for  fishing  and  bathing. 

The  soil  of  Quincy  is  generally 
of  an  excellent  quality  and  under 
good  cultivation.  There  are  large 
tracts  of  salt  meadow  in  the  town, 
and  many  large  and  beautiful  farms, 
which,  in  respect  to  soil  and  skillful 
management,  may  vie  with  any  in 
the  state. 

The  Mount  TVallaston  farm  is 
noted  as  the  site  of  an  early  settle- 
ment (1625,)  and  as  the  Merry 
Mount  of  Thomas  Morton  and  his 
associates.  This  farm,  with  that  of  his 
venerated  father,  now  belong  to  the 
Hon.  Mr.  Adams,  representative  to 
Congress.  The  ancestral  estate  of 
the  Quincy  family  comprises  one 
of  the  most  beautiful  and  well  cul- 
tivated farms  in  New  England. 
It  is  the  property  of  Josiah  Quin- 
cy, LL.  D.,  an  eminent  agricul- 
turist, and  president  of  Harvard 
University. 

The  village,  in  the  centre  of  the 
town,  is  situated  on  an  elevated 
plain,  and  is  remarkable  for  its  neat-  | 


ness  and  beauty.  In  this  village  is 
a stone  church,  designated  the  “Ad- 
ams Temple.”  This  building  was 
dedicated,  1S28,  and  cost  $40,000. 
Within  its  walls  is  a beautiful  mar- 
ble monument  to  the  memory  of  the 
Hon.  John  Adams  and  his  wife. 

About  two  miles  east  from  the 
village  is  Quincy  Point , at  the 
junction  of  Town  and  Weymouth 
Fore  rivers.  This  is  a delightful 
spot,  and  contains  some  handsome 
buildings.  This  point  of  land,  with 
a peninsula  near  it  called  German- 
town,  are  admirably  located  for 
ship  building,  and  for  all  the  pur- 
poses of  navigation  and  the  fishery. 
Here  is  a fine  harbor,  a bold  shore 
and  a beautiful  country,  within  10 
miles  of  the  capital  of  New  Eng- 
land. 

The  manufactures  of  Quincy  con- 
sist of  stone,  slate,  vessels,  salt, 
leather,  boots,  shoes,  hats,  coach 
lace,  carriages,  harnesses,  bleached 
bees  wax,  &c.  Total  value,  the 
year  ending  April  1,  1837, $470, 222. 
During  that  period  there  were  10 
vessels  engaged  in  the  cod  and 
mackerel  fishery ; the  product  of 
which  was  $31,042.  Quincy  is  a 
place  of  considerable  trade.  Large 
quantities  of  lumber,  bread  stuffs, 
&c.,  are  annually  sold. 

The  proximity  of  Quincy  to  Bos- 
ton, the  excellent  roads  and  bridg- 
es connecting  it  with  the  city  and 
surrounding  country,  the  beauty  of 
the  town,  with  the  delightful  scen- 
ery around  it,  render  it  a desirable 
residence  in  summer,  and  a pleas- 
ant home. 

Quincy  was  named  in  honor  of 
Col.  John-  Quincy,  a native  of 
the  place,  who  for  forty  successive 
years  was  a member  of  the  execu- 
tive council  of  the  colony,  and  dis- 
charged many  other  public  trusts 
with  zeal  and  fidelity.  He  died  Ju- 
ly 13,  1767,  aged  78. 

This  has  been  the  birth  place 
and  residence  of  some  of  the  most 
distinguished  sons  of  America. — 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


The  names  of  the  patriots,  John 
Hancock  and  Josiah  Quincy, 
Jr.,  will  live  until  the  death  of  lib- 
erty. 

Two  presidents  of  the  United 
States,  father  and  son,  were  natives 
of  this  place.  John  Adams,  born 
October  19,  1735.  John  Quincy 
Adams,  born  July  11,  1767.  The 
senior  Mr.  Adams  graduated  at 
Harvard  University  in  1755,  and 
was  distinguished  for  his  diligence 
and  genius.  He  studied  law  at 
Worcester,  and  was  admitted  to 
practice  in  1758.  He  commenced 
the  labors  of  his  profession  in  Brain- 
tree, his  native  town,  and  soon  ob- 
tained business  and  reputation.  In 
1764,  Mr.  Adams  married  Miss  Ab- 
igail Smith,  a grand  daughter  of 
Col.  Quincy,  a lady  as  distinguish- 
ed for  her  accomplishments  and 
virtues  as  for  the  elevated  station 
in  society  which  Providence  had 
destined  her  to  fill.  Mrs.  Adams 
died  at  Quincy,  Dec.  28, 1818,  aged 
74.  In  1765,  Mr.  Adams  removed 
to  Boston  ; here  he  obtained  an  ex- 
tensive legal  practice,  and,  refusing 
all  offers  of  patronage  from  the 
British  government,  espoused  the 
cause  of  his  native  country  with  an 
ardor  peculiar  to  himself,  firmly  re- 
solved to  sink  or  swim  with  its  lib- 
erties. He  was  elected  a member 
of  Congress,  and  was  among  the 
foremost  in  recommending  the 
adoption  of  an  independent  govern- 
ment. In  1777  Mr.  Adams  was  cho- 
sen commissioner  to  the  Court  of 
Versailles.  In  1779  he  was  appoint- 
ed minister  plenipotentiary  to  nego- 
tiate a peace  and  a commercial  trea- 
ty with  Great  Britain.  In  1780  he 
went  embassador  to  Holland,  and  in 
1782  to  Paris,  to  negotiate  a treaty 
of  peace  with  Great  Britain,  having 
received  the  assurance  that  that 
power  would  recognize  the  indepen- 
dence of  the  United  States.  In 
1785  Mr.  Adams  was  appointed  the 
first  minister  to  the  court  of  St. 
James.  After  remaining  in  Europe 
nine  years,  he  returned  to  his 


native  country,  and  in  1789  was 
elected  first  Vice  President  of  the 
United  States,  which  office  he  held 
during  the  whole  of  Washington’s 
administration.  On  the  resignation 
of  Washington,  in  1797,  Mr.  Adams 
became  President  of  the  United 
States,  which  office  he  sustained 
until  the  election  of  Mr.  Jefferson, 
in  1801.  Soon  after  this,  Mr.  Adams 
retired  to  his  farm  at  Quincy,  and 
spent  the  remainder  of  an  eventful 
life  in  rural  occupations,  the  pleas- 
ures of  domestic  retirement,  and 
those  enjoyments  which  a great  and 
good  mind  always  has  in  store. 

The  account  that  Mr.  Adams 
gives  in  a letter  to  a friend,  of  his 
introduction  to  George  III.,  at  the 
court  of  St.  James,  as  the  first  min- 
ister from  the  rebel  colonies , is  very 
interesting.  The  scene  would  form 
a noble  picture,  highly  honorable 
both  to  his  majesty  and  the  repub- 
lican minister. 

Here  stood  the  stern  monarch, 
who  had  expended  more  than  six 
hundred  millions  of  dollars,  and  the 
lives  of  two  hundred  thousand  of 
his  subjects  in  a vain  attempt  to 
subjugate  freemen  ; and  by  his  side 
stood  the  man,  who,  in  the  language 
of  Jefferson,  “ was  the  great  pillar 
of  support  to  the  declaration  of  in- 
dependence, and  its  ablest  advo- 
cate and  champion  on  the  floor  of 
Congress.” 

Mr.  Adams  says,“  At  one  o’clock 
-on  Wednesday,  the  first  of  June, 
1785,  the  master  of  ceremonies  call- 
ed at  my  house,  and  went  with  me 
to  the  secretary  of  state’s  office,  in 
Cleaveland  row,  where  the  marquis 
of  Carmarthen  received  and  intro- 
duced me  to  Mr.  Frazier,  his  un- 
der secretary,  who  had  been,  as  his 
lordship  said,  uninterruptedly  in 
that  office  through  all  the  changes 
in  administration  for  thirty  years. 
After  a short  conversation,  Lord 
Carmarthen  invited  me  to  go  with 
him  in  his  coach  to  court.  When 
we  arrived  in  the  antechamber  the 
master  of  the  ceremonies  introduc- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ed  him  and  attended  me  while  the 
secretary  of  state  went  to  take  the 
commands  of  the  king.  While  I 
stood  in  this  place,  where  it  seems 
all  ministers  stand  upon  such  occa- 
sions, always  attended  by  the  mas- 
ter of  ceremonies,  the  room  was 
very  full  of  ministers  of  state,  bish- 
ops and  all  other  sorts  of  courtiers, 
as  well  as  the  next  room,  which  is 
the  king’s  bed  chamber.  You  may 
well  suppose  I was  the  focus  of  all 
eyes.  I was  relieved,  however, 
from  the  embarrassment  of  it,  by 
the  Swedish  and  Dutch  ministers, 
who  came  to  me  and  entertained 
me  with  a very  agreeble  conver- 
sation during  the  whole  time.  Some 
other  gentlemen  whom  I had  seen 
before,  came  to  make  their  com- 
pliments to  me  until  the  marquis 
of  Carmarthen  returned,  and  desired 
me  to  go  with  him  to  his  majesty. 
I went  with  his  lordship  through 
the  levee  room  into  the  king’s 
closet.  The  door  was  shut,  and  I 
was  left  with  his  majesty  and  the 
secretary  of  state  alone.  I made 
the  three  reverences  : — one  at  the 
door,  another  about  half  way,  and 
another  before  the  presence,  accord- 
ing to  the  usage  established  at  this 
and  all  the  northern  courts  of  Eu- 
rope, and  then  I addressed  myself 
to  his  majesty  in  the  following 
words : 

i ‘ Sire  : The  United  States  have  ap- 
pointed me  minister  plenipotentiary 
to  your  majesty,  and  have  directed 
me  to  deliver  to  your  majesty  this 
letter,  which  contains  the  evidence 
of  it.  It  is  in  obedienc  to  their  ex- 
press commands,  that  I have  the 
honor  to  assure  your  majesty  of 
their  unanimous  disposition  and  de- 
sire to  cultivate  the  most  friendly 
and  liberal  intercourse  between  your 
majesty’s  subjects  and  their  citi- 
zens, and  of  their  best  wishes  for 
your  majesty’s  health  and  happi- 
ness, and  for  that  of  your  family. 

* The  appointment  of  a minister 
from  the  United  States  to  your  ma- 
jesty’s court  will  form  an  epoch  in 


the  history  of  England  and  Ameri- 
ca. I think  myself  more  fortunate 
than  all  my  fellow  citizens,  in  hav- 
ing the  distinguished  honor  to  be 
the  first  to  stand  in  your  majesty’s 
royal  presence  in  a diplomatic  char- 
acter ; and  I shall  esteem  myself 
the  happiest  of  men  if  I can  be  in- 
strumental in  recommending  my 
country  more  and  more  to  your  ma- 
jesty’s royal  benevolence,  and  of 
restoring  an  entire  esteem,  confi- 
dence and  affection ; or,  in  better 
words,  c the  old  good  nature  and  the 
good  old  humor,’  between  people 
who,  though  separated  by  an  ocean, 
and  under  different  governments, 
have  the  same  language,  a similar 
religion,  a kindred  blood.  I beg 
your  majesty’s  permission  to  add, 
that  although  I have  sometimes  be- 
fore been  instructed  by  my  country, 
it  was  never  in  my  whole  life  in  a 
manner  so  agreeable  to  myself.’ 

The  king  listened  to  every  word 
I said,  with  dignity,  it  is  true,  but 
with  apparent  emotion.  Whether 
it  was  my  visible  agitation,  for  I felt 
more  than  I could  express,  that 
touched  him,  I cannot  say;  but  he 
was  much  affected,  and  answered 
me  with  more  tremor  than  I had 
spoken  with,  and  said  : — 

“ Sir  : The  circumstances  of  this 
audience  are  so  extraordinary,  the 
language  you  have  now  held  is  so 
extremely  proper,  and  the  feelings 
you  have  discovered  sojustly  adapt- 
ed to  the  occasion  that  1 not  only 
receive  with  pleasure  the  assurance 
of  the  friendly  disposition  of  the 
United  States,  but  that  I am  glad 
the  choice  has  fallen  upon  you  to 
be  their  minister.  I wish  you,  sir, 
to  believe  and  that  it  may  be  under- 
stood in  America,  that  I have  done 
nothing  in  the  late  contest  but  what 
I thought  myself  indespensibly 
bound  to  do,  by  the  duty  which  I 
owed  my  people.  I will  be  frank 
with  you.  I was  the  last  to  conform 
to  the  separation ; but  the  separa- 
tion having  become  inevitable,  I 
have  always  said,  as  I now  say,  that 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


I would  be  the  first  to  meet  the 
friendship  of  the  United  States  as 
an  independent  power.  The  mo- 
ment I see  such  sentiments  and 
language  as  yours  prevail,  and  a 
disposition  to  give  this  country  the 
preference,  that  moment  I shall  say 
— let  the  circumstances  of  language, 
religion,  and  blood  have  their  nat- 
ural full  effect.” 

I dare  not  say  that  these  were 
the  king’s  precise  words  ; and  it  is 
even  possible  that  I may  have,  in 
some  particulars,  mistaken  his 
meaning  ; for  although  his  pronun- 
ciation is  as  distinct  as  I ever  heard, 
he  hesitated  sometimes  between 
members  of  the  same  period.  He 
was,  indeed,  much  affected,  and  I 
was  not  less  so,  and  therefore  I can- 
not be  certain  that  I was  so  atten- 
tive, heard  so  clearly,  and  under- 
stood so  perfectly,  as  to  be  confident 
of  all  his  words,  or  sense.  This  I 
do  say,  that  the  foregoing  is  his  ma- 
jesty’s meaning,  as  I then  under- 
stood it,  and  his  own  words,  as  near- 
ly as  I can  recollect  them. 

The  king  then  asked  me  whether 
I came  last  from  France  ; and  upon 
my  answering  in  the  affirmative,  he 
put  on  an  air  of  familiarity,  and, 
smiling,  or  rather  laughing,  said, 
* There  is  an  opinion  among  some 
people  that  you  are  not  the  most  at- 
tached of  all  your  countrymen  to 
the  manners  of  France.’  I was 
surprised  at  this,  because  I thought 
it  an  indiscretion,  and  a descent 
from  his  dignity.  I was  a little  em- 
barrassed; but  determined  not  to 
deny  truth  on  the  one  hand,  nor 
lead  him  to  infer  from  it  any  attach- 
ment to  England,  on  the  other,  I 
threw  off  as  much  gravity  as  I 
could,  and  assumed  an  air  of  gaiety, 
and  atone  of  decision,  as  far  as  was 
decent,  and  said,  ‘ That  opinion, 
sir,  is  not  mistaken  : I must  avow  to 
your  majesty,  I have  no  attachment 
but  to  my  own  country.’  The  king 
replied  as  quick  as  lightning,  ‘ An 
honest  man  will  never  have  any 
other.’ 


The  king  then  said  a word  or  two 
to  the  secretary  of  state,  which  be- 
ing between  them  I did  not  hear, 
and  then  turned  round  and  bowed 
to  me,  as  is  customary  with  all  kings 
and  princes  when  they  give  the  sig- 
nal to  retire.  I retreated,  stepping 
backwards,  as  is  the  etiquette  ; and 
making  my  last  reverence  at  the 
door  of  the  chamber,  I went  to  my 
carriage.” 

Mr.  Adams  died  on  the  4th  of  Ju- 
ly, 1826,  with  the  same  words  on 
his  lips  which  fifty  years  before, 
on  that  day,  he  had  uttered  on  the 
floor  of  Congress,  “ Independence 
forever.” 

Q,uineTbang  River. 

This  beautiful  stream  rises  in 
Mashapaug  pond,  in  Union,  Ct.  It 
passes  N.  to  Brimfield,  Mass.,  then 
a S.  E.  course  to  Thompson,  Ct., 
where  it  receives  French  river  from 
the  north.  It  then  traverses  a S 
direction  about  30  miles,  affording 
fertility  and  a great  hydraulic  pow- 
er in  its  course,  when  it  joins  the 
Shetucket,  near  the  city  of  Nor- 
wich, and  takes  the  name  of  that 
river  to  the  Yantic.  These  three 
streams  form  the  Thames. 

Quinepiack  River,  Ct. 

This  river  rises  in  Bristol  and 
Farmington,  and  passes  through 
Southington,  Cheshire,  Meriden, 
“Wallingford,  and  falls  into  Long 
Island  Sound  at  New  Haven.  This 
is  a pleasant  mountain  stream,  of 
considerable  power,  and  about  30 
miles  in  length. 

Quoddy  Head,  Me., 

Or  West  Quoddy  Head,  the  west- 
ern entrance  into  Passamaquoddy 
bay.  It  is  in  N.  lat.  44°  55',  W. 
Ion.  66°  49'.  It  has  a light  house 
45  feet  in  height.  See  Lubec  and 
Eastport. 

Race  Point,  Mass. 

The  N.  W.  extremity  of  Cape 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER: 


Cod.  N.  lat.  42°  6',  W.  Ion.  70°  7'. 
See  Provincetown. 

Ragged  Mountains,  N.  II., 

So  called  from  their  rough  ap- 
pearance, lie  between  Andover  and 
Hill,  extending  in  a chain  about  10 
miles  from  the  Pemigewasset  to  the 
vicinity  of  Kearsarge.  It  is  a bleak 
and  precipitous  range,  and  is  nearly 
2,000  feet  high,  in  its  northern 
points. 

Rail  Roads  in  New  England. 

See  Register. 

Randolph,  N.  II. 

Coos  co.  Until  1824  this  town 
was  called  Durand.  It  is  situated 
directly  under  the  north  end  of  the 
White  mountains,  its  southeast  cor- 
ner bounding  on  the  base  of  Mount 
Madison,  the  east  peak  of  the  range. 
Branches  of  Israel’s  and  Moose 
rivers  pass  through  it.  The  soil  is 
in  some  parts  good,  but  the  town  in- 
creases slowly  in  its  settlements. 
It  was  granted  August  20,  1772,  to 
John  Durand  and  others,  of  Lon- 
don. Joseph  Wilder  and  Stephen 
Jillson  were  the  first  settlers.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  78. 

Randolph,  Vt. 

Orange  co.  This  is  an  elevated 
township  of  good  soil,  particularly 
for  grazing.  It  is  generally  well 
improved,  and  produces  good  but- 
ter, cheese  and  mutton.  Between 
twelve  and  thirteen  thousand  sheep 
graze  in  its  pastures. 

It  is  well  watered  by  branches  of 
White  river,  on  which  are  two 
woolen  mills  and  other  manufac- 
tures. There  are  a number  of  flour- 
ishing business  locations  in  the 
town : the  centre  village  is  very 
pleasant,  and  contains  an  academy 
of  excellent  reputation.  This  town 
was  first  settled  about  the  year  1778. 
Population,  1830,  2,743. 

Randolph  lies  23  miles  S.  from 
Montpelier,  9 S.  W.  from  Chel- 


sea, and  34  N.  N.  W.  from  Wind- 
sor. 

Randolph,  Mass. 

Norfolk  co.  Randolph  constitut- 
ed a part  of  ancient  Braintree  until 
1793,  when  it  was  incorporated.  It 
lies  14  miles  S.  from  Boston,  12  S. 
E.  from  Dedham,  and  7 S.  S.  W. 
from  Braintree  landing.  Popula- 
tion, 1820,  1,546;  1830,  2,200; 
1837,  3,041.  Manatiquot  river  rises 
in  the  town,  which,  with  other 
small  streams,  afford  it  a water  pow- 
er. Punkapog  pond  lies  in  this 
town  and  Canton.  The  land  is  ele- 
vated between  the  waters  of  Mas- 
sachusetts bay  and  Taunton  river  ; 
the  surface  is  generally  undulating 
and  the  soil  strong  and  productive. 
There  are  two  very  pleasant  and 
flourishing  villages  in  the  town. 
East  and  West,  surrounded  by 
fertile  and  well  cultivated  fields. 
Randolph  has  long  been  noted  for 
the  industry  of  its  people,  in  the 
manufacture  of  boots  and  shoes. 
During  the  year  ending  April  1st, 
1837,  there  were  made  in  the  town 
200,175  pairs  of  boots,  and  470,620 
pairs  of  shoes,  valued  at  $944,715, 
employing  1,475  hands.  There  are 
manufactures  of  leather,  &c.  in  the 
town,  but  that  of  boots  and  shoes  is 
the  principal. 

Rangely,  Me. 

Franklin  co.  This  town  lies  on 
the  Androscoggin  river,  and  at  the 
outlet  of  Oquossack  lake.  It  is 
about  40  miles  N.  W.  from  Farm- 
ington. See  “ Down  East.” 

Raymond,  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  Raymond  is 
watered  by  Crooked  river,  and  sev- 
eral ponds.  This  is  a good  farming 
town,  with  two  villages,  and  some 
trade.  The  inhabitants  are  princi- 
pally devoted  to  agricultural  pur- 
suits. In  1837  the  population  was 
1,802  ; wheat  crop  3,203  bushels. 
Incorporated,  1803.  It  lies  75 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


miles  S.  W.  from  Augusta  and  22 
N.  N.  W.  from  Portland. 

Raymond,  N.  H. 

Rockingham  co.  This  town  lies 
25  miles  W.  by  S.  from  Portsmouth, 
25  S.  E.  from  Concord,  13  W.  by 
N.  from  Exeter.  Two  branches 
of  the  Lampreyyriver,  from  Deer- 
field and  Candia,  unite  in  Ray- 
mond ; and  the  waters  of  two  ponds 
also  fall  into  this  river  as  it  passes 
through  the  town.  The  Patuckaway, 
from  Nottingham,  crosses  the  N.  E. 
corner  into  Epping.  The  soil  is 
various  : that  of  the  meadows  bord- 
ering on  the  river  is  productive.  In 
the  N.  part  of  the  town,  about  100 
rods  from  the  principal  road  leading 
to  Deerfield,  near  the  summit  of  a 
hill  about  100  feet  high,  is  a natu- 
ral excavation  in  a ledge,  called 
the  Oven,  from  the  appearance  of 
its  mouth.  It  is  a regular  arch 
about  5 feet  high  and  of  the  same 
width,  extending  into  the  hill 
about  15  feet,  and  terminating  in  a 
number  of  fissures.  Raymond  was 
originally  that  part  of  Chester  call- 
ed Charming-fare.  It  was  incor- 
porated in  1765,  by  its  present 
name.  The  names  of  24  inhabi- 
tants of  Raymond  are  found  enroll- 
ed among  the  soldiers  of  the  revo- 
lution, beside  numbers  of  the  mili- 
tia engaged  for  short  periods.  Four 
were  killed  or  died  in  service. 
Hon.  John  Dudley,  a distinguish-, 
ed  patriot  of  the  revolution,  mem- 
ber of  the  committee  of  safety, 
speaker  of  the  house,  and  judge 
of  the  superior  court,  died  here  May 
21, 1805,  aged  80.  Population,  in 
1830,  1,000. 

Raynliam,  Mass. 

Bristol  co.  This  town  lies  on 
Taunton  river,  and  was  taken  from 
Taunton  in  1731.  Population,  1837, 
1,379.  It  is  30  miles  S.  from  Bos- 
ton, 3 N.  E.  from  Taunton,  and  24 
E.  from  Providence. 

There  are  a number  of  large 
ponds  in  this  town  producing  a good 


water  power,  and  to  which  vast 
quantities  of  herring  (alewives) 
resort.  On  the  banks  of  one  of 
these  ponds,  the  celebrated  King 
Philip  had  a hunting  house.  The 
first  forge  in  America  was  erected 
in  this  town,  by  James  and  Henry 
Leonard,  in  1652.  The  house  of 
the  Leonards,  an  old  Gothic  build- 
ing, is  now  standing,  and  owned  by 
the  7th  generation. 

The  manufactures  of  Raynham 
consist  of  bar  iron,  nails,  iron  cast- 
ings, anchors,  shovels,  forks,  cof- 
fee mills,  and  straw  bonnets  : total 
value  the  year  ending  April  1, 1837, 
$360,650 ; of  which  $300,000  was 
for  nails. 

Readfield,  Me. 

Kennebec  co.  This  is  an  excel- 
lent township  of  land,  and  finely 
watered  by  ponds  and  small  streams. 
The  people  are  generally  industri- 
ous farmers,  who  find  the  cultiva- 
tion of  the  earth  the  best  source  of 
independence.  Readfield  is  a very 
pleasant  town,  and  its  vicinity  to 
the  Kennebec  gives  it  many  advan- 
tages. It  lies  11  miles  W.  from 
Augusta.  Population,  1837,  2,019. 
Wheat  crop,  same  year,  6,391  bush- 
els. 

Reading,  Vt. 

Windsor  co.  First  settled,  1772. 
This  is  an  elevated  township, uneven 
jtnd  mountainous.  Several  small 
streams  rise  here  and  pass  to  the 
Queechy  and  Black  rivers.  This 
town  affords  excellent  pasturage, 
in  which  about  6,000  sheep  are 
kept.  Reading  lies  53  miles  S. 
from  Montpelier,  and  10  W.  from 
Windsor.  Population,  1830,  1,409. 

Reading,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  Reading  is  an 
ancient  town,  13  miles  N.  from 
Boston,  10  W.  from  Salem,  and  17 
N.  E.  from  Concord. 

The  surface  of  the  town  is  une- 
ven, but  the  soil  is  generally  of  a 
good  quality.  The  village  is  pleas- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ant  and  flourishing.  During  the 
year  ending  April  1 . 1S37,  the  val- 
ue of  $184,583  of  boots  and  shoes 
were  made  in  Reading,  and  $91,360 
of  chairs  and  cabinet  ware.  First 
settled,  1640.  Population,  1S37, 
2,144. 

Reading,  Ct. 

Fairfield  co.  This  town  was  in- 
corporated in  1767,  and  derived  its 
name  from  Col.  John  Read,  one  of 
its  first  settlers.  The  soil  of  the 
town  is  good,  but  the  surface  is 
rough  and  hilly.  The  business  of 
the  people  is  chiefly  agricultural, 
who  live  scattered  about  on  their 
farms.  Considerable  attention  is 
paid  in  Reading  to  the  growing  of 
wool.  It  lies  15  miles  N.  W.  from 
Bridgeport,  60  S.  W.  from  Hart- 
ford, and  9 S.  from  Danbury.  Pop- 
ulation, 1S30,  1,6S6.  It  is  watered 
by  Saugatuck  and  Norwalk  rivers. 

Joel  Bahlow,  LL.  D.,  was 
born  in  this  town,  1755.  He  died 
in  Poland,  1312. 

America  has  produced  few  men, 
more  justly  deserving  of  immortal- 
ity than  Barlow  ; and  none,  it  is  be- 
lieved, who  have  made  their  title 
to  it  more  sure.  He  lived  in  an 
eventful  period,  and  acted  a con- 
spicuous part  in  both  hemispheres  ; 
and  as  a poet,  a man  of  science,  a 
politician,  a philosopher  and  a phi- 
lanthropist, his  name  will  long  be 
revered  by  the  friends  of  civil  liber- 


ty, and  of  science,  throughout  the 
civilized  world. 

Red  Hill,  X.  H. 

See  Moultonborough. 

Read  sboro  ugh.  Vt. 

Bennington  co.  A mountainous 
township,  at  the  S.  E.  corner  of  the 
county,  watered  by  Deerfield  river, 
12  miles  S.  E.  from  Bennington, 
and  IS  W.  by  S.  from  Brattlebo- 
rough.  Much  of  the  land  in  the 
town  is  too  elevated  to  admit  of  cul- 
tivation. Population,  1330,  662. 

Rehohoth,  Mass. 

Bristol  co.  This  town  was  first 
settled  in  1643,  by  the  Rev.  Samu- 
el Newman  and  others  from  Wey- 
mouth. Rehoboth  formerly  com- 
prised the  towns  of  Seekonk  and 
Pawtucket.  This  ancient  town  suf- 
fered greatly  by  Indian  depreda- 
tions. The  surface  of  the  town  is 
pleasant,  and  the  soil  generally 
good  for  tillage.  Its  manufactures 
consist  of  cotton  goods,  leather, 
shoes,  cutlery,  ploughs,  straw  bon- 
nets, carpenters’  and  joiners’  tools, 
wagons,  ov  yokes,  bobbins,  cotton 
batting,  wooden  ware,  &c. : annual 
value,  about  $60,000.  Rehoboth 
is  watered  by  Palmers  river.  It 
lies  40  miles  S.  by  W.  from  Boston, 
10  S.  W.  from  Taunton,  and  7 E. 
from  Providence,  R.  I.  Popula- 
tion, 1S37,  2,202.  Its  Indian  name 
j was  Saconet. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


4 


RHODE  ISLAND. 


The  State  of  Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Plantations  was  settled  by 
Roger  Williams  in  1636,  a man  remarkable  for  his  benevolence,  justice, 
and  pacific  policy.  It  derived  its  name  from  that  of  a beautiful  island  at 
the  mouth  of  Narraganset  bay.  Its  government  commenced  under  the 
charter  of  Charles  II.,  in  1663,  which  charter  is  the  present  Constitution 
of  the  State.  It  became  a member  of  the  Union  May  29th,  1790. 

The  Legislative  power  is  vested  in  a Senate  and  House  of  Represen- 
tatives. The  number  of  Senators  cannot  be  more  nor  less  than  10,  2 
from  each  county,  and  are  chosen  annually  by  the  people  on  the  3d  Wed- 
nesday in  April.  The  Representatives  are  in  number  72.  No  town  has 
less  than  2,  and  but  4 towns  have  more  than  2,  viz. — Newport  6,  Prov- 
idence 4,  Portsmouth  4,  and  Warwick  4:  the  number  for  each  town  hav- 
ing been  determined  by  law  without  reference  to  the  present  ratio  of 
population.  They  are  elected  semi-annually  by  the  people,  on  the  3d 
Wednesday  of  April,  and  last  Tuesday  of  August. 

The  Legislature  meet  at  Newport  on  the  1st  Wednesday  of  May,  and 
at  Providence  and  South  Kingston,  alternately,  on  the  last  Monday  of 
October  annually. 

The  executive  power  is  vested  in  a Governor  and  Lieut.  Governor, 
elected  annually  by, the  people  on  the  3d  Wednesday  of  April.  Their 
official  term  commences  on  the  1st  Wednesday  in  May 

30 


HEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Succession  of  Governors. 

Nicholas  Cooke,  1776 — 1778.  William  Greene,  1778 — 1786.  John 

Collins,  1786 — 1789.  Arthur  Fenner,  1789 — 1805.  Henry  Smith, 

(Act.  Gov.)  1805.  Isaac  Wilborn,  (Lieut.  Gov.)  1806.  James  Fenner, 
1807 — 1811.  William  Jones,  1811 — 1817.  Nehemiah  R.  Knight, 

1817—1821.  William  C.  Gibbs,  1821—1824.  James  Fenner,  1824— 
1831.  Lemuel  H.  Arnold,  1831 — 1833.  John  Brown  Francis, 

1833— 

The  judicial  power  is  vested  in  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court  and  Court 
of  Common  Pleas. 

The  Judges  of  all  the  Courts,  Sheriffs,  Notaries,  Justices  of  the  Peace, 
and  Clerks  of  the  Courts  are  chosen  annually  by  the  Legislature  in 
Grand  Committee.  In  all  the  towns  (except  Providence)  the  town  coun- 
cils are,  ex  officio,  Courts  of  Probate,  and  the  town  Clerks,  Registers  of 
Deeds  and  Probate.  The  Municipal  Court  in  the  city  of  Providence  ex- 
ercise probate  jurisdiction,  and  the  Clerk  is  Register  of  Probate.  The 
city  Clerk  is  Register  of  Deeds. 

This  state  annually  appropriates  $10,000,  to  be  divided  among  the 
towns  for  the  support  of  free  schools. 

Rhode  Island  comprises  five  counties  : Providence,  Newport,  Bristol, 
Kent  and  Washington.  It  is  bounded  N.  and  E.  by  the  state  of  Massa- 
chusetts, S.  by  the  Atlantic  ocean,  and  W.  by  the  state  of  Connecticut. 
It  lies  between  41°  and  42°  N.  lat.,  and  between  71°  and  72°  W.  long. ; 
and  comprises  an  area  of  1350  square  miles.  Population,  1755,  40,414  ; 
1774,  59,678  ; 1790,  68,825  ; 1S00,  69,122;  1810,75,188;  1S20,  83,059; 
1830,97,196.  Population  to  square  a mile,  71. 

The  natural  features  of  this  state  are  somewhat  peculiar.  About  a 
tenth  part  of  it  is  water,  and  of  the  residue  of  land  a considerable  portion 
is  island  territory.  The  interior  of  the  state,  with  the  exception  of  the  in- 
tervales along  the  streams,  is  generally  rough  and  hilly. 

The  most  considerable  eminences  are  Mount  Hope,  in  Bristol,  Hop- 
kins’ Hill,  in  West  Greenwich,  and  Woonsocket  Hill,  in  Smithfield. 
There  are  also  some  hills  of  considerable  elevation  in  Exeter.  Rhode 
-■  Island,  and  most  of  the  other  islands  in  Narraganset  bay,  disclose  a 
geological  structure,  of  the  transition  character,  and  present  a surface 
generally  undulating,  and  often  highly  picturesque  and  beautiful. 

The  mineral  treasures  of  the  State  have  not  been  explored : but  so  far 
as  they  are  known,  they  are  not  extensive  or  valuable.  Iron  ore  is 
the  most  important  mineral.  Mineral  coal  is  found  upon  Rhode  Island. 
Limestone  abounds  in  the  northeastern  section  of  the  state  ; and  in  these 
calcareous  strata  there  are  some  excellent  quarries  of  marble.  Serpen- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


tine  marble  is  also  found,  and  there  are  in  various  places  extensive  quar- 
ries of  freestone. 

The  navigable  waters  of  Rhode  Island  are  abundant,  and  mill  streams 
are  found  in  every  section  of  the  continental  part  of  the  state.  Rhode 
Island  claims  a conspicuous  rank  for  its  enterprise  in  foreign  commerce, 
domestic  trade,  and  the  fishery.  The  tonnage  of  the  state  in  1837,  was 
45,651  tons.  During  the  war  with  the  Indian  Sachem,  Philip,  and  the 
war  of  the  revolution,  Rhode  Island  was  always  found  at  its  post.  Iu 
these  wars  her  soldiers  were  conspicuous  for  bravery;  among  whom 
were  found  some  of  the  most  distinguished  officers  of  the  age.  The  rise 
and  progress  of  this  state  to  wealth  and  reputation  is  very  interesting. 
It  is  the  smallest  republican  state  in  the  world,  and  the  most  important 
manufacturing  district  of  its  size  in  America.  An  impartial  history  of 
Rhode  Island  will  soon  be  published  by  one  of  its  distinguished  sons  : — 
that  history  will  contain  a merited  eulogium  on  the  character  of  its  people. 

Rhode  Island  is  celebrated  for  its  mild  and  salubrious  climate,  which  is 
thought  peculiarly  favorable  to  female  beauty.  See  Register. 


Riclxford,  Vt. 

Franklin  co.  This  is  a mountain- 
ous township  at  the  N.  E.  corner 
of  the  county,  on  the  line  of  Cana- 
da, and  watered  by  Missisque  river 
and  its  branches.  It  lies  50  miles 
N.  by  W.  from  Montpelier,  and  24 
N.  E.  from  St.  Albans.  There  is 
some  good  land  along  the  river ; 
and  the  upland,  though  rough,  af». 
fords  good  grazing.  Population, 
1830,  704.  First  settled,  about 
1790. 

Richmond,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  Within  these  limits, 
cm  the  west  bank  of  Kennebec  river, 
stood  an  ancient  fortress  called  Rich- 
mond ; hence  the  name  of  the  town. 
It  lies  between  Bowdoinham  and 
Gardiner,  and  is  the  site  of  some 
ship  building  and  navigation.  The 
town  has  mill  privileges  on  a stream 
which  empties  into  Merrymeeting 
bay : its  soil  is  productive,  and  its 


location  pleasant.  Richmond  lies 
15  miles  S.  from  Augusta  and  15 
N.  from  Topsham.  Incorporated, 
1823.  Population,  1837,  1,526. 
Wheat  crop,  same  year,  1,656 
bushels. 

Richmond,  N.  II. 

Cheshire  co.  This  town  is  12 
miles  S.  from  Keene,  and  70  S.  W. 
from  Concord.  It  is  watered  by 
branches  of  Ashuelot  and  Miller’s 
rivers,  which  fall  into  the  Connec- 
ticut. The  ponds  are  three  in  num- 
ber, one  of  which  is  one  of  the  sour- 
ces of  Miller’s  river.  The  soil  here 
is  favorable  for  yielding  rye,  wheat, 
Indian  corn,  and  most  of  the  pro- 
ductions found  in  this  section  of 
New  England.  The  land  is  gen- 
erally level.  There  are  no  remark- 
able elevations.  Richmond  was 
granted  in  1752,  and  was  settled 
within  5 or  6 years  afterwards,  by 
people  from  Massachusetts  and 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Rhode  Island.  Population,  in  1S30, 
1,301 

Richmond,  Vt. 

Chittenden  co.  Richmond  is  24 
miles  N.  W.  from  Montpelier,  and 
13  S.  E.  from  Burlington.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,1,109.  First  settled,  1784. 
The  town  is  finely  watered  by  On- 
ion and  Huntington  rivers,  on  the 
banks  of  which  are  good  mill  seats 
and  large  tracts  of  beautiful  mead- 
ow. The  village  is  neat,  and  the 
centre  of  considerable  travel.  The 
several  religious  denominations  uni- 
ted here  in  building  a curious  look- 
ing meeting  house  ; it  has  sixteen 
sides.  This  is  a healthy  place,  and 
noted  for  the  longevity  of  its  inhab- 
itants. 

Richmond,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  This  town  is  situ- 
ated in  a deep  valley  of  excellent 
soil,  surrounded  by  elevated  lands, 
and  watered  by  Williams’  river. 
This  is  an  excellent  farming  town  ; 
th§  farmers’  houses,  extending  some 
miles  on  one  street,  are  neatly  built 
and  make  a beautiful  appearance. 
Iron  ore  of  a good  quality  is  found 
here  in  abundance,  also  marble  and 
lime.  The  manufactures  of  the 
town  consist  of  pig  iron,  shovels, 
spades,  forks,  hoes,  leather,  boots 
and  shoes.  Annual  value,  about 
$50,000.  In  1836,  there  were 
4,835  merino  sheep  in  Richmond. 
They  produced  14,505  pounds  of 
wool,  valued  at  $8,703.  It  lies 
135  miles  W.  from  Boston,  and  5 W. 
from  Lenox.  Incorporated,  1765. 
Population,  1837,  820. 

Richmond,  R.  I. 

Washington  co.  Richmond  is 
bounded  on  the  west  by  W ood  river, 
and  on  the  east  by  the  river  Charles. 
Other  streams  water  the  town, 
which,  with  the  Wood  and  Charles 
give  it  an  excellent  water  power. 
Manufacturing  establishments  of 
various  kinds  flourish  on  its  streams, 
particularly  those  of  cotton.  The 


soil  is  a gravelly  loam,  with  an  un- 
even surface.  The  agricultural 
productions  of  the  town  are  very 
considerable. 

This  is  an  excellent  township  for 
grazing ; a large  amount  of  wool 
and  of  the  productions  of  the  dairy 
is  annually  transported.  Richmond 
was  incorporated  in  1742.  It  lies 
30  miles  S.  S.  W.  from  Providence 
and  is  bounded  E.  by  South  Kings- 
ton. The  Providence  and  Stoning- 
ton  rail-road  passes  through  the  S. 
E.  corner  of  the  town.  Population, 
in  1830,  1,363. 

Ridgefield,  Ct. 

Fairfield  co.  Ridgefield,  or,  as 
the  Indians  called  it,  Caudatowa, 
a word  signifying  high  land,  is 
bounded  W.  by  New  Salem,  N.  Y. 
and  lies  31  miles  W.  by  N.  from 
New  Haven,  and  9 S.  by  W.  from 
Danbury.  This  township  is  very 
elevated,  and  commands  extensive 
views  of  Long  Island  Sound  and  of 
the  surrounding  country.  The  soil 
is  a strong  gravelly  loam,  and  pro- 
ductive of  grass  pid  grain.  It  is 
watered  by  Saugatuck  and  Norwalk 
rivers,  and  by  a branch  of  the  Cro- 
ton. It  comprises  a very  handsome 
village,  in  which  are  manufactures 
of  carriages,  cabinet  furniture,  &c. 
Limestone  is  abundant.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  2,323.  Incorporated, 
1709. 

The  celebrated  hermitess,  Sarah 
Bishop,  lived  on  the  western  bor- 
der of  Ridgefield.  She  lived  on 
Long  Island  at  the  time  of  the 
Revolutionary  war.  Her  father’s 
house  was  burnt  by  the  British,  and 
she  was  cruelly  treated  by  a Brit- 
ish officer.  She  then  left  society 
and  wandered  among  the  mountains 
near  this  part  of  the  state  : she  found 
a kind  of  cave  near  Ridgefield, 
where  she  resided  till  about  the 
time  of  her  death,  which  took  place 
in  1810.  It  is  said  that  the  wild  an- 
imals were  so  accustomed  to  see 
her,  that  they  were  not  afraid  of 
her  presence. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


The  following  account  of  a visit 
to  this  hermitess,  is  taken  from  a 
Poughkeepsie  paper. 

“ Yesterday  1 went  to  visit  the 
hermitage.  As  you  pass  the  south- 
ern and  elevated  ridge  of  the  moun- 
tain,and  begin  to  descend  the  south- 
ern steep,  you  meet  with  a perpen- 
dicular descent  of  a rock,  in  the 
front  of  which  is  this  cave.  At  the 
foot  of  this  rock  is  a gentle  descent 
of  rich  and  fertile  ground,  extend- 
ing about  ten  rods,  when  it  instant- 
ly forms  a frightful  precipice,  de- 
scending half  a mile  to  the  pond 
called  Long  pond.  In  the  front  of 
the  rock,  on  the  north,  where  the 
cave  is,  and  level  with  the  ground, 
there  appears  a large  frustrum  of 
the  rock,  of  a double  fathom  in  size, 
thrown  out  by  some  unknown  con- 
vulsion of  nature,  and  lying  in  the 
front  of  the  cavity  from  which  it 
was  rent,  partly  enclosing  the 
mouth,  and  forming  a room:  the 
rock  is  left  entire  above,  and  forms 
the  roof  of  this  humble  mansion. 
This  cavity  is  the  habitation  of  the 
hermitess,  in  which  she  has  passed 
the  best  of  her  years,  excluded 
from  all  society ; she  keeps  no  do- 
mestic animal,  not  even  fowl,  cat, 
or  dog  Her  little  plantation,  con- 
sisting of  half  an  acre,  is  cleared 
of  its  wood,  and  reduced  to  grass, 
where  she  nas  raised  a few  peach 
trees,  and  yearly  plants,  a few  hills 
of  beans,  cucumbers,  and  potatoes; 
the  whole  is  surrounded  with  a" 
luxuriant  grape  vine,  which  over- 
spreads the  surrounding  wood,  and 
is  very  productive.  On  the  oppo- 
site side  of  this  little  tenement,  is  a 
fine  fountain  of  excellent  water  ; at 
this  fountain  we  found  the  wonder- 
ful woman,  whose  appearance  it  is 
a little  difficult  to  describe  : indeed, 
like  nature  in  its  first  state,  she  was 
without  form.  Her  dress  appeared 
little  else  than  one  confused  and 
shapeless  mass  of  rags,  patched  to- 
gether without  any  order,  which 
obscured  all  human  shape,  except- 
ing her  head,  which  wa>  clothed 

30* 


with  a luxuriancy  of  lank  grey  hair 
depending  on  every  side,  as  time 
had  formed  it,  without  any  covering 
or  ornament.  When  she  discover- 
ed our  approach,  she  exhibited  the 
appearance  of  a wild  and  timid  an- 
imal ; and  started  and  hastened  to 
her  cave,  which  she  entered,  and 
barricaded  the  entrance  with  old 
shells,  pulled  from  the  decayed 
trees.  We  approached  this  humble 
habitation,  and  after  some  conver- 
sation with  its  inmate,  obtained  lib- 
erty to  remove  the  palisadoes  and 
look  in ; for  we  were  not  able  to 
enter,  the  room  being  only  sufficient 
to  accommodate  one  person.  We 
saw  no  utensil,  either  for  labor  or 
cookery,  save  an  old  pewter  basin 
and  a gourd  shell,  no  bed  but  the 
solid  rock,  unless  it  were  a few  old 
rags,  scattered  here  and  there  ; no 
bed  clothes  of  any  kind,  not  the 
least  appearance  of  food  or  fire. 
She  had,  indeed,  a place  in  one  cor- 
ner of  her  cell,  where  a fire  had  at 
some  time  been  kindled,  but  it  did 
not  appear  there  had  been  one  for 
some  months.  To  confirm  this,  a 
gentleman  says  he  passed  her  cell 
five  or  six  days  after  the  great  fall 
of  snow  in  the  beginning  of  March, 
that  she  had  no  fire  then,  and  hgd 
not  been  out  of  her  cave  since  the 
snow  had  fallen.  How  she  subsists 
during  the  severe  season,  is  yet  a 
mystery  ; she  says  she  eats  but  lit- 
tle flesh  of  any  kind ; in  the  sum- 
mer she  lives  on  berries,  nuts,  and 
roots.  We  conversed  with  her  for 
some  time,  found  her  to  be  of  a 
sound  mind,  a religious  turn  of 
thought,  and  entirely  happy  in  her 
situation  ; of  this  she  has  given  re- 
peated proofs  by  refusing  to  quit 
this  dreary  abode.  She  keeps  a Bi- 
ble with  her,  and  says  she  takes 
much  satisfaction,  and  spent  much 
time  in  reading  it.’* 

Riley,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  This  is  a township  of 
rough  and  unprofitable  land,  with 
few  inhabitants ; near  to,  and  south 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


of  Speekled  mountain,  on  the  line 
of  New  Hampshire.  It  lies  30 
miles  N.  W.  from  Paris. 

Rindge,  W.  II. 

Cheshire  co.  This  town  is  20 
miles  S.  E.  from  Keene,  50  S.  W. 
from  Concord,  and  55  W.  N.  W. 
from  Boston.  The  soil  is  productive, 
lying  on  swells  of  land  for  the  most 
part  inclining  to  the  south.  There 
are  13  ponds,  the  largest  of  which 
are  called  Manomonack,  Emerson, 
Perley,  Long,  Grassy,,  and  Bullet. 
The  3 first  discharge  their  waters 
into  Miller’s  river  in  Mass.,  thence 
communicating  with  the  Connecti- 
cut; the  3 last  discharge  them- 
selves into  Contoocook  river,  and 
from  thence  into  the  Merrimack. 
These  ponds  abound  with  fish,  and 
were  much  frequented  by  the  In- 
dians for  procuring  ftir,  &c.  There 
is  a small  elevation  of  land  in 
Rindge,  from  which  the  waters  that 
issue  on  one  side  descend  into  the 
Merrimack,  and  those  on  the  other 
side,  into  the  Connecticut.  Iron 
is  found  here ; also  a species  of 
paint  nearly  equal  to  the  best  qual- 
ity of  Spanish  brown.  Rindge  was 
originally  called  Rowley  Canada, 
or  JSIonadnocli  No.  1.  It  received 
its  present  name  from  one  of  the 
proprietors,  when  it  was  incorpora- 
ted, in  1768.  The  settlement  com- 
menced, 1752,  by  Jonathan  Stanley, 
George  Hewitt  and  Abel  Platts. 
Population,  in  1830,  1,269. 

Rrpley,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  A good  farming 
town,  60  miles  N.  by  E.  from  Au- 
gusta, and  30  N.  E.  from  Norridge- 
wock.  Incorporated,  1816.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  555.  Wheat  crop, 
same  year,  3,512  bushels.  A branch 
of  Sebasticook  river  passes  through 
the  town. 

Ripton,  Vt. 

Addison  co.  This  is  a mountain- 
ous township,  the  surface  and  soil 
pf  which  are  too  broken  and  cold 


for  much  cultivation.  Middlebury 
river  and  the  turnpike  from  Royal- 
ton  to  Vergennes  pass  through  it. 
Ripton  lies  26  miles  S.  W.  from 
Montpelier,  and  9 E.  from  Middle- 
bury. Population,  1330, '278. 

Rofrbinston,  Me. 

Washington  co.  This  town  lies 
on  the  Schoodic  or  St.  Croix  river, 
opposite  to  St.  Andrews,  in  New 
Brunswick.  It  is  16  miles  N.  N. 
W.  from  Eastport,  30  N.  E.  from 
Machias  and  192  E.  N.  E.  from  Au- 
gusta. This  place  enjoys  great 
navigable  privileges,  and  is  the  site 
of  considerable  ship  building,  and 
commerce  in  lumber.  Incorporated, 
1811.  Population,  1S37,  702.  This 
town  was  settled  soon  after  the  re- 
volutionary war.  The  first  mail 
came  to  this  place  in  1796.  A mail 
stage  now  arrives  three  times  a 
week,  and  crosses  the  river  to  New 
Brunswick.  Robbinston  was  nam- 
ed in  compliment  to  the  Hon.  Ed- 
ward H.  Robbins,  formerly  Lieut. 
Governor  of  Massachusetts,  and  for 
many  years  speaker  of  the  House 
of  Representatives  of  that  state. 

Rochester,  N.  II., 

One  of  the  county  towns  of  Straf- 
ford co.,  is  10  miles  N.  W.  from 
Dover,  22  N.  W.  from  Portsmouth, 
34  E.  from  Concord.  Besides  Sal- 
mon fall  river,  which  divides  this 
town  from  Berwick  and  Lebanon,  in 
the  state  of  Maine,  the  Coche- 
co  river  runs  the  whole  length  of 
the  town,  and  nearly  in  the  middle, 
and  the  Isinglass  river  crosses  the 
southerly  corner  of  the  town  just 
before  its  junction  with  Cocheco 
river,  at  a place  called  Blind  Will’s 
Neck.  Both  Salmon  fall  and  Co- 
checo rivers  afford  valuable  mill- 
seats;  on  the  latter  of  which,  near 
the  centre  of  the  town,  stands  the 
principal  village,  called  JV'orway 
Plains.  It  is  a place  of  consider- 
able trade,  and  a great  thorough- 
fare from  the  upper  towns  in  the 
county  to  Dover  and  Portsmouth. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


There  is  another  village  about  2 
miles  S.  W.from  this,  called  Squam- 
anagonnick,  the  Indian  name  of 
the  falls  in  the  Cocheco  at  that 
place.  Much  of  the  soil  in  Roch- 
ester is  good ; the  surface  is  uneven, 
with  several  swells,  the  principal 
of  which  is  Squamanagonnick  hill, 
which  constitutes  a considerable 
part  of  several  valuable  farms.  In 
the  W.  part  of  the  town,  is  a large 
tract  of  oak  land,  which  is  hard  and 
stony  ; has  a deep  rich  soil,  and  is 
very  productive  w hen  well  cultiva- 
ted. The  town  wras  incorporated, 
in  1722.  The  first  permanent  set- 
tlement was  made  in  172S.  Until 
Canada  was  taken  by  the  British 
and  American  troops  in  1760,  it  re- 
mained a frontier  town  ; the  peo- 
ple were  poor  and  distressed,  but 
not  discouraged.  Their  men  were 
bold,  hardy  and  industrious  ; and 
their  sons  were  trained  to  the  use 
of  arms.  They  early  became  a ter- 
ror to  their  foes.  In  1748,  the  wife 
of  Jonathan  Hodgdon  v.Tas  killed  on 
a Sunday  morning  by  the  Indians, 
on  refusing  to  be  taken  to  Canada 
with  the  party.  Her  husband  mar- 
ried again,  had  21  children  in  all, 
and  died  in  1815,  aged  90  years.  In 
the  revolutionary  war,  many  of  the 
inhabitants  bore  a part.  Captains 
David  Place  and  John  Brewster  led 
companies  to  Ticonderoga,  and  suf- 
fered much  in  their  retreat  from 
that  place  in  1777.  Of  the  soldiers 
from  Rochester,  29  were  killed  oi- 
diedin  that  contest.  Pop. 1830,2,155. 

Rochester,  Vt. 

Windsor  co.  Rochester  lies  30 
miles  S.  S.  W.  from  Montpelier,  37 
N.  W.  from  Windsor,  and  20  S.  E. 
from  Middlebury.  It  is  watered  by 
White  river,  which  supplies  it  with 
mill  seats.  A large  part  of  the  surface 
of  the  township  is  broken  and  moun- 
tainous, but  it  contains  much  good 
land  for  grazing  and  some  tracts  of 
excellent  meadow.  It  has  a pleasant 
village  with  some  trade.  In  1837, 
there  were  9,000  sheep  in  the  town. 


First  settled,  1783.  Population, 
1830,  1,392. 

Rochester,  Mass. 

Plymouth  co.  A large  maritime 
town  on  Buzzard’s  bay,  9 miles 
E.  from  New  Bedford,  and  48  S.  S. 
E.  from  Boston.  Incorporated,  1686. 
Population,  1837,  3,570.  The  lace 
of  the  towrn  is  uneven  and  the  soil 
light.  Mattepoiset  and  Sipiean  riv- 
ers, rising  in  large  ponds  in  the 
town,  empty  into  the  bay  and  form 
good  harbors.  The  manufactures 
of  Rochester  consist  of  vessels,  salt, 
bar  iron,  boots,  shoes,  &c.  ; value, 
the  year  ending  April  1,  1837, 
$101,811.  During  that  period  there 
were  9 vessels  engaged  in  the  whale 
fishery,  and  brought  into  port  116,- 
92S  gallons  of  oil,  valued  at  $71, 
658.  A number  of  merchant  ves- 
sels belong  to  this  place,  and  numer- 
ous coasting  and  fishing  vessels. 

Rocliingham  Coiisity,  IV.  H. 

Portsmouth  and  Ex.eter  are  the 
chief  towns.  The  county  of  Rock- 
ingham is  bounded  N.  and  N.  E. 
by  Strafford  county ; E.  by  the  At- 
lantic, from  the  mouth  of  Piscata- 
qua  river  to  the  line  of  Massachu- 
setts; W.  by  the  counties  of  Mer- 
rimack and  Hillsborough.  Its  great- 
est length  is  about  34  miles ; its 
greatest  breadth,  from  the  west  cor- 
ner of  Chester  to  the  extremity  of 
Rye,  is  about  80  miles.  It  compri- 
ses, an  area  of  695  square  miles. 
There  are  no  remarkable  elevations 
in  this  county ; the  surface,  how- 
ever, is  uneven,  and  in  the  north 
part,  from  the  higher  eminences, 
there  are  some  very  fine  views  of 
the  surrounding  country.  The 
highest  point  is  Saddleback  moun- 
tain, in  Northwood  and  Deerfield. 
The  rivers  are  the  Lamprey,  Exe- 
ter, Beaver,  and  Spiggot,  w'hich 
water  the  east  and  southeast  parts 
of  the  county.  Great  Bay,  be- 
tween Newington  and  New  Mark- 
et, and  connecting  with  the  Piscat- 
aqua,  is  the  largest  collection  of 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


water.  Massabesick  pond  or  lake 
is  principally  in  Chester,  and  is 
picturesque  from  its  numerous  isl- 
ands and  the  surrounding  eleva- 
tions. The  other  principal  ponds 
are  Islandy,  in  Hamsptead,  Coun- 
try, in  Kingston,  and  Pleasant  in 
Deerfield. 

The  soil  of  this  county  having 
been  longer  cultivated  than  that  of 
any  other  county  in  the  state,  is 
very  productive ; and  agricultural 
pursuits  have  been  very  success- 
ful. In  1837,  there  were  23,333 
sheep  in  the  county.  The  popula- 
tion, in  1820,  was  40,526 ; and  in 
in  1S30,  44,552.  Population  to  a 
square  mile,  64. 

Rockingliam,  Vt. 

Windham  co.  This  town  is  beau- 
tifully situated  on  the  west  side  of 
Connecticut  river,  and  at  the  cele- 
brated “ Bellows  Falls,”  noted  un- 
der Walpole  N.  H.  The  water  pow- 
er afforded  by  these  falls,  with  that 
of  Williams  and  Saxton's  rivers, 
which  pass  through  the  town,  are 
of  vast  extent ; it  cannot  fail  of  be- 
coming exceedingly  useful,  and  of 
rendering  this  town  and  vicinity 
the  site  of  immense  manufacturing 
operations.  Large  and  expensive 
manufacturing  establishments  have 
recently  been  commenced  ; an  ac- 
count of  which  may  be  expected 
in  the  Register. 

This  place  lies  on  a navigable 
river,  65  miles  above  Northampton, 
and  85  above  Springfield,  Mass., 
Ill  above  Hartford,  Ct.,  and  23  be- 
low Windsor,  Vt.  It  is  85  miles 
S.  from  Montpelier,  and  18  N.  E. 
from  Newfane.  First  settled  in 
1753.  Population,  1830,  2,272. 

The  surface  of  the  town  is  une- 
ven ; but  the  soil  is  generally 
strong,  warm  and  productive.  Its 
agricultural  products  are  consider- 
able : in  1837,  it  pastured  12,600 
sheep. 

The  location  of  Rockingham 
renders  it  a mart  of  much  interi- 
or trade,  and  has  caused  the  erec- 


tion of  a number  of  pleasant  villa- 
ges. The  scenery  around  the  falls, 
in  Rockingham,  is  of  a sublime 
character,  and  perhaps  no  section 
of  New  England  possesses  a great- 
er variety  of  minerals  than  are  found 
in  this  vicinity. 

Rome,  Me. 

Franklin  co.  This  is  a beautiful 
farming  town,  watered  by  several 
large  ponds.  It  lies  19  miles  N. 
N.  W.  from  Augusta,  and  13  E.  S. 
E.  from  Farmington.  It  contains  a 
pleasant  and  flourishing  village. 
Incorporated  in  1804.  Population, 
1837,  1,074.  Wheat  crop,  same 
year,  4,177  bushels. 

Rowe,  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  This  town  con- 
tains the  site  of  old  fort  Pelham, 
erected  in  1744.  The  township  is 
elevated,  and  in  some  parts  moun- 
tainous, but  the  soil  is  adapted  for 
grazing.  Considerable  wool  is  pro- 
duced ; and  there  are  manufactures 
in  the  town  of  woolen  goods,  boots, 
shoes,  leather,  and  wooden  ware. 

Rowe  is  the  source  of  a branch 
of  Deerfield  river,  and  lies  130 
miles  N.  W.  from  Boston,  and  22 
W.  by  N.  from  Greenfield.  Incor- 
porated, 1785.  Population,  1837, 
688. 

Rowley,  Mass. 

Essex  co.  This  town  was  first  set- 
tled by  a party  of  industrious  and  pi- 
ous persons  from  Yorkshire,  Eng.  in 
1639.  They  erected  the  first  full- 
ing mill  in  New  England,  and  man- 
ufactured the  first  cloth  in  North 
America.  There  are  a great  vari- 
ety of  soils  in  the  town ; a large 
part  is  salt  meadow,  and  the  resi- 
due is  fertile  and  productive.  It 
comprises  a part  of  Plum  island, 
and  large  tracts  of  wood  land.  It 
is  watered  by  Rowley  river,  which 
rises  from  several  ponds  in  Boxford. 
This  river  affords  a water  power, 
and  before  its  junction  with  Plum 
Island  Sound,  forms  a harbor  for 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


vessels  of  moderate  draught  of  wa- 
ter,* and  in  which  many  vessels 
have  been  built. 

Ancient  Rowley  was  divided  in 
1838 : its  western  part  was  de- 
tached and  incorporated  by  the 
name  of  Georgetown.  Since  this 
division  Rowley  possesses  but  lit- 
tle manufacturing  interest,  but  a 
valuable  agricultural  one,  to  which 
its  inhabitants  are  principally  devo- 
ted. 

This  ancient  town  is  very  pleas- 
ant, and  has  been  the  birth  place 
of  many"  learned  men.  It  lies  30 
miles  N.  from  Boston,  16  N.  by  W. 
from  Salem,  and  25  E.  N.  E.  from 
Lowell.  Population,  1838,  about 
1,000. 

Roxbury,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  The  surface  of  this 
town  is  elevated,  and  well  timber- 
ed, with  some  good  soil.  Roxbury 
is  watered  by  a branch  of  Andros- 
coggin river.  It  lies  30  miles  N. 
from  Paris,  and  is  bounded  S.  by 
Rumford.  Incorporated,  1835. — 
Population,  1837,  182. 

Roxbury,  ET.  II., 

Cheshire  co.,  is  5 miles  E.  from 
Keene,  and  50  S.  W.  from  Concord. 
The  N.  branch  of  Ashuelot  river 
forms  the  boundary  between  this 
town  and  Keene.  Roaring  Brook, 
on  which  are  several  small  meadows, 
waters  the  S.  part,  and  empties  in- 
to the  Ashuelot  at  the  S.  W.  cor^ 
ner.  On  the  E.  side  of  the  town- 
ship is  a pond,  called  Roaring  Brook 
pond,  at  the  outlet  of  which  are 
mills. 

Roxbury  presents  a rough  and 
uneven  surface,  rising  into  consid- 
erable swells,  affording  excellent 
grazing  land. 

This  tow  n was  formed  of  a part 
of  Nelson,  Marlborough  and  Keene, 
and  incorporated  in  1812.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  322. 

Roxbtiry,  Vt. 

Washington  co.  This  town  is 


elevated  between  the  waters  of 
Onion  and  White  rivers.  It  lies  15 
-miles  S.  S.  W.  from  Montpelier. 
First  settled,  1789.  Population, 
1830,  737. 

Roxbury,  Mass. 

Norfolk  co.  This  town  is  joined 
to  Boston  by  a neck  of  land,  over 
which  are  broad  and  pleasant  ave- 
nues. Between  the  centre  of  each 
town  is  about  3 miles.  The  surface 
is  rocky  and  uneven,  with  a strong 
soil  in  a high  state  of  cultivation. 
It  displays  a great  degree  of  agricul- 
tural taste  and  skill,  and  abounds  in 
country  seats  and  pleasure  grounds. 
That  part  of  this  town  bordering  on 
Jamaica  pond,  4 miles  S.  W.  from 
Boston,  is  exceedingly  pleasant. 
This  town  and  Boston  were  incor- 
porated the  same  year,  (1630  ;)  and 
nothing  but  municipal  regulations 
divide  their  interests  and  feelings. 
Population,  1810,  3,669;  1820, 

4,135  ; 1830,  5,247  ; 1837,  7,493. 

The  first  hourly  coach  from  Bos- 
ton commenced  running  to  this  town 
in  1827.  There  are  now  a large 
number  continually  running  be- 
tween the  two  places,  and  not  less 
than  250,000  persons  pass  annually. 
Since  that  time,  others  of  a similar 
kind  have  been  established  to 
Charlestown,  Cambridge,  Dorches- 
ter, &c.,  and  tend  greatly  to  pro- 
mote the  public  convenience. 

The  manufactures  of  Roxbury 
consist  of  leather,  nails,  hats,  chairs, 
cabinet  ware,  pig  iron,  spirits,  &c.: 
annual  value,  about  $300,000. 

The  Rev.  John  Eliot,  the  just- 
ly celebrated  “Apostle  of  the  In- 
dians,” was  settled  in  Roxbury  in 
1632.  Mr.  Eliot  imbibed  the  true 
spirit  of  the  gospel,  and  his  heart 
was  touched  with  the  wretched 
condition  of  the  Indians.  He  learn- 
ed their  language,  and  translated 
the  scriptures  into  it.  This  would 
seem  the  business  of  a life,  when 
the  sense  of  the  simple  expression, 
“Kneeling  down  to  him,”  is  con- 
veyed in  the  Indian  language 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


by  JVutappessttukqussunnooweh- 
tunkquoh,  a word  that  would  puz- 
zle a Demosthenes  to  pronounce, 
without  an  extra  pebble  stone  in  his 
mouth.  Mr.  Eliot  was  remarkable 
for  his  indefatigable  labors  and 
charities;  he  endured  hardship  as 
a good  soldier  of  Jesus  Christ,  and 
went  to  his  reward  in  1690,  aged 
86. 

This  was  the  birth  place  and 
residence  of  the  patriot  Joseph 
Warren.  Dr.  Warren  was  born 
in  1740.  He  graduated  at  Harvard 
college  in  1759.  He  was  an  ardent 
lover  of  his  country,  and  sensibly 
felt  the  weight  of  her  oppressions. 
Four  days  previous  to  the  battle 
of  “ Bunker  Hill,”  he  received  a 
commission  in  the  army  of  Major 
General.  He  was  within  the  en- 
trenchment, and  was  slain  on  that 
hallowed  spot,  just  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  retreat.  Dr. 
Warren  was  an  able  statesman,  an 
eloquent  orator,  a man  of  uncom- 
promising integrity  and  undaunt- 
ed bravery.  General  Warren  was 
the  first  officer  of  rank  that  fell  in 
that  glorious  contest  for  liberty. 
His  death  shed  a gloom  throughout 
the  country : he  was  exceedingly 
beloved  for  the  mildness  and  affa- 
bility of  his  deportment,  and  for 
the  virtues  of  his  private  life. 

Roxlmry,  Ct. 

Litchfield  co.  Roxbury  was  tak- 
en from  Woodbury  and  incorpora- 
ted in  1801.  It  lies  32  miles  N.  W. 
from  New  Haven,  46  W.  S.  W.  from 
Hartford,  and  15  S.  by  W.  from 
Litchfield.  Population,  1830,1,122. 

The  town  is  diversified  with  hills 
and  vales.  The  soil  is  a gravelly 
loam,  interspersed  with  some  small 
tracts  of  sandy  loam.  It  is  water- 
ed by  the  Shepaug,  a branch  of  the 
Housatonick.  In  digging  for  sil- 
ver, a species  of  iron  ore,  called 
steel  ore,  was  discovered. 

Royalston,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  Royalston  is  a 


pleasant  town,  and  is  well  watered 
by  Miller’s  river,  a beautiful  mill 
stream.  The  surface  of  the  town 
is  uneven,  but  the  soil  is  generally 
rich  and  productive.  There  are 
two  woolen  mills,  and  manufactures 
of  boots,  shoes,  leather,  chairs, 
cabinet  ware,  palm-leaf  hats  and 
mats,  wooden  ware,  &c.  First 
settled,  1762.  Incorporated,  1765. 
It  lies  70  miles  W.  N.  W.  from 
Boston,  and  38  N.  W.  from  Wor- 
cester. Population,  1837,  1,629. 

Royalton,  Vt. 

Windsor  co.  The  surface  of  this 
town  is  somewhat  rough  and  moun- 
tainous, but  the  soil  is  good,  partic- 
ularly on  the  banks  of  White  river, 
by  which  it  is  watered. 

This  town  was  first  settled  in 
1771,  and  for  many  years  endured 
great  suffering  from  Indian  hostili- 
ty. This  is  an  excellent  township 
for  grazing,  and  its  agricultural 
products  are  considerable.  It  has  a 
pleasant  village  and  an  academy. 

Royalton  is  30  miles  S.  from 
Montpelier,  and  25  N.  N.  W.  from 
Windsor.  Population,  in  1S30, 
1,893. 

Ramford,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  Rumford  is  a town- 
ship of  valuable  land,  51  miles  W. 
N.  W.  from  Augusta,  and  20  N. 
by  W.  from  Paris.  It  lies  on  the 
northwestern  bank  of  the  Andros- 
coggin, and  enjoys  a great  water 
power.  Mills  of  various  kinds  are 
already  erected,  and  manufactures 
on  a large  scale  are  contemplated. 
White  Cap  mountain,  rising  500 
feet  above  the  level  of  the  surround- 
ing country,  and  Glass-face,  about 
400  feet,  present  beautiful  views 
from  their  summits.  Population, 
1837,  1,382.  Wheat  crop,  same 
year,  4,385  bushels.  Incorporated, 
1800. 

Rumney,  N.  H. 

Grafton  co.  Rumney  is  8 miles 
N.  N.  W.  from  Plymouth,  47  N.  by 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


W.  from  Concord.  It  is  watered 
by  Baker’s  river,  of  which  a con- 
siderable branch  flows  from  Stin- 
son’s pond,  and  is  called  Stinson’s 
brook.  The  pond  is  400  rods  long 
and  280  rods  wide.  Part  of  Loon 
pond  is  on  the  E.  line  of  this  town. 
The  principal  elevations  are  Stin- 
son’s and  Webber’s  mountains  in 
the  E.  part,  and  a small  part  of 
Carr’s  mountain,  which  here  ob- 
tains the  name  of  Rattlesnake 
mountain,  on  its  N.  W.  border. 
Rumney  was  granted  in  1767,  and 
was  first  settled  in  17G5.  It  was 
in  this  town,  on  the  23th  of  April, 
1752,  that  the  late  General  Stark, 
while  on  a hunting  expedition,  was 
captured  by  a party  of  10  Indians, 
commanded  by  Francis  Titigaw. 
He  was  in  company  with  Amos 
Eastman  of  Concord,  David  Stinson 
of  Londonderry,  and  his  brother 
William.  Stinson  was  slain.  Pop- 
ulation, in  1330,  933. 

Rupert,  Vt. 

Bennington  co.  A part  of  this 
township  is  mountainous,  but  the 
soil  is  generally  good  for  grazing. 
Rupert  produces  some  fine  cattle, 
and  keeps  about  10,000  sheep.  It 
is  watered  by  Pawlet  river,  and  a 
branch  of  the  Battenkill,  on  which 
streams,  are  mills  of  various  kinds. 
Rupert  is  78  miles  S.  W.  from  Mont- 
pelier, and  25  N.  from  Bennington. 
Population,  1330,  1,313. 

Russell,  Mass. 

Hampden  co.  Westfield  river 
waters  this  town,  and  affords  it  good 
mill  privileges.  There  is  a cotton 
mill  in  the  town  and  other  manufac- 
tures. Russell  lies  100  miles  W.  by  | 
S.  from  Boston,  and  14  W.  by  N.  I 
lrom  Springfield.  Incorporated, 
1792.  Population,  1337,  475. 

Rutland  County,  Vt. 

Rutland,  chief  town.  This  coun- 
ty is  bounded  N.  by  Addison  coun- 
ty, E.  by  Windsor  county,  S.  by 
Bennington  county,  and  W.  by  the 


state  of  New  York.  Incorporated, 
1731.  Population,  1S20,  29,933; 
1330,  31,294.  This  county  contains 
an  area  of  953  square  miles.  In- 
habitants to  a square  mile,  33.  The 
principal  streams  are  Otter  Creek, 
Black,  White,  Queechy  and  Paw- 
let  rivers.  There  is  some  fine  land 
in  this  county  along  Otter  Creek, 
but  a large  portion  of  it  is  elevated, 
and  some  parts  mountainous.  The 
soil,  however,  is  generally  warm 
and  well  suited  for  grazing.  Ma- 
ny cattle  are  annually  taken  to 
market,  and  in  1837,  there  were 
1S0,934  sheep  in  Rutland  county. 
Excellent  iron  ore  is  found  at  the 
base  of  the  mountains,  and  a range 
of  marble  quarries  extends  tnewhole 
length  of  the  county  from  north  to 
south.  This  marble  is  of  a fine 
quality : much  of  it  is  wrought  and 
transported. 

Rutland,  Vt. 

Chief  town,  Rutland  co.  This 
town  was  settled  about  the  year 
1770,  and  for  some  time  during  the 
revolutionary  war  was  a frontier 
town.  The  Green  mountain  hoys 
erected  here  two  small  picket  forts, 
which  were  found  very  useful.  The 
soil  of  the  town  is  various,  but  gen- 
erally of  an  excellent  quality.  Iron 
ore  of  a good  quality  is  found;  clay, 
lime,  and  a great  abundance  of  beau- 
tifully variegated  marble. 

— The  village  of  Rutland  is  neat, 
well  built  and  handsomely  located : 
it  is  the  centre  of  trade  for  a large 
section  of  fertile  country.  The  ag- 
ricultural productions  of  Rutland 
are  large  and  valuable  : — in  1837, 
there  were  within  its  limits  20,981 
I sheep.  Otter  Creek  and  its  tribu- 
i taries  give  the  town  a good  water 
power,  and  manufacturing  estab- 
lishments are  springing  up  along 
their  banks.  Rutland  lies  50  miles 
S.  W.  from  Montpelier,  52  N.  by 
E.  from  Bennington,  60  S.  S.  E. 
from  Burlington,  and  34  W.  N.  W. 
from  Windsor.  Population,  1S30, 
2,753. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Rml&nd.  riass. 

W orcester  co.  Rutland  was  for- 
merly twelve  miles  square,  and  was 
sold  by  the  Indians,  in  1636,  for 
j£23  lawful  money.  It  was  first 
settled  about  the  year  1720,  and 
incorporated,  a,  1722  It  - 51 
miles  W.  by  W.  from  Boston  and 
12  X.  W.bwm  Wareeste  A 
of  W are  river  waters  the  town,  and 
gives  it  mill  privileges.  The  man- 
ufactures consist  of  woolen  goods, 
leather,  boot-,  shoes,  chairs,  cabi- 
net and  wooden  wares  ; annual  val- 
ue about  $550,000.  Rutland  is  a 
very  pleasant  town,  of  good  soil  and 
well  cultivated.  Its  exports  of 
beef,  butter  and  cheese  are  consid- 
erable. It  contains  some  fine  fish 
ponds.  Population,  1337,  1,267. 

Rye,  N.  EL, 

Rockingham  co.,  is  pleasantly  sit- 
uated on  the  sea  coast,  6 1-2  miles 
S.  from  Pm  1 i -MW 111 
inally  taken  from  Portsmouth, 
Greenland,  Hampton  and  Xew 
Castle, chiefly  the  latter;  and  though 
it  began  to  be  settled  as  early  as  the 
year  1635,  it  was  not  incorporated 
till  1719.  The  sea  coast  here  is  about 
6 miles  in  extent,  being  nearly  one 
third  of  the  coast  in  the  state . On 
the  shore,  there  are  three  consider- 
able and  very  pleasant  beaches,  viz. 
Sandy,  Jenness’  and  Wallis’,  to 
which  many  persons  resort  in  the 
summer  season  from  neighboring 
towns  and  the  country,  both  for 
health  and  for  pleasure.  There  is 
here  a small  harbor,  near  Goss’  mill, 
into  which  vessels  of  70  or  30  tons 
burden  may  conveniently  enter,  at 
high  water.  The  boat  fishery  is 
carried  cm  to  considerable  advan- 
tage, particularly  in  the  fall  and 
winter  seasons.  There  was  former- 
ly a large  fresh  water  pond,  lying 
contiguous  to  the  sand  bank  or 
bounds  of  the  sea,  covering  a sur- 
face of  about  300  acres.  Between 
this  and  the  sea,  a communication 
was  opened  by  the  inhabitants  about 


a century  since.  The  waters  were 
discharged  into  the  sea.  leaving  a 
tract  of  marsh,  which,  being  wa- 
tered by  the  regular  flowing  of  the 
tide,  yields  annually  large  quanti- 
ties of  salt  hay.  Breakfast  Hill, 
between  this  town  and  Greenland, 
is  distinguished  as  the  place  where 
a party  of  Indians  were  surprised 
at  breakfast,  at  the  time  of  their  in- 
cursion in  1696.  There  are  small 
circular  holes  in  the  rocks  of  which 
this  hill  is  principally  composed, 
supposed  to  have  been  made  use  of 
by  the  natives.  This  town  has  suf- 
fered considerably  in  times  of  war 
and  danger.  In  the  American  or 
revolu*.  of  its  inhabi- 

tants lost  their  lives,  by  sea  or  land ; 

:.'!  young  men.  Popu- 
lation, in  1330,  1,172. 

Rgegate,  Vt- 

Caledonia  co.  This  town  is  situ- 
ated on  the  west  bank  of  Connec- 
ticut river,  opposite  to  Bath,  X.  H. 
It  is  33  miles  E.  by  S.  from  Mont- 
pelier, and  14  S.  by  E.  from  Dan- 
ville. Ryegate  is  watered  by  Wells 
river,  some  smaller  streams  and  sev- 
eral ponds.  There  is  not  much  in- 
tervale land  on  the  river,  in  the 
town,  but  the  soil  is  generally  rich 
and  very  productive  of  all  kinds  of 
vegetables  and  grain  : but  more  par- 
ticularly of  gras-.  About  3,000  sheep 
are  kept,  and  the  prod  acts  of  the 
soil,  annually  transported  to  market, 
are  very  conaderable.  This  town 
was  first  settled  by  emigrants  from 
Scotland,  in  the  year  1774.  A large 
part  of  the  present  population  of 
Ryegate  are  of  Scotch  descent,  and 
are  said  to  follow,  in  a great  degree, 
the  peculiar  habits,  in  regard  to  di- 
et, which  Scotchmen  are  accustom- 
ed to  in  their  own  country.  They 
annually  prepare  large  quantities 
of  oat  meal  for  cakes,  and  lay  in  a 
good  stock  of  hulled  barley  for 
broths,  soups  and  puddings.  The 
people  of  Ryegate  are  generally 
frugal  and  industrious : ^od  farmers, 
I and  good  livers.  They  manufac- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ture  their  own  apparel  and  some  for 
their  neighbors.  Population,  1S3G, 
1,119. 

Sachem's  Head,  Ct. 

See  Guilford. 

Saco  River, 

Is  one  of  the  largest  in  New 
England ; yet  being  mueh  broken 
in  its  course  by  falls,  is  not  naviga- 
ble to  any  considerable  extent.  It 
springs  from  three  sources  in  the 
’VThite  mountains : the  branch  is- 
suing from  the  southwest  side  of 
the  mountains,  near  the  Notch,  is 
considered  the  main  stream;  next 
to  this  is  the  middle  branch,  which 
is  the  smallest ; and  beyond  is  the 
branch  called  Ellis's  river,  which 
rises  on  the  northeast  side  of  the 
mountains,  and  after  a course  of 
about  eighteen  miles,  unites  with 
the  main  branch  in  the  town  of 
Bartlett-  Cutler’s  and  New  rivers 
are  mountain  torrents  that  discharge 
into  the  Ellis.  The  Animonoosuck, 
a branch  of  the  Connecticut,  rises 
within  about  two  rods  of  the  Saco, 
f.owing  in  an  opposite  direction. 
The  whole  length  of  Saco  river  is 
estimated  to  be  160  miles ; running 
in  its  general  course  S.  S.  E.,  and 
discharging  into  the  sea  in  N.  lati- 
tude 43°  31',  W.  longitude  70°  26r. 
The  principal  falls  are,  the  Great 
Falls,  at  Hiram,  where  the  water 
descends  72  feet;  Steep  Falls,  af 
Limington,  20  feet ; Salmon  Falls,' 
at  Hollis  and  Buxton.  30  feet ; and 
Saco  Falls,  42  feet-  The  latter  are 
about  4 miles  from  the  mouth  of 
the  river.  The  ordinary  rise  of 
the  water,  in  the  spring,  is  from 
10  to  15  feet,  but  in  great  freshets 
it  has  been  known  greatly  to  ex- 
ceed that  number.  A long  storm 
which  occurred  in  October,  17S5, 
raised  the  river  to  an  immense 
height,  sweeping  away  mills  and 
bridges,  and  inundating  houses  that 
stood  in  its  vicinity.  In  1S14,  there 
was  the  greatest  freshet  known 
since  that  of  17S5.  At  such  sea- 

31 


sons  the  appearance  of  Saco  Fall* 
is  truly  sublime. 

Saco,  He. 

York  co.  Saco  is  situated  on  the 
east  side  of  the  river  of  that  name. 

I It  is  71  miles  S.  S.  W.  from  Au- 
: gusta,  15  S.  W.  from  Portland,  and 
29  N.  E.  from  York. 

Saco  is  a port  of  entry,  a place  of 
some  ship  building,  and  commands 
a flourishing  trade.  Population, 
1S30,  3.219  ; 1S37,  4,229. 

Saco  enjoys  the  rare  privilege  of 
possessing  a great  hydraulic  pow- 
er united  with  navigable  aceommo- 
, dations.  The  Saco  river  termin- 
ates its  fantastic  course  at  this  place, 
by  leaping,  within  a short  distance, 
42  feet,  and  mingling  with  the 
ocean.  This  water  power  is  very 
valuable,  and  cannot  fail  of  becom- 
ing the  site  of  large  manufacturing 
operations. 

From  the  mouth  of  the  river  a 
fine  beach  extends  to  the  east  about 
5 miles,  called  Old  Orchard  beach. 
This  name  arose  from  a growth  of 
apple  trees  formerly  near  the  beach, 
planted  at  a very  early  period ; 
some  of  them  remained  as  late  as 
1770.  Another  beach  of  less  ex- 
tent, but  not  inferior  in  other  re- 
spects, is  fonnd  at  the  Pool,  con- 
necting Fletcher’s  Neck  with  the 
main,  and  forming  the  south  shore 
of  that  peninsula.  Its  distance 
from  the  Fails  is  about  9 miles. 

The  small  streams  by  which  dif- 
ferent parts  of  Saco  are  watered, 
generally  derive  their  origin  from 
an  immense  bog,  commonly  called 
the  Heath,  and  flow  into  the  river 
and  sea.  On  one  of  these.  Fox- 
well’s  brook,  there  is  a fine  water- 
fall, with  a descent  of  about  sixty 
feet,  surrounded  by  scenery  of  a 
wild  and  striking  character. 

The  lumber  trade  has  long  been 
the  principal  branch  of  business  on 
Saco  river.  In  early  times,  the 
mills  were  supplied  with  logs  from 
the  forests  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
Falls:  in  the  former  part  of  the  last 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


century,  they  were  procured  at  the 
distance  of  a few  miles  above  the 
mills.  In  the  winter  of  1772,  it  is 
said,  a few  persons  for  the  first  time 
ascended  the  river  as  far  as  Frye- 
burg,  in  quest  of  timber,  and  find- 
ing an  abundance,  turned  the  at- 
tention of  millmen  to  that  region 
for  their  future  supplies.  After 
the  war  the  number  of  mills  was 
increased.  Before  the  year  1800, 
seventeen  saws  were  in  operation 
about  the  Falls.  There  were  oth- 
ers on  the  small  streams  in  different 
parts  of  Saco  and  Biddeford.  The 
quantity  of  boards  sawed  per  day, 
(24  hours)  has  been  estimated  at 
fifty  thousand  feet. 

There  is  considerable  navigation 
owned  at  Saco,  employed  in  foreign 
and  domestic  commerce  and  the 
fishery.  The  tonnage  of  the  dis- 
trict, in  1837,  was  3,666  tons. 

There  are  at  present  a large  cot- 
ton mill,  a rolling  mill,  a nail  facto- 
ry, and  numerous  saw  mills ; but  a 
great  portion  of  the  water  power 
remains  unimproved. 

The  village  of  Saco  contains  ma- 
ny handsome  buildings,  and  the 
scenery  around  it  is  romantic  and 
beautiful. 

Saco  and  Biddeford  were  former- 
ly united.  The  former  was  first 
settled  in  1631,  the  latter  in  1630. 

We  make  a few  extracts  from  Mr. 
Folsom’s  valuable  history  of  those 
towns,  as  they  contain  some  inter- 
esting information  in  relation  to  the 
first  settlement  of  this  part  of  New 
England. 

“ The  unfortunate  termination  of 
Sir  Walter  Raleigh’s  attempts  to 
colonize  Virginia  during  the  reign 
of  Queen  Elizabeth,  had  effectual- 
ly checked  the  spirit  of  enterprise 
in  England  in  relation  to  the  settle- 
ment of  America.  The  discove- 
ries of  Gosnold  and  Pring,  and  the 
shortness  of  tlieir  voyages,  now 
caused  the  subject  to  be  revived, 
and  to  excite  more  general  interest 
than  had  before  existed.  On  the 


petition  of  a number  of  gentlemen, 
a charter  was  granted  by  king 
James  in  the  year  1606,  dividing 
the  country  into  two  districts,  call- 
ed North  and  South  Virginia,  and 
authorizing  the  establishment  of 
separate  colonies  in  each  district  by 
two  distinct  companies.  A right  of 
property  in  the  land  fifty  miles  on 
each  side  of  their  first  plantations, 
and  extending  100  miles  into  the  in- 
terior, was  granted  by  this  patent. 
The  first  or  Southern  colony  were 
allowed  to  settle  any  part  of  the 
country  within  the  degrees  of  34 
and  41  north  latitude  ; the  second, 
consisting  chiefly  of  persons  resi- 
dent at  Plymouth  and  other  towns 
in  the  west  of  England,  and  thence 
denominated  the  Plymouth  Com- 
pany, were  allowed  to  choose  a 
place  of  settlement  between  38  and 
45  degrees  north  latitude.  As  a 
considerable  portion  of  the  territo- 
ry thus  allotted  was  common  to  the 
two  districts,  a provision  was  added, 
that  the  colony  last  planted  should 
not  approach  within  one  hundred 
miles  of  that  already  established. 

“ The  next  year  colonies  were 
sent  out  by  the  two  companies. 
One  was  fixed  at  Jamestown,  of 
which  Gosnold  * ■was  the  prime 
mover,’  and  Capt.  Smith  an  active 
member;  the  other  was  established 
at  Sagadahock,  or  the  mouth  of  the 
Kennebec,  led  by  Captains  George 
Popham,  brother  to  the  Chief  Jus- 
tice, and  Raleigh  Gilbert.  This 
colony  consisted  of  108  men 
whether  accompanied  by  their  fam- 
ilies, we  are  not  informed.  They 
arrived  on  the  coast  near  the  island 
of  Monheagan,  a few  leagues  east 
of  the  Kennebec,  in  the  month  of 
August,  and  soon  after  entered  the 
mouth  of  that  river,  where,  on  the 
eastern  side,  on  an  island  now  form- 
ing a part  of  Georgetown,  they 
commenced  preparations  for  a per- 
manent settlement  without  delay. 
Monheagan  wTas  agreed  upon  as  a 
place  of  rendezvous  for  the  ships 
before  leaving  England,  and  al- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


though  we  are  not  directly  told  that 
the  destination  of  the  colony  was 
determined  before  their  arrival, 
there  is  no  doubt  of  the  fact.  The 
great  patron  of  the  enterprise.  Chief 
Justice  Popham,  obtained  an  accu- 
rate survey  of  the  coast  the  year 
before,  and  doubtless  selected  the 
mouth  of  that  “ fair  and  navigable 
river,”  as  the  Kennebec  is  styled 
by  Smith,  as  a favorable  location  for 
the  seat  of  the  colony. 

“ The  lateness  of  the  season 
scarcely  allowed  the  colonists  time 
to  erect  a fort  and  the  necessary 
places  of  shelter  before  the  ap- 
proach of  winter,  which  proved 
excessively  rigorous.  More  than 
half  their  "number  returned  with 
the  ships  to  England  in  December, 
in  consequence  of  the  severity  of 
the  cold  and  the  -scantiness  of*  their 
supplies.  Soon  after  those  who 
had  remained  had  the  misfortune  to 
lose  the  greater  part  of  their  build- 
ings and  stores  by  fire.  Capt.  Pop- 
ham  died  in  the  course  of  the  win- 
ter, and  an  arrival  in  the  spring 
brought  news  of  the  death  of  the 
Chief  Justice.  Raleigh  Gilbert, 
who  succeeded  Popham  as  presi- 
dent of  the  Colony,  was  under  the 
necessity  of  returning  to  England 
on  account  of  the  decease  of  his 
brother,  of  which  intelligence  was 
received  by  another  arrival,  and 
the  colonists,  discouraged  by  so  ma- 
ny adverse  circumstances,  resolved^ 
to  abandon  the  country  and  return" 
with  him.  Thus  in  less  than  one 
year  from  the  time  the  settlement 
was  commenced,  the  northern  col- 
ony was  broken  up ; the  country 
was  denounced  as  uninhabitable, 
and  no  further  attempts  were  made 
for  many  years  to  promote  its  set- 
tlement by  the  Company  to  whom 
it  was  assigned  by  the  patent  of 
King  James. 

«*  Sir  Ferdinando  Gorges,  a con- 
spicuous member  of  the  Plymouth 
Company,  alone  remained  undis- 
couraged. The  attention  of  this 
gentleman  appears  to  have  been 


first  turned  to  this  part  of  America 
in  the  year  1605,  when  Capt.  Wey- 
mouth arrived  in  the  harbor  of 
Plymouth  where  he  resided,  on  his 
return  from  a voyage  for  the  dis- 
covery of  the  northwest  passage. 
Falling  short  of  his  course,  Wey- 
mouth had  accidently  discovered 
the  river  Penobscot,  from  whence 
he  carried  to  England  five  of  the 
natives,  “ three  of  whom,”  says 
Gorges,  “ I seized  upon ; they  were 
all  of  one  nation,  but  of  several 
parts  and  several  families.  This 
accident  must  be  acknowledged  the 
means  under  God  of  putting  on  foot 
and  giving  life  to  all  our  planta- 
tions.” He  retained  these  In- 
dians in  his  family  three  years,  and 
obtained  from  them  much  informa- 
tion respecting  their  native  shores  : 
they  were  afterwards  sent  back. 
Gorges  henceforth  took  a deep  in- 
terest in  schemes  for  the  settlement 
of  North  Virginia,  and  was  rather 
chagrined  than  discouraged  by  the 
return  of  the  Sagadahock  colonists, 
and  the  unfavorable  reports  which 
they  spread  concerning  the  coun- 
try. “ He  had  too  much  experi- 
ence in  the  world,”  he  said,  “ to  be 
frighted  with  such  a blast,  as  know- 
ing many  great  kingdoms  and  large 
territories  more  northerly  seated 
and  by  many  degrees  colder,  were 
plentifully  inhabited,  and  divers  of 
them  stored  with  no  better  com- 
modities than  these  afforded,  if  like 
industry,  art  and  labor  be  used.” 
Unable,  however,  to  persuade  the 
company  to  undertake  the  planting 
of  a second  colony.  Gorges' engaged 
in  private  enterprises  to  this  coast, 
which  began  to  be  much  resorted  to 
by  English  ships  for  purposes  of 
trade  with  the  natives,  and  of  fish- 
ing. In  the  year  1616,  he  sent 
hither  a party  commanded  by  Rich- 
ard Vines,  for  the  express  object  of 
exploring  the  country  with  a view 
to  form  a settlement.  He  con- 
tracted with  them  to  remain  during 
the  winter,  with  the  hope  of  remov- 
ing the  prejudice  excited  by  the 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Sagadahock  colonists  against  the 
character  of  the  climate. 

“ They  arrived  during  the  prev- 
alence of  a destructive  disease 
among  the  natives,  which  spread 
throughout  New  England,  com- 
mencing its  ravages  in  the  west. 
This  pestilence  is  noticed  by  all  the 
writers  on  the  early  history  of  New 
England,  with  some  difference  of 
opinion  as  to  the  precise  year  of  its 
occurrence.  A late  and  highly  re- 
spectable writer  supposes  it  to  have 
prevailed  in  different  places  at  dif- 
ferent times,  but  a few  years  pre- 
vious to  the  arrival  of  the  Plymouth 
pilgrims.  It  was  regarded  by  those 
pious  colonists  as  a special  interpo- 
sition of  divine  providence  in  their 
favor,  so  great  was  the  havoc  it 
made  among  the  tribes  in  that  quar- 
ter. ‘Thus,’  says  old  Morton,  ‘God 
made  way  for  his  people  by  remov- 
ing the  heathen  and  planung  them 
in  the  land.’ 

“ Mr.  Vines  and  his  companions 
penetrated  into  the  interior,  visiting 
the  Indians  in  their  villages  and 
wigwams,  who  received  them  with 
great  kindness  and  hospitality.  Be- 
side the  ravages  of  sickness,  they 
were  at  this  time  thrown  into  con- 
fusion by  the  death  of  the  Bashaba 
or  chief  sachem,  whom  the  Tarran- 
tines,  living  east  of  the  Penobscot, 
had  attacked  by  surprise  and  de- 
stroyed with  his  family  the  preced- 
ing year.  Great  dissensions  had 
immediately  followed  among  the 
different  tribes,  who  were  engaged 
in  a destructive  war  with  each  oth- 
er when  the  pestilence  made  its  ap- 
pearance. In  the  midst  of  these 
evils,  the  Englishmen  passed  with 
safety  among  them,  and  slept  in 
their  cabins  without  suffering  from 
the  contagion.  They  were  in  par- 
ticular welcomed  by  the  savages 
whom  they  had  seen  in  the  family 
of  Gorges  at  Plymouth,  and  now 
met  in  their  native  homes.  Having 
visited  different  parts  of  the  coast, 
this  little  party  prepared  to  estab- 
lish themselves  for  the  winter. 


The  spot  which  they  selected  for 
their  abode,  we  have  reason  to  sup- 
pose, was  at  the  mouth  of  Saco  riv- 
er, on  the  western  side,  near  the 
capacious  and  sheltered  basin  now 
called  the  Pool,  but  in  early  times 
known  as  Winter  harbor. 

“ Vines  performed  several  voyages 
to  our  coast  in  the  service  of  Gorges, 
and  it  is  probable  made  Winter  Har- 
bor his  principal  resort.  While  he 
was  occupied  in  exploring  the 
country  and  trading  with  the  na- 
tives, his  men  were  engaged  in 
fishing.  How  long  he  pursued  this 
course,  we  are  not  informed,  nor  do 
we  find  him  mentioned  again  until 
several  years  after  his  early  resi- 
dence at  Winter  Harbor. 

“ The  employments  of  the  colo- 
nists were  chiefly  agriculture,  fish- 
ing, ‘and  trade  with  the  natives. 
Most  of  them  combined  these  pur- 
suits, and  were  styled  husbandmen 
or  planters. 

“ The  husbandmen  took  up  tracts 
of  100  acres,  of  which  they  receiv- 
ed leases  on  nominal  or  small  rents, 
from  Mr.  Vines.  Some  of  these 
are  now  on  record.  An  estate  that 
had  been  in  the  possession  of  Thom- 
as Cole,  including  ‘a  mansion  or 
dwellinghouse,’  was  leased  by  Mr. 
Vines  to  John  West  for  the  term  of 
1000  years,  for  the  annual  rent  of 
two  shillings  and  one  capon,  a pre- 
vious consideration  having  been 
paid  by  West.  The  lease  which  is 
partly  in  the  latin  language,  was 
executed,  1638.  Another  deed  from 
Vines  requii'es  the  lessee  to  yield 
and  pay  an  acknowledgement  and 
rent-charge  of  5s.,  two  days  work, 
and  one  fat  goose  yearly.  In.  this 
manner  were  all  the  planters  ren- 
dered tenants  to  the  proprietor, 
none  of  them  holding  their  estates 
in  fee  simple. 

Fishing  was  the  most  common 
occupation,  as  it  was  both  easy  and 
profitable  to  barter  the  products  of 
this  business  for  corn  from  Virginia, 
and  other  stores  from  England. 
The  trade  with  the  planters  of  Mas- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


sachusetts  soon  became  considera- 
ble. In  1636,  Mr.  Vines  had  a 
consignment  of  bread  and  beef  from 
that  quarter.  Jocelyn  remarks  that 
‘Winter  Harbor  is  a noted  place  for 
fishers.’  He  describes  the  mode  of 
pursuing  this  business  in  the  follow- 
ing manner:  ‘The  fishermen  take 
yearly  on  the  coast  many  hundred 
quintals  of  cod,  hake,  haddock,  pol- 
lock, &c.  and  dry  them  at  their 
stages,  making  three  voyages  in  a 
year.  They  make  merchantable 
and  refuse  fish,  which  they  sell  to 
Massachusetts  merchants  ; the  first 
for  32  ryals  ($4)  per  quintal ; the 
refuse  for  9 and  10  shillings  ($2, 
and  2,25.)  The  merchant  sends 
the  first  to  Lisbon,  Bilboa,  Mar- 
seilles, Bordeaux,  Toulon,  and  other 
cities  of  France  ; to  Canaries,  pipe- 
staves  and  clapboards ; the  refuse 
fish  to  the  W.  Indies  for  the  ne- 
groes. To  every  shallop  belong 
four  fishermen,  a master  or  steers- 
man, a midshipman,  and  a shore 
man,  who  washes  it  out  of  the  salt, 
and  dries  it  upon  hurdles  pitched 
upon  stakes  breast  high,  and  tends 
their  cookery.  They  often  get  in 
one  voyage  8 or  9 barrels  a share 
per  man.  The  merchant  buys  of 
the  planters  beef,  pork,  peas,  wheat, 
indian  corn,  and  sells  it  to  the  fish- 
ermen.’ 

“ The  expense  of  each  planter  to 
provision  himself  was  quite  small, 
if  we  may  judge  from  an  estimate 
furnished  by  Mr.  Jocelyn  for  the 
information  of  proposed  emigrants. 
A similar  estimate  had  been  previ- 
ously made  by  Capt.  Smith  with 
reference  to  Virginia.  * Victuals  to 
last  one  man  a year;  8 bushels  of 
meal,  £2  : two  bushels  of  peas,  6 
shillings  : two  bushels  of  oatmeal, 

9 shillings  : one  gallon  of  aqua  vitas, 
(brandy,)  2s.  6d. : one  gallon  of  oil, 
3s.  6d. : two  gallons  of  vinegar, 
2s.:’  total,  £3  3s.,  equal  to  $14. 

“ A considerable  traffic  was  car- 
ried on  with  the  natives  by  many 
of  the  planters,  some  of  them  visi- 
ting remote  parts  of  the  coast,  or 

31* 


travelling  into  the  interior  for  this 
purpose.  English  and  French 
goods  were  bartered  for  valuable 
furs,  particularly  beaver.” 

Saddle  Mountain,  Mass. 

See  Adams. 

Saddleback  Mountain,  Me. 

Franklin  co.  This  mountain  is  a 
few  miles  south  of  Mount  Abraham. 
It  is  25  miles  N.  W.  from  Farming- 
ton,  and  about  4,000  feet  above  the 
level  of  the  sea. 

gagadaliock,  Me. 

The  ancient  name  of  a section  of 
country,  at  and  east  of  the  mouth  of 
Kennebec  river.  See  Saco. 

St.  Albans,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  This  is  a valuable 
township  of  land,  46  miles  N.  N. 
E.  from  Augusta,  and  26  N.  E.  by 
E.  from  Norridgewock.  Incorpora- 
ted, 1813.  Population,  1S30,  911  ; 
1837,  1,393.  This  town  contains  a 
large  and  beautiful  pond  ; the  out- 
let of  which  forms  a good  mill 
stream,  a branch  of  Sebasticook 
river.  There  are  two  pleasant  and 
flourishing  villages  in  St.  Albans. 
Wheat  crop,  1837,  10,294  bushels 

St.  Albans,  Vt. 

Shire  town  of  Franklin  co.  This 
town  is  bounded  on  the  west  by 
Champlain  lake.  It  lies  46  miles 

W.  by  N.  from  Montpelier,  and 
25  N.  from  Burlington.  First  set- 
tled about  the  year  1785.  Popula- 
tion 1830,  2,395.  The  soil  of  this 
town  is  fertile,  and  under  the  man- 
agement of  good  farmers,  is  render- 
ed very  productive.  In  1837,  there 
were  8,459  sheep  in  the  town,  and 
the  exports  of  wool  and  other  pro- 
ductions of  the  soil  are  large  and 
valuable.  The  water  communica- 
tions by  the  lake  to  New-York  and 
Canada,  render  St.  Albans  a mart 
of  considerable  trade  from  the  sur- 
rounding country.  The  first  ves- 
sel from  Lake  Champlain,  that  ar- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


rived  at  New  York,  by  the  north- 
ern canal,  was  from,  built  and  own- 
ed at  St.  Albans. 

The  Village  of  St.  Albans  is 
beautifully  situated  on  elevated 
ground,  and  commands  a fine  pros- 
pect. It  contains  many  handsome 
buildings,  and  is  a busy  place  in  the 
manufacture  of  various  articles.  It 
lies  three  miles  from  the  lake,  and 
twelve  miles  from  the  line  of  Can- 
ada. 

St.  Croix  River. 

This  river  forms  the  boundary 
line  between  the  United  States  and 
the  British  Province  of  New  Bruns- 
wick, from  the  ocean  to  Grand 
Lake.  It  is  sometimes  called  Pas- 
samaquoddy,  Schoodic  and  Che- 
putnetecoofc.  This  river  rises  in 
Grand  Lake  and  passes  to  the 
ocean  in  a S.  E.  course.  The  dis- 
tances on  this  important  river  are 
as  follows:  from  Eastport  to  Ca- 
lais, at  the  head  of  navigation,  is  28 
miles  : from  Calais  to  the  mouth  of 
Schoodic  river,  21  miles,  and  from 
thence  to  Grand  Lake  is  33  miles  • 
total  distance  from  Eastport  to 
Grand  Lake,  82  miles.  There  are 
many  elevations  in  this  river,  and 
consequently  many  falls  and  rapids, 
producing  a great  hydraulic  power. 
The  mouth  of  the  western  branch  of 
the  St.  Croix,  or  Schoodic  river,  is 
166  feet  above  tide  water,  at  Calais  ; 
and  the  whole  fall  from  Grand  Lake 
to  sea  level  is  444  feet. 

St.  Francois  River,  Me. 

Or  the  Pecheenegamook,  rises  in 
*he  county  of  Piscataquis,  on  the 
border  of  Canada.  It  has  a number 
of  tributaries  and  receives  the  wa- 
ters of  several  lakes.  It  is  about 
50  miles  in  length,  and,  passing 
nearly  south  falls  into  the  river  St. 
John,  on  the  line  of  Penobscot 
county. 

St.  George,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  This  township  is 
nearly  surrounded  by  water  It  is 


bounded  northerly  by  a neck  of 
land  adjoining  Thomaston,  E.  by 
the  western  waters  of  Penobscot 
bay,  S.  by  the  Atlantic,  and  W.  by 
the  waters  of  Muscongus  bay  and 
St.  George’s  river.  This  town  pos- 
sesses, in  an  eminent  degree,  every 
navigable  facility.  It  is  a place  of 
considerable  ship  building,  and  the 
people  are  engaged  in  the  lumber 
trade,  coasting  and  fishing.  There 
are  a number  of  islands  on  the  coast 
of  this  town  : a cluster  of  islands 
called  St.  Georges , are  the  most 
considerable.  They  lie  off  the 
town  S.  by  W.  about  5 miles.  St. 
George  was  incorporated  in  1803. 
Population,  1837,  1,883.  It  lies  57 
miles  S.  E.  from  Augusta,  and  10 
S.  from  Warren. 

St.  George  River  is  a valuable 
stream,  both  on  account  of  its  hy- 
draulic power  and  navigable  ac- 
commodations. It  receives  its  most 
distant  waters  from  ponds  in  Mont- 
ville,  Searsmont  and  Belmont  in 
the  county  of  Waldo,  and,  in  a 
southerly  course,  passes  to  Union, 
where  it  receives  the  waters  of 
several  ponds,  and  meets  the  tide  at 
Warren.  The  length  of  this  river 
is  about  40  miles  : it  is  navigable  to 
Warren,  15  miles  from  the  sea. 

St.  George,  Vt. 

Chittenden  co.  A small  town 
bounded  W.  by  Shelburne,  28  miles 
W.  by  N.  from  Montpelier,  and  8 
S.  E.  from  Burlington.  First  set- 
tled, 1784.  Population,  1830,  135. 
The  surface  is  high  and  uneven: 
the  soil  is  composed  of  loam,  clay 
and  gravel. 

St.  John’s  River. 

See  Fundy,  Ray. 

St.  Johnslmry,  Vt. 

Caledonia  co.  This  pleasant  and 
flourishing  town  is  35  miles  N.  E. 
from  Montpelier,  57  N.  from  Han- 
over, N.  H. , and  7 E.  from  Danville. 
The  town  was  organized  in  1790. 
Population,  1830, 1,592 ; 1838,  about 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


2,000.  The  surface  is  uneven,  but 
the  soil  is  generally  strong  and  fer- 
tile. In  1837, there  were  4,546  sheep 
in  the  town. 

The  amount  of  available  water 
power  in  St.  Johnsbury  is  great  and 
valuable,  indicating  its  future  im- 
portance as  a site  for  large  manu- 
factories. The  Passumpsic  river,  a 
considerable  stream,  which  falls  into 
Connecticut  river  at  the  foot  of  Fif- 
teen Mile  Falls,  passes  through  the 
central  part  of  the  town  from  north 
to  south.  Moose  and  Sleeper’s  riv- 
ers unite  with  the  Passumpsic  and 
afford  a succession  of  excellent  mill 
seats  seldom  seen  so  closely  com- 
bined. 

On  Sleeper’s  river  is  the  estab- 
lishment ofE.  and  I.  Fairbanks,  for 
the  manufacture  of  their  improved 
platform  balances,  on  an  extensive 
scale  ; also  iron  works  of  various 
kinds,  on  the  other  streams. 

There  are  three  handsome  villa- 
ges in  the  town : that  called  the 
Plain , is  on  elevated  ground  and 
near  the  junction  of  the  streams. 
This  town  commands  the  trade  of  a 
considerable  portion  of  country,  and 
these  villages,  which  are  neatly 
built,  enjoy  an  active  business. 

Salem,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  This  town  is  wa- 
tered by  a branch  of  Seven  Mile 
Brook,  and  lies  52  miles  N.  N.  W. 
from  Augusta,  and  28  N.  W.  from 
Norridgewock.  Incorporated,  1823T 
Population,  1837,  496.  This  is  a 
good  farming  town  ; it  produced  in 
1837,  4,216  bushels  of  wheat. 

Salem,  N.  II., 

Rockingham  co.,  is  30  miles  S. 
from  Concord,  and  40  S.  W.  from 
Portsmouth.  Policy  pond,  partly  in 
this  town,  and  partly  in  Windham,  is 
the  largest  collection  of  water: 
World’s  end  pond  and  Captain  pond 
are  in  the  S.  E.  and  E.  parts  of  the 
town;  and  there  are  other  small 
ponds.  ’The  Spiggot  river,  passing 
from  N.  to  S.  through  the  town,  re- 


ceives in  its  course  numerous 
branches,  and  waters  the  different 
portions  of  the  town,  furnishing  also 
excellent  mill  privileges.  The  soil 
is  generally  fertile,  and  the  surface 
uneven.  Salem  was  incorporated 
by  charter,  May  11, 1750.  Popula- 
tion, in  1830,  1,310. 

galem,  Vt. 

Orleans  co.  This  is  a township 
of  level  surface,  and  tolerable  soil ; 
50  miles  N.  N.  E.  from  Montpelier 
and  10N.  E.  from  Irasburgh.  First 
settled,  1798.  Population,  1830, 
230.  Clyde  river  passes  through 
the  N.  E.  part  of  the  town  and  a part 
of  the  south  bay  of  Memphrema- 
gog  lake  lies  in  the  N.  W.  corner. 

Salem,  Mass., 

One  of  the  shire  towns  in  Essex 
co.  This  is  the  oldest  and  largest 
seaport  but  one  in  old  Massachu- 
setts. Its  Indian  name  was  JYa- 
umkeag.  It  is  14  miles  N.  N.  E. 
from  Boston,  and  lies  in  lat.  42°  31' 
19"  N.,  and  Ion.  70°  54'  W.  Popu- 
lation, 1836,  15,002.  Salem  is  near- 
ly surrounded  by  water,  being  sit- 
uated between  two  inlets  of  the  sea, 
called  the  north  and  south  rivers. 
To  the  main,  and  now  inhabited  part 
of  the  town,  is  attached  a peninsular 
portion  of  land,  called  the  Neck. 
This  was  the  first  inhabited  land, 
and  was  formerly  used  for  fishing 
and  other  purposes.  It  ultimately 
became  the  property  of  the  town, 
and  was,  for  a long  time,  used  as  a 
public  pasture.  In  1816,  when  the 
present  Alms  House  was  built,  a 
large  portion  of  it  was  enclosed,  and 
has  since  been  cultivated  as  the 
Alms  House  farm.  The  finest  and 
most  comprehensive  view  of  Sa- 
lem may  be  had  from  “ Gallows 
Hill.”  Its  situation  is  low,  but 
pleasant  and  healthy.  Its  streets 
are  quite  irregular.  Essex  is  the 
only  street  which  runs  through  the 
town  and  is  very  angular  and  crook- 
ed. Federal  and  Bridge  streets  are 
broad,  straight  and  regular.  Clies- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


nut  is  esteemed  the  handsomest, 
though  it  is  not  the  most  public 
street.  It  has  rows  of  elms  on  ei- 
ther side.  Winter  and  Broad  streets 
are  the  widest.  The  first  pavement 
was  made  in  Essex’street,  between 
Court  and  North  streets,  in  1773, 
and  is  still  in  use.  The  south  church 
has  great  architectural  beauty,  and 
the  north  church  is  built  of  stone, 
with  a beautiful  front  of  the  gothic 
order.  There  is  a Custom  House 
at  the  head  of  Derby  wharf.  Sa- 
lem has  always  been  a commercial 
place.  It  has  a convenient  harbor 
and  good  anchorage.  In  point  of 
wealth  and  commerce,  it  has  al- 
ways,ranked  as  the  second  town  in 
New  England. 

Its  history  is  identified  with  that 
of  Massachusetts,  and  there  is  much 
in  it  to  interest  and  instruct.  Its 
rank,  the  character  and  number  of 
its  population,  its  facilities  for  com- 
merce, and  the  advantage  of  being 
the  chosen  residence  of  many  of 
the  first  and  most  distinguished  set- 
tlers, made  it  early  and  seriously 
thought  of  as  the  Capital,  instead 
of  Boston.  It  was  first  settled  in 
1626,  by  Roger  Conant,  Peter  Pal- 
fray  and  others,  who  had  failed  in 
an  attempt  to  plant  themselves  at 
Cape  Ann.  In  1628,  a cession  of 
Massachusetts  was  made  to  Sir 
Henry  Roswell  and  others,  with  a 
view  to  establish  a colony  there. 
Of  thrs  company,  Matthew  Cradock 
was  President,  and  in  1628,  John 
Endicott  was  sent  over  to  reside  at 
Salem  as  the  company’s  agent.  In 
the  same  year,  the  first  church  was 
formed.  It  has  ever  been  remark- 
able for  its  succession  of  eminent, 
independent  and  useful  Divines; 
among  whom,  are  the  Higginsons, 
Skelton,  Roger  Williams,  Hugh  Pe- 
ters, Noyes,  Fiske,  Dr.  Prince,  &c. 
In  1634,  the  first  general  court  met 
at  Newton.  Roger  Conant  was 
one  of  the  first  deputies  from  Salem. 

In  1643,  Massachusetts  was  divi- 
ded into  4 counties;  Essex,  Mid- 
dlesex, Suffolk  and  Norfolk.  In 


1644,  there  was  a strong  party  to 
make  Salem  the  seat  of  government, 
but  in  this  attempt,  the  deputies 
were  defeated. 

In  1675,  Capt.  Thomas  Lathrop 
and  his  company  were  killed  by  the 
Indians,  at  Bloody  Brook.  He,  with 
Roger  Conant,  had  removed  from 
Salem  to  Beverly,  in  1668.  His 
company  were  called  the  “ Flower 
of  Essex,”  and  many  of  them  were 
from  Salem. 

In  1681,  Major  William  Haw- 
thorne died.  He  was  a leading  and 
influential  character  in  his  time, 
having  been  speaker,  assistant, 
judge,  commissioner  of  the  united 
colonies,  &c.,  and  having  ever 
showed  himself  able,  faithful,  and 
worthy  of  confidence. 

In  1687,  William  Brown  gave  a 
farm  for  the  benefit  of  the  schools 
of  Salem.  The  Brown  family  were 
ever  great  friends  and  liberal  pat- 
rons of  learning.  They  not  only 
made  donations  to  the  Salem  schools, 
but  also  to  Harvard  College  for  the 
benefit  of  poor  scholars. 

In  1692,  the  witchcraft  delusion 
prevailed  in  Salem,  and  nineteen 
persons  were  tried  and  hanged  as 
witches.  Though  designated  “ the 
Salem  witchcraft,”  it  had  pervaded 
other  places,  previously  to  its  ap- 
pearance here.  In  England,  laws 
had  been  enacted  against  it,  and  Sir 
Matthew  Hale,  gave  to  those  laws 
his  sanction.  In  1648,  Margaret 
Jones  was  condemned  and  hanged 
at  Charlestown,  and  in  1655,  Ann 
Hibbins,  at  Boston.  The  imputa- 
tion for  a time  induced  a belief  of 
the  reality  of  the  imposition ; but 
time  finally  detected  and  exposed 
the  error.  The  house,  in  which 
the  accused  were  tried,  is  still  stand- 
ing at  the  western  corner  of  Essex 
and  North  streets,  and  the  place  of 
their  execution  i3  now  known  as 

Gallows  Hill.”  A full  and  inter- 
esting account  of  this  delusion  of 
the  imagination  has  been  written 
and  published  by  Rev.  C.  W.  Up- 
ham. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


In  1693,  a great  fire  broke  out, 
and  destroyed  several  dwelling 
houses.  In  1718,  the  second  or 
east  church  was  built  and  is  still 
standing.  The  celebrated  Dr.  Bent- 
ley was  pastor  of  this  church.  He 
wrote  a “ Description  of  Salem,” 
which  is  published  in  the  “ Collec- 
tions of  the  Mass.  Hist.  Society.” 

In  1774,  General  Gage  ordered 
the  removal  of  the  general  court  to 
Salem.  At  that  time,  Boston  was  a 
closed  port.  The  merchants  and 
citizens  of  Salem  called  a town 
meeting,  at  which,  resolutions  de- 
nouncing, in  very  strong  terms,  the 
Boston  port  bill,  were  passed  unani- 
mously. The  meeting  was  very 
full,  and  a copy  of  their  doings  was 
communicated  to  their  neighbors  of 
Boston.  On  the  11th  of  June,  when 
Gov.  Gage  was  at  Salem,  an  address, 
numerously  signed,  was  presented 
to  him,  which  reflects  high  honor 
on  the  sense  of  justice  and  patriot- 
ism of  this  ancient  town.  Among 
other  things  it  said,  “ By  shutting 
up  the  port  of  Boston,  some  imag- 
ine that  the  course  of  trade  might 
be  turned  hither  and  to  our  benefit ; 
but  nature  in  the  formation  of  our 
harbor  forbids  our  becoming  rivals 
in  commerce  to  that  convenient 
mart.  And  were  it  otherwise,  we 
must  be  dead  to  every  idea  of  jus- 
tice— lost  to  all  feelings  of  humani- 
ty— could  we  indulge  one  thought 
to  seize  on  wealth  and  raise  our for- 
tunes on  the  ruin  of  our  suffering 
neighbors .” 

In  1776,  Feb.  26,  Col.  Leslie, 
with  a British  regiment  from  Bos- 
ton Castle,  landed  privately  at  Sa- 
lem and  proceeded  to  the  North 
bridge,  with  a view  to  seize  on  some 
military  stores  beyond  it.  The  cit- 
izens were,  at  the  time,  in  meeting  ; 
but  Col.  Timothy  Pickering,  with 
30  or  40  men,  got  there  in  season  to 
raise  the  draw,  and  thus  prevent 
Leslie  and  his  regiment  from  pass- 
ing further.  The  British  attempted 
to  cross  the  river  in  a gondola, 
but  the  Americans  scuttled  the 


boat.  Finally,  Col.  Leslie  proposed 
that  if  he  should  be  permitted  to 
pass  30  rods  beyond  the  bridge,  he 
would  return.  Having  been  per- 
mitted, the  gallant  colonel  returned 
peaceably  to  Boston. 

During  the  revolution,  there 
were  about  60  armed  vessels  fitted 
out  from  Salem,  manned  by  4,000 
men ; and  many  unrecorded  deeds 
of  hig'h  daring  and  chivalrous  adven- 
ture were  performed  on  the  sea  by 
citizens  of  Salem,  during  that  event- 
ful period.  Indeed,  in  her  naval 
achievements  consists  principally 
the  part  which  Salem  bore  in  the 
revolutionary  struggle. 

This  seaport  has  been  more  known 
for  its  East  India  trade  than  any 
other  in  the  United  States.  The 
first  ship  from  Salem  engaged  in 
this  trade  was  the  Grand  Turk, 
owned  by  E.  H.  Derby.  She  was 
at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  in  1784, 
commanded  by  Capt.  Jonathan  In- 
gersoll,  and  at  Canton  in  1786,  com- 
manded by  Ebenezer  West.  A 
model  of  her,  completely  rigged,  is 
in  the  Museum.  In  1818,  there 
were  53  vessels  employed  in  this 
trade  belongingJ:o  Salem,  the  ton- 
nage of  which  was  14,272  tons. 

Salem  became  a city  in  1836.  Its 
government  consists  of  a mayor  and 
six  aldermen,  and  twenty-four  com- 
mon council  men.  Its  public  schools 
are  nineteen.  The  number  of  schol- 
ars in  1837,  was  1,534,  and  the 
jimount  paid  for  instruction  $8,877. 

The  Athenaeum  was  incorporated 
in  1810.  Edward  A.  Holyoke, 
William  Orne,  Nathaniel  Silsbee 
and  Samuel  Putnam  were  authoris- 
ed to  call  the  first  meeting  of  the 
proprietors.  The  stock  is  divided 
into  90  or  100  shares.  Its  library 
contains  about  9,000  volumes.  The 
institution,  though  at  present  rather 
private,  may  ultimately  become 
more  public. 

The  Museumis  remarkable  for  the 
extent  and  variety  of  its  natural  and 
artificial  curiosities,  collected  from 
almost  every  part  of  the  world. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


There  are  4,724  names  of  different 
articles  on  the  catalogue  : they  are 
kept  in  a spacious  hall  built  for  that 
purpose,  and  belong  to  the  East  In- 
dia Marine  society.  This  society 
consists  of  such  only  as  have  actu- 
ally navigated  the  seas  near  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope  or  Cape  Horn, 
as  inas4er  or  factor,  in  1823,  there 
were  160  of  these  enterprising  men 
living  in  Salem.  The  hall  is  open 
daily  for  the  reception  of  visitors,and 
vast  numbers  of  strangers  throng 
there.  All  come  with  an  eager  and 
excited  curiosity,  and  leave  with 
that  curiosity  at  least  gratified,  if 
not  satisfied. 

The  commerce  of  Salem  is  very 
extended.  There  is  hardly  any  part 
of  the  world  which  her  ships  have 
not  visited.  The  number  of  ves- 
sels, engaged  in  foreign  commerce, 
is  100. or  more,  and  18  in  the  whal- 
ing business,  beside  the  vessels  em- 
ployed in  the  coasting  trade  and  fish- 
ery. Tonnage  of  the  district  in 
1837,  32,800  tons. 

Many  of  the  wharves  bear  the 
names  of  their  builders  and  owners : 
as  the  Allen,  Derby,  Peabody,  For- 
ester and  Phillips’  wharf.  This  last 
was  recently  re-built  by  Stephen 
C.  Phillips,  on  the  ruins  of  the  old 
Crowninshield  wharf,  which  had 
become  dilapidated  and  useless.  It 
is  an  admirable  jjiece  of  work. 

Although  Salem  is  without  any 
important  water  power,  and  has  ev- 
er been  almost  exclusively  devoted 
to  maritime  pursuits,  yet  its  manu- 
facturing interests  are  by  no  means 
small.  During  the  year  ending 
April  1,  1837,  the  value  of  its  man- 
ufactures amounted  to  $1,471,889. 
They  consisted  of  vessels,  cordage, 
leather,  boots,  shoes,  hats,  tin  and 
cabinet  wares, chairs,  spirits ; white, 
sheet  and  pipe  lead,  cax-riages,  straw 
bonnets,  sperm  candles,  tobacco, 
alum,  saltpetre  refined,  aquafortis, 
muriatic  acid, oil  of  vitriol,  &c.  The 
value  of  its  whale,  cod  and  mack- 
erel fisheries,  the  same  year, 
amounted  to  $210,843.  I 


The  Aqueduct  furnishes  the  city 
with  a constant  supply  of  fresh 
and  soft  spring  water. 

The  fire  department  is  under  good 
regulations.  Some  of  the  societies 
in  the  city  are  the  “ East  India  Ma- 
rine society,”  incorporated  in  1801 ; 
the  “ E.  I.  M.  Hall  Corporation,”  in 
1824  ; the  “ Salem  Charitable  Me- 
chanic Association,”  instituted  in 
1817,  and  incorporated,  in  1822  ; the 
“ Essex  Historical  Society,”  in 
1821,  and  the  “ Salem  Lyceum,” 
which  was  formed  in  1830 

The  Common  was  reserved  “ as 
a training  field  for  the  use  of  Sa- 
lem,” in  1713.  It  is  a beautiful,  lev- 
el spot  of  ground,  surrounded  by  a 
double  row  of  elm  and  other  orna- 
mental trees,  and  is  designed  to 
have  a gravel  walk  around  it.  The 
alms  house  formerly  stood  upon  it, 
but  it  is  now  entirely  unencumber- 
ed. 

The  City  Hall  was  built  in  1837. 
It  has  a beautiful  granite  front,  and 
is  handsomely  finished  and  furnish- 
ed within. 

The  Rail-Road  from  Salem  to 
Boston,  was  opened  for  travel,  Au- 
gust 28,  1838  ; thus  making  Salem, 
as  it  were,  a part  of  Boston.  The 
first  stage  between  these  cities  was 
run  by  Ezra  Burrill,  in  1782.  It 
went  to  Boston  one  day  and  return- 
ed to  Salem  the  next.  Now  the  dis- 
tance can  be  easily  passed  over  in 
50  minutes ; and  at  the  same  time, 
the  traveller  will  ride  rapidly 
through  a beautiful  and  picturesque 
country.  See  Register. 

Among  the  distinguished  men,  in 
almost  every  profession,  which  Sa- 
lem claims  as  among  its  sons,  the 
name  ofNATHAxiEL  Bowditch:, 
LL.  D.,F.  R.  S.,  author  of  the  Prac- 
tical Navigator,  is  identified  with 
its  fame  and  nautical  achievements. 

Dr.  Bowditch  was  born  at  Salem, 
March  26,  1773.  He  was  taken 
from  school  at  the  age  of  10  years 
and  placed  as  an  apprentice  to  a 
ship  chandler.  At  the  age  of  22 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER, 


he  went  to  sea  and  spent  nine  years 
in  the  capacity  of  captain’s  cleric, 
supercargo,  and  finally  as  master  of 
a ship.  In  1804,  he  became  presi- 
dent of  a Marine  Insurance  Com- 
pany, in  Salem,  which  office  he  held 
until  1823,  when  his  superior  talents 
called  him  to  become  Actuary  of  the 
Massachusetts  Hospital  Life  Insur- 
ance Gompany,  in  Boston ; the  re- 
sponsible and  laborious  duties  of 
which  office  he  faithfully  discharg- 
ed until  his  death,  March  16,  1838. 

Notwithstanding  his  limited  means 
of  education,  Dr.  Bowditch  acquir- 
ed, by  his  extraordinary  genius  and 
economy  of  time,  a perfect  knowl- 
edge of  all  the  modern  languages, 
and  became  the  most  eminent  math- 
ematician and  astronomer  in  Amer- 
ica. The  Practical  Navigator,  has 
been  translated  into  every  Europe- 
an language,  and  its  use  is  co-exten- 
sive  with  maritime  adventures. 

Another  work  of  Dr.  Bowditch, 
places  his  name,  as  a man  of  science, 
still  higher  on  the  roll  of  fame.  It 
is  his  translation  of  the  Mecanique 
Celeste  of  La  Place,  with  an  elab- 
orate and  copious  commentary  on 
that  work,  in  four  large  quarto  vol- 
umes. This  work  was  completed 
just  before  his  death. 

The  last  hours  of  such  a man  as 
Dr.  Bowditch,  cannot  fail  to  be  in- 
teresting, as  they  mark  his  charac- 
ter through  life.  A friend  of  his 
who  was  present,  says,  “ He  did  not 
like  to  see  those  about  him  look  sad 
and  gloomy ; and  he  remarked,  on 
one  occasion,  * I feel  no  gloom  with- 
in me  ; why  should  you  wear  it  in 
your  faces  ?’  On  the  morning  of 
his  death,  when  his  sight  was  very 
dim  and  his  voice  almost  gone,  he 
called  his  children  to  his  bed  side, 
and,  arranging  them  in  the  order 
of  age,  pointed  to  and  addressed 
each  by  name,  ‘ You  see  I can  dis- 
tinguish you  all ; and  now  I give 
you  my  parting  blessing.  The  time 
is  come.  { Lord,  now  lettest  thou 
thy  servant  depart  in  peace,  accor- 


ding to  thy  word  ?’  These  were  his 
last  words.” 

Salem,  Ct. 

New  London  co.  This  town  was 
taken  from  the  towns  of  Colchester, 
Lyme  and  Montville  ; but  the  prin- 
cipal part  from  Colchester,  and  in- 
corporated in  1819.  It  comprises 
an  area  of  six  by  five  miles  of  fer- 
tile and  productive  land.  The  in- 
habitants are  generally  good  farm- 
ers, ’who  live  scattered  about  on 
their  farms.  Population,  1830,  958. 
Salem  is  well  watered  by  small 
streams,  and  is  bounded  on  the  N. 
E.  by  a large  and  beautiful  pond. 
It  lies  29  miles  S.  E.  from  Hartford, 
and  13  N.  W.  from  New  London. 

Salisbury,  ST.  II., 

Merrimack  co.,  lies  15  miles  N. 
from  Concord.  Black  water  river 
passes  through  the  W.  part  of  Salis- 
bury. There  are  5 bridges  across 
this  stream  in  this  town.  The  soil 
of  the  upland  is  strong,  deep  and 
loamy  ; the  hilly  land  affords  some 
fine  tracts  of  tillage,  but  chiefly 
abounds  in  excellent  pasturage.  On 
Blackwater  river,  there  is  some  ve- 
ry fertile  intervale,  which  united 
with  the  adjacent  hilly  land,  com- 
poses several  very  valuable  farms. 
A considerable  portion  of  Kearsarge 
mountain  ranges  within  the  bounds 
of  Salisbury,  the  N.  -W.  corner 
bound  of  which  extends  nearly  to 
The  summit.  There  are  two  very 
pleasant  villages  in  this  town,  situ- 
ated on  the  4th  N.  H.  turnpike 
about  1 1-2  miles  apart. 

Salisbury  was  incorporated  by 
charter  from  the  government  of  N. 
H.,  March  1,  1768,  when  it  took 
the  name  of  Salisbury.lt  was  settled 
as  early  as  1750.  The  first  settlers 
were  Philip  Call,N athaniel  Meloon, 
Benjamin  Pettengill,  John  and  Eb- 
enezer  Webster,  Andrew  Bohon- 
non,  Edward  Eastman,  and  others. 
The  first  inhabitants  experienced 
the  inroads  of  the  Indians.  On  the 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


16th  of  May,  1753,  Nathaniel  Me- 
loon,  living  in  the  W.  part  of  the 
town,  was  captured,  together  with 
his  wife,  and  three  children,  viz  : 
Sarah,  Rachel,  and  Daniel.  They 
were  carried  to  Canada,  where  he 
and  his  wife  were  sold  to  the  French 
in  Montreal.  The  three  children 
were  kept  by  the  Indians. 
After  the  parents  had  resided 
in  Montreal  about  a year  and  a 
half,  they  had  a son  born,  who  was 
baptized  by  a French,  friar  by  the 
name  ‘of  Joseph  Mary.  Mr.  Me- 
loon  returned  from  captivity  after 
four  years  and  a half,  to  his  farm  in 
Salisbury.  Sarah  died  with  the  In- 
dians. Rachel,  who  was  9 years 
old  when  captured,  returned  after 
9 years.  She  had  become  much 
attached  to  the  Indians,  was  about 
to  be  married  to  Peter  Louis,  son  of 
Col.  Louis,  of  Cognawaga.  She 
had  the  habits,  and  acted  like  an 
Indian,  understood  the  Indian  lan- 
guage and  could  sing  their  songs. 

Hon.  Ebenezer  Webster  was 
one  of  the  early  settlers ; a patriot 
of  the  revolution ; an  officer  of  the 
militia  ; for  several  years  a senator 
in  the  legislature,  and  a judge  of 
the  court  of  common  pleas  till  his 
death  in  1806.  He  was  the  father 
of  the  Hon.  Ezekiel,  and  Dan- 
iel Webster,  names  well  known 
throughout  the  country.  Popula- 
tion, in  1830,  1,379. 

Salisbury,  Vt. 

Addison  co.  The  widow  of  Amos 
Story,  with  8 or  10  small  children, 
was  the  first  family  that  made  Salis- 
bury a permanent  residence.  She 
came  here  in  1775,  and  endured 
every  hardship  incident  to  the  life 
of  a pioneer;  chopping  down  tim- 
ber, clearing  the  land,  laboring  in 
the  field,  and  sleeping  in  a cavern. 
Mr.  Story,  was  killed  by  the  falling 
of  a tree  previous  to  the  removal 
of  his  family.  The  proprietors  gave 
Mrs.  Story  100  acres  of  land  for 
her  manly  conduct.  The  soil  of 
the  town  is  generally  good  ; it  con- 


tains some  rough  land,  and  some 
excellent  meadows.  It  is  watered 
by  Otter  Creek,  Middlebury  and 
Leicester  rivers.  The  latter  river 
affords  a good  water  power,  which 
propels  a number  of  valuable  manu- 
facturing establishments.  Leices- 
ter river  is  the  outlet  of  Lake  Dun- 
more,  a fine  sheet  of  water,  about 
-four  miles  in  length,  and  three 
fourths  of  a mile  in  width.  This 
lake  lies  in  Leicester  and  Salisbu- 
ry. There  is  a pleasant  and  flour- 
ishing village  in  the  town,  and  a 
large  cavern  supposed  to  have  been 
an  Indian  lodging  place.  Salisbu- 
ry lies  34  miles  S.  W.  from  Mont- 
pelier, and  is  bounded  N.  by  Mid- 
dlebury. Population,  1830,  907. 

Salisbury,  Mass. 

Essex  co.  In  1638,  this  town 
was  granted,  by  the  name  of  Mer- 
rimack, to  be  a plantation,  unto  Si- 
mon Bradstreet,  Daniel  Dennison, 
and  others.  The  year  following  it 
was  incorporated  by  the  name  of 
Colchester,  and  in  1640  assumed,  by 
direction  of  the  then  general  court, 
the  name  of  Salisbury.  It  is  seven 
by  three  miles  in  extent,  and  is 
bounded  southerly  by  the  river 
Merrimack,  westerly  by  Powow 
river,  which  divides  it  from  the 
town  of  Amesbury,  northerly  by 
the  New  Hampshire  line,  which 
separates  it  from  the  towns  of  South 
Hampton  and  Seabrook,  and  easter- 
ly by  the  sea. 

In  1643,  the  plantation  in  New 
Hampshire,  viz.  Hampton,  Exeter, 
Portsmouth  and  Dover,  were  united 
to  Massachusetts,  and,  together 
with  Salisbury  and  Haverhill,  form- 
ed into  a new  and  distinct  county, 
called  Norfolk,  of  which  Salisbury 
was  the  shire  town,  and  so  contin- 
ued to  the  year  1679,  when  New 
Hampshire  was  again  separated  and 
formed  into  a royal  government.  In 
August,  1737,  commissioners,  ap- 
pointed by  the  crown,  met  at  Hamp- 
ton falls,  for  the  purpose  of  settling 
a controversy,  respecting  the  boun- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


dary  line,  which  had  long  subsisted 
between  the  two  governments  of 
Massachusetts  and  New  Hamp- 
shire. On  this  occasion  the  gener- 
al court  of  New  Hampshire  con- 
vened at  Hampton,  and  that  of 
Massachusetts  at  Salisbury.  Salis- 
bury is  distant  from  Newburyport, 
4 miles, from  Haverhill  12,  from  Ex- 
eter, N.  H.  10,  and  from  Portsmouth 
20.  Population,  in  1837,  2,675. 

There  are  two  considerable  vil- 
lages in  Salisbury  ; the  largest  is  at 
the  westerly  part  of  the  town,  up- 
on Powow  river  at  the  head  of  tide 
water.  The  village  is  divided  by 
said  river  into  two  pretty  equal 
part»,  one  in  Salisbury,  the  other 
in  Amesbury.  In  that  part  of  the 
village  that  lies  in  Salisbury,  are 
two  flannel  factories,  one  200  feet 
long  and  50  feet  wide,  the  other  100 
feet  by  40  feet.  The  establishment 
is  called,  the  Salisbury  Manufac- 
turing Corporation.  Capital  $500,- 
000.  There  is  also  in  this  village 
a large  tannery,  and  manufactures 
of  cotton  goods,  shoes,  combs,  boats, 
wherries  and  molasses  casks. 

The  other  village  is  pleasantly 
situated  on  the  bank  of  the  Merri- 
mack, on  a point  of  land  formed  by 
the  junction  of  that  river  with  the 
Powow  ; and  is  generally  known  by 
the  distinctive  name  of  Webster’s 
Point.  Shipbuilding  long  has  been, 
and  still  is,  a principal  branch  of 
business  in  this  place ; and  its  char- 
acter is  well  established  for  build- 
ing excellent  vessels.  There  are 
now  nine  sail  of  vessels  owned  in 
this  village  and  employed  partly  in 
the  coasting  trade,  and  partly  in  the 
cod  and  mackerel  fishery. 

The  annual  product  of  the  man- 
ufactures of  Salisbury,  including 
vessels,  and  of  the  fishery,  is  about 
$500,000. 

Salisbury  and  Amesbury  are  fine- 
ly located  for  business;  the  villages 
are  neat  and  the  scenery  around 
them  very  pleasant.  Salisbury 
Beach  is  noted  for  its  beauty,  and 
is  much  frequented. 

32 


Salisbury,  Ct. 

Litchfield  co.  The  Housatonick 
and  Salmon  rivers  give  this  town  a 
great  and  constant  water  power. 
The  surface  of  Salisbury  is  formed 
of  lofty  elevations  and  deep  val- 
leys ; but  the  soil  is  excellent  for 
all  sorts  of  grain  and  pasturage. 
The  valleys  are  generally  lime- 
stone, and  the  hills  granite.  The 
number  of  sheep  kept  here  in  1837, 
was  8,999. 

**  Salisbury  Centre,”  a pleasant 
village,  is  58  miles  N.  W.  from 
New  Haven,  50  W.  N.  W.  from 
Hartford,  22  N.  W.  from  Litchfield, 
and  34  N.  W.  by  W.  from  Hudson, 
N.  Y.  Population,  1830,  2,580. 
The  Indian  name  of  the  town  was 
Weatog.  It  was  first  settled  by 
the  whites  in  1720. 

Salisbury  has  long  been  celebra- 
ted for  its  excellent  iron  ore  and 
iron  manufactures.  The  guns  on 
board  our  favorite  frigate,  “ Old 
Iron  Sides,”  used  by  Truxton  in 
the  capture  of  the  L’Insurgente, 
were  made  at  the  old  furnace  in 
Salisbury. 

The  “ Old  Ore  Hill,”  two  miles 
west  of  Wanscoponimuc  lake,  has 
been  worked  since  the  year  1732. 
Within  the  last  10  or  15  years,  from 
five  to  six  thousand  tons  of  ore  have 
been  dug  annually.  The  ore  is 
sold  at  the  mine  for  $3  a ton.  One 
dollar  and  twenty-five  cents  is  paid 
"to  the  proprietor  of  the  mine,  and 
the  residue  to  the  miner.  The  first 
furnace  in  Salisbury  was  erected  in 
1762,  at  the  outlet  of  TV'anscop- 
ommuc,  by  S.  and  E.  Forbes,  Mr. 
Hazeltine,  and  Ethan  Allen,  the 
hero  of  Ticonderoga.  A large 
amount  of  cannon,  balls,  and  bomb- 
shells were  manufactured  here  dur- 
ing the  revolutionary  war. 

The  large  and  inexhaustible  quan- 
tities of  iron  ore  found  in  Salisbury, 
and  the  abundant  supply  of  wood 
for  charcoal,  and  other  materials 
necessary  for  smelting  the  ore,  to- 
gether with  the  superior  quality 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


of  iron,  introduced  other  manufac- 
tures ; and  iron  has  continued  from 
that  time  the  staple  commodity  of 
the  town.  There  are  at  present 
in  Salisbury,  4 blast  furnaces,  5 
forges,  with  20  fires,  2 puddling 
establishments,  1 screw  shop,  1 
anchor  shop,  2 scythe  manufacto- 
ries, 1 hoe  manufactory,  2 trip  ham- 
mers, 2 cupola  or  pocket  furnaces, 
for  small  castings. 

F rom  five  to  six  hundred  thousand 
bushels  of  charcoal  are  annually 
consumed  at  the  different  establish- 
ments. The  puddling  furnaces  re- 
quire from  two  to  three  thousand 
cords  ol  wood  annually.  The  num- 
ber of  workmen  employed  in  the 
different  processes  of  preparing  the 
material  and  manufacturing  the  iron, 
amount  in  all  to  about  five  hun- 
dred men.  The  furnaces  produce 
annually  from  two  thousand  to  two 
thousand  five  hundred  tons  of  pig 
iron.  The  forges  and  puddling  es- 
tablishments annually  produce  from 
one  thousand  two  hundred  to  one 
thousand  five  hundred  tons  of 
wrought  iron,  which  is  used  for  an- 
chors, car  axletrees,  musket  bar- 
rels, and  various  other  kinds  of 
drafts.  The  Salisbury  iron  ore  is 
the  brown  hematite,  and  yields 
about  forty  per  cent  of  pig  iron. 
It  is  well  known  to  manufacturers, 
and  stands  as  fair  in  the  market  as 
any  other  iron  in  the  country. 

Salmon  Rivers. 

Salmon  river,  in  Maine , is  a trib- 
utary to  the  Penobscot,  of  about  30 
miles  in  length.  Its  course  is  S., 
and  falls  into  the  Penobscot  about  4 
miles  below  the  union  of  the  east- 
ern and  western  branches  of  that 
river. 

Salmon  Fall  river,  Maine  and 
Mew  Hampshire.  See  Piscata- 
qua.  In  this  river,  between  Ro- 
chester and  Lebanon,  Maine,  is  a 
fall,  which,  from  its  singularity, 
deserves  notice.  The  river  is  con- 
fined between  two  rocks,  about  25 
feet  high,  the  breadth  at  the  top  of 


the  bank  not  more  than  three  rods. 
It  is  called  the  flume,  and  is  about 
four  rods  in  length,  its  breadth  va- 
rying from  two  and  one  half  feet  to 
less  than  one  foot ; but  here  .the 
water  has  a subterraneous  passage. 
In  the  rocks  are  many  cavities  from 
one  to  seven  feet  in  diameter,  most- 
ly cylindrical,  and  from  one  to  four 
feet  in  depth. 

Salmon  Brook.  See  Nashua, 
N H. 

Salmon  river,  Connecticut.  This 
beautiful  mill  stream  has  its  source 
in  the  high  lands  in  Tolland  coun- 
ty, and  passing  south,  receiving  in 
its  course  many  valuable  tributa- 
ries, it  meets  the  Connecticut  at 
East  Haddam,  producing  a beauti- 
ful cataract.  There  is  a river  of 
this  name  in  Salisbury,  Ct. 

Sanbornton,  N.  II., 

Strafford  co.,  has  New  Hampton 
and  Meredith  on  the  N.,Gilmanton 
E.  and  S.  E.,  Franklin  S.  and  W., 
and  is  20  miles  N.  from  Concord, 
60  N.  W.  from  Portsmouth,  and  9 
W.  from  Gilford. 

The  bay  between  Sanbornton  and 
Meredith  is  3 miles  in  width.  There 
are  no  rivers  or  ponds  of  magnitude 
in  this  town.  Salmon  Brook  pond, 
in  the  N.  part,  and  a brook  of  the 
same  name,  its  outlet,  are  the  only 
ones  worth  mentioning.  This  brook 
passes  through  the  N.  W.  part  of 
the  town,  and  affords  several  mill 
sites. 

Sanbornton  presents  an  uneven 
surface,  but  contains  no  mountains. 
The  highest  hills,  with  one  or  two 
exceptions,  admit  of  cultivation. 
The  soil  is  almost  universally  good, 
and  well  rewards  the  labor  of  pa- 
tient industry.  There  is  a gulf  in 
this  town  extending  nearly  a mile 
through  very  hard  rocky  ground, 
3S  feet  in  depth,  the  walls  from  80 
to  100  feet  asunder,  and  the  sides 
so  nearly  corresponding  as  to  favor 
an  opinion  that  they  were  once  uni- 
ted. There  is  also  a cavern  in  the 
declivity  of  a hill,  which  may  be 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


entered  in  a horizontal  direction  to 
the  distance  of  20  feet.  This  town 
was  once  the  residence  of  a power- 
ful tribe  of  Indians,  or  at  least  a 
place  where  they  resorted  for  de- 
fence. On  the  Winnepisiogee,  at 
the  head  of  Little  bay,  are  found 
the  remains  of  an  ancient  fortifica- 
tion. It  consisted  of  six  walls,  one 
extending  along  the  river,and  across 
a point  of  land  into  the  bay,  and 
the  others  in  right  angles,  con- 
nected by  a circular  wall  in  the 
rear.  Traces  of  these  walls  are 
yet  to  be  seen,  though  most  of  the 
stones,  &c.  of  which  they  were 
composed  have  been  removed  to  the 
dam  thrown  across  the  river  at  this 
place.  Within  the  fort  have  been 
found  numbers  of  Indian  relics,  im- 
plements, &c.,  and  also  on  an  island 
in  the  bay.  When  the  first  settlers 
of  Sanbornton  arrived,  these  walls 
were  breast  high,  and  large  oaks 
were  growing  within  their  enclos- 
ure. 

This  town  was  settled  in  1765 
and  1766,  by  John  Sanborn,  David 
Duston,  Andrew  Rowen  and  oth- 
ers. It  was  incorporated  in  1770. 
Population,  1830,  2,866. 

Sandgate,  Vt. 

Bennington  co.  The  people  of 
this  town  are  favored  with  moun- 
tain air,  and  with  crystal  streams 
which  even  the  Bostonians  might 
relish.  Shettarack  and  Bald  moun-_ 
tains  are  in  the  N.  W.  part  of  the 
town ; Spruce  and  Equinox  are  in 
the  N.  E. ; Red  mountain  is  in  the 
S.  E.,  and  Swearing  hill  in  the  S. 
W.  Between  these  elevations  is 
some  good  land,  which  produces 
grass  and  grain ; and  which,  with 
the  mountain  browse,  affords  feed 
for  more  than  7,000  sheep.  Sand- 
gate  was  chartered  in  1761.  It  is 
20  miles  N.  from  Bennington,  and 
31  S.  by  W.  from  Rutland.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  933. 

Sandisfield,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  This  is  an  eleva- 


ted township  at  the  S.  E.  corner  of 
the  county,  on  the  line  of  Connec- 
ticut. It  is  watered  by  a pleasant 
stream,  a branch  of  Farmington  riv- 
er. The  soil  is  generally  good, 
particularly  for  pasturage.  Consid- 
erble  wool  is  grown  in  this  town, 
and  a large  amount  of  leather  tan- 
ned. Sandisfield  is  124  miles  W.  by 
S.  from  Boston,  18  S.  E.  by  S.  from 
Lenox,  and  38  E.  from  Hudson,  N. 
Y.  Incorporated,  1762.  Population, 
1837,  1,493. 

Sandown,  X.  II.. 

Rockingham  co.,  is  bounded  N. 
by  Chester  and  Poplin,  E.  by  Dan- 
ville, S.  by  Hampstead,  W.  by 
Chester  and  Londonderry.  It  is  31 
miles  S.  E.  from  Concord,  and  26 
S.  W.  from  Portsmouth.  The  sur- 
face of  this  town  is  rather  uneven, 
but  the  soil  in  general  is  well  ad- 
apted to  the  production  of  grain  and 
grass.  Phillip’s  pond,  lying  in  the 
S.  part  of  the  town,  is  the  largest, 
being  about  340  rods  long,  200  wide. 
Angle  pond,  in  the  S.  E.  part  of 
this  town,  is  about  200  rods  long, 
and  90  or  100  wide.  There  are  sev- 
eral other  smaller  ponds.  Squam- 
scot  river  flows  from  Phillip’s  pond, 
and  pursues  a nearly  level  course 
for  1 1-2  miles,  where  auother 
stream  unites  with  it:  from  this 
junction,  whenever  the  waters  are 
high,  the  current  passes  back  with 
considerable  force  towards  the  pond. 
The  settlement  of  Sandown  was 
commenced  about  the  year  1736, 
by  Moses  Tucker,  and  others. — 
The  town  was  originally  a part  of 
Kingston,  and  was  incorporated, 
1756.  Population,  in  1830,  553. 

Sandwich,  X.  II. 

Strafford  co.  Sandwich  is  70 
miles  N.  N.  W.  from  Portsmouth, 
and  about  50  N.  from  Concord.  This 
town  was  originally  granted  by 
Gov.  Benning  Wentworth,  in  1763, 
and  comprised  6 miles  square.  On 
the  5th  Sept.  1764,  upon  the  repre- 
sentation of  the  grantees  that  the 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


N.  and  W.  sides  thereof  were  “so 
loaded  with  inaccessible  mountains 
and  shelves  of  rocks  as  to  be  unin- 
habitable”— an  additional  grant  was 
made  of  territory  on  the  E.  and  S., 
called  Sandwich  Addition.  Sand- 
wich mountains  are  a lofty  range 
extending  N.  E.  and  terminating  in 
Chocorua  Peak  in  Albany.  Squam 
mountain,  extending  frcm  Holder- 
ness  through  a corner  of  Campton 
into  Sandwich,  is  of  considerable 
height.  There  are  other  mountains. 
The  Bearcamp  river,  its  branches 
rising  in  the  mountains  N.  and  W., 
passes  E.  into  Tamworth.  The  W. 
branch  passes  through  Bearcamp 
pond.  There  is  another  pond  not 
far  distant  from  this,  from  which  is- 
sues Red  Hill  river,  passing  S.  into 
the  Winnepisiogee  lake.  A small 
stream  passes  W.  into  the  Pemige- 
wasset  river.  About  one  fourth  of 
Squam  lake  lies  in  the  S.  W.  corner 
of  Sandwich.  This  is  a flourishing 
town  with  a number  of  mills.  Thir- 
ty thousand  pounds  of  maple  sugar 
was  made  here  in  the  spring  of 
1838.  Population,  1830,  2,744. 

Sandwich,  Mass. 

Barnstable  co.  This  town  is  ve- 
ry pleasantly  situated  on  the  shoul- 
der of  Cape  Cod,  12  miles  S.  W. 
from  Barnstable,  30  E.  from  New 
Bedford,  and  53  S.  E.  from  Boston. 
Incorporated,  1639.  Population, 
1830,  3,367 ; 1837,  3,579.  Sand- 
wich is  watered  by  a number  of 
streams  which  afford  a good  water 
power;  and  by  numerous  ponds, 
some  of  which  are  large,  affording 
a variety  of  excellent  fish.  The 
forests  afford  an  abundance  of  deer, 
and  to  the  lovers  of  rural  sports. 
Sandwich  and  the  neighboring 
towns  of  Barnstable  and  Falmouth 
have  justly  become  favorite  resorts. 
The  value  of  the  manufactures  of 
the  town  for  the  year  ending  April 
1,  1837,  amounted  to  $3S2,248. 
They  consisted  of  glass,  ($300,000) 
leather,  nails,  vessels,  salt,  iron  cas- 
tings, stoves,  &c.  The  value  of 


the  New  England  crown  glass  has 
been  fully  tested  and  found  to  be 
as  clear  and  stronger  than  any  oth- 
er now  in  use.  Sandwich  has  a good 
harbor,  and  about  20  sail  of  coasting 
and  fishing  vessels. 

It  is  proposed  to  unite  Massachu- 
setts and  Buzzard’s  bays  by  a ship 
canal  through  this  town.  The  dis- 
tance is  five  miles  and  the  route 
level.  A glance  at  Mr.  Hale’s  ex- 
cellent map  of  New  England,  shows 
most  conclusively,  the  immense  ad- 
vantages to  be  derived  by  such  a 
work. 

Sandy  Bay,  Mass. 

See  Gloucester. 

Sandy  Point,  Mass. 

The  most  northern  extremity  of 
Nantucket  Island,  on  which  is  a 
light,  60  feet  in  height. 

Sandy  River,  Me. 

This  valuable  mill  stream  re- 
ceives its  head  waters  in  the  coun- 
ty of  Franklin,  near  Saddleback 
mountain,  and  in  a winding  course 
through  the  southern  part  of  that 
county  it  enters  Somerset  county 
aud  mingles  with  the  Kennebec  at 
Starks,  37  miles  above  Augusta. 
Sandy  river  is  a fertilizing  stream  ; 
it  receives  a number  of  tributaries, 
and  waters  a beautiful  portion  of 
the  stale.  Its  length  is  about  45 
miles. 

Sanford,  Me. 

York  co.  Sanford  is  watered  by 
Mousum  river ; it  has  a good  water 
power,  and  an  establishment  for  the 
manufacture  and  printing  of  cotton 
goods.  Incorporated,  1768.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  2,324.  It  is  94  miles 
S.  W.  from  Augusta,  35  W.  S.  W. 
from  Portland,  and  is  bounded  S. 
W.  by  Alfred 

Sangerville,  Me. 

Piscataquis  co.  This  beautiful 
and  thriving  town  is  not  mountain- 
ous, but  it  is  so  elevated  between 
Penobscot  and  Kennebec  rivers  that 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


the  waters  of  its  ponds  meet  the 
ocean  by  both  of  those  streams. 
Sangerville  is  70  miles  N.  W.  from 
Augusta,  and  is  bounded  by  Dover 
on  the  W.  Incorporated,  1814. — 
Population,  1837,  1,115.  Wheat 
crop,  same  year,  10,792  bushels. 

Saugatnck  River,  Ct. 

See  Westport v 

Saugus,  Mass. 

Essex  co.  Saugus  was  taken  from 
Lynn  in  1815,  and  derives  its  name 
from  the  Indian  name  of  the  river 
which  passes  through  it.  That 
river  is  exceedingly  crooked  in  its 
course,  and  forms  large  tracts  of 
meadow.  The  uplands  are  uneven 
and  rocky.  It  lies  10  miles  S.  W. 
from  Salem,  and  9 N.  by  E.  from 
Boston.  Population,  1837,  1,123. 

The  value  of  the  manufactures 
of  Saugus,  the  year  ending  April  1, 
1837,  was  about  $200,000.  They 
consisted  of  shoes,  ($150,000)  choco- 
late, morocco  leather,  snuff,  cigars, 
bricks,  wool  cleaning,  and  silk  and 
woolen  dyeing. 

Savoy,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  Savoy  is  an  eleva- 
ted township,  and  gives  rise  to 
branches  of  Deerfield  and  Hoosack 
rivers.  The  land  is  generally  good, 
and  pastures  a considerable  number 
of  sheep.  It  lies  125  miles  W.  N. 
W.  from  Boston,  and  20  N.  N.  E. 
from  Lenox.  Incorporated,  1797V 
Population,  1837,  917. 

Saybrook)  Ct. 

Middlesex  co.  This  is  one  of 
the  most  ancient  towns  in  the  state. 
Lord  Say  and  Seal,  Lord  Brook  and 
other  gentlemen  in  England,  dis- 
satisfied with  the  government  of 
Charles  I.,  contemplating  a removal 
to  this  country,  procured,  in  1632, 
of  Robert,  Earl  of  Warwick,  a pa- 
tent of  all  the  country  “ which  lies 
west  from  Narraganset  river,  a 
hundred  and  twenty  miles  on  the 
sea  coast;  and  from  thence  in  lati- 

32* 


tude  and  breadth  aforesaid,  to  the 
South  Sea.”  In  1635,  they  ap- 
pointed Mr.  John  Winthrop,  a son 
of  the  governor  of  Massachusetts, 
to  build  a fort  on  Connecticut  river, 
and  appointed  him  governor  for  one 
year. 

In  the  summer  of  1639,  Colonel 
George  Fenwick,  one  of  the  paten- 
tees, arrived  from  England,  and  in 
honor  of  Lord  Say  and  Seal,  and 
Lord  Brook,  gave  the  tract  about 
the  mouth  of  Connecticut  river,  the 
name  of  Saybrook.  Colonel  Fen- 
wick superintended  the  affairs  of  the 
colony  until  1644,  when,  his  associ- 
ates having  relinquished  the  design 
of  removal  to  America,  sold  the  ju- 
risdiction of  Saybrook  to  the  Con- 
necticut colony. 

The  original  limits  of  the  town 
extended  upon  the  east  side  of  the 
river  for  several  miles,  and  included 
a part  of  the  town  of  Lyme.  Tffe 
township  now  comprises  three  par- 
ishes, viz:  Saybrook,  W~estbrook, 
and  Essex.  Saybrook  parish  is  the 
southeast  section  of  the  town.  The 
Indian  name  for  this  place  was  Pat- 
taquasset.  West  of  this  is  West- 
brook parish,  which  was  called  by 
its  Indian  name  Pochaug,  until  Oc- 
tober, 1810.  North  of  these  two 
parishes  is  Pautapoug  or  Essex. 

Saybrook  is  upwards  of  7 miles 
in  length  from  north  to  south,  and 
averages  more  than  6 in  breadth. 
The  greater  part  of  the  township  is 
uneven  and  stony.  There  are, 
however,  some  extensive  levels, 
and  tracts  of  rich  soil,  particularly 
in  the  vicinity  of  Saybrook  village, 
in  the  southern  part  of  the  town. 
Some  of  the  hills,  near  Connecticut 
river^  have  good  granite  quarries. 
There  are  several  small  harbors  on 
the  Sound,  and  on  Connecticut  riv- 
er, at  Saybrook  point  and  Pauta- 
poug. The  bar  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Connecticut  is  an  impediment  to 
navigation;  vessels  of  a moderate 
draught  are  often  obliged  to  pass  it 
with  part  of  their  cargoes.  The 
depth  of  water  at  the  bar,  at  spring 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


tides,  is  about  twelve  feet.  Say- 
brook  harbor  is  at  the  mouth  of  a 
handsome  cove,  making  up  from 
Connecticut  river,  and  extending 
west  almost  to  Saybrook  village.  It 
is  often  resorted  to  by  coasters  in  bad 
weather.  To  this  place  the  river 
is  open  through  the  winter,  and  it  is 
here  that  vessels  are  frequently 
laid  up,  and  goods  deposited,  while 
the  river  is  frozen  over  above. 
Large  quantities  of  fish  are  taken 
in  this  town.  The  shad  fisheries 
are  numerous,  and  a source  of  con- 
siderable wealth.  Connecticut  riv- 
er shad  are  considered  superior  to 
any  other  in  this  country.  White 
fish  are  taken  upon  the  shores  of 
the  Sound,  and  are  very  valuable 
for  the  purposes  of  manure.  They 
are  afforded  at  a cheap  rate ; the 
lightest  soils,  enriched  by  them, 
have  produced  forty  bushels  of  rye 
to  the  acre,  and  they  have  an  equal- 
ly advantageous  effect  upon  the 
growth  of  corn  and  potatoes. 

Saybrook  village  is  40  miles  S. 
S.  E.  from  Hartford,  34  E.  from 
New  Haven,  and  18  W.  from  New 
London.  Population,  1830,  5,018. 

Besides  the  business  in  naviga- 
tion, the  fishery,  ship  building  and 
quarrying  of  stone,  there  are  many 
manufacturing  establishments  in 
the  several  villages  in  this  town. 
Among  the  articles  manufactured, 
are  augers,  gimlets,  hammers,  steel 
carriage  springs,  ivory  and  iron 
combs,  ink  stands,  sand  boxes,  &c.' 

The  Borough  of  Essex  is  about 
7 miles  from  the  mouth  of  Connec- 
ticut river,  on  the  west  side.  It  is 
a place  of  considerable  commerce, 
navigation  and  ship  building,  with 
a population  of  about  1,000. 

Ship  building  was  commenced  in 
1740,  on  the  Pochaug,  and  is  still 
a leading  branch  of  business  in  the 
place.  There  are  at  present  about 
15  vessels  owned  here,  principally 
coasters.  It  is  estimated  that  there 
are  1,200  inhabitants  in  its  limits. 

Saybrook  point  is  a peninsula, 
circular  in  its  form,  and  connected 


with  the  main  land  by  a narrow 
neck,  over  which  the  tide  some- 
times flows.  From  this  place  to 
the  fort,  on  the  eastern  extremity 
of  the  peninsula,  the  distance  is 
about  one  mile.  On  the  neck,  a 
palisado  was  anciently  formed  from 
the  river  to  the  cove,  to  secure  Say- 
brook point  from  any  sudden  incur- 
sion of  the  Indians.  The  soil  on 
the  peninsula  is  light  and  sandy, 
and  the  elevation  of  the  highest 
part  is  about  twenty  feet.  Being 
nearly  destitute  of  trees  and  shrub- 
bery, it  presents  to  the  beholder  a 
bleak  and  naked  aspect. 

The  land  on  the  point  was  laid 
out  with  care,  as  it  was  expected  to 
become  tbe  residence  of  great  men, 
and  the  centre  of  great  business 
and  wealth.  It  is  said  that  Oliver 
Cromwell,  with  other  men  then 
equally  distinguished,  actually  em- 
barked in  the  Thames,  to  occupy 
this  ground.  Westward  of  the  fort 
a square  was  laid  out,  on  which  it 
was  intended  houses  should  be  erect- 
ed for  Cromwell,  Pymm,  Hasselrig, 
and  Hampden,  the  most  illustrious 
Commoners  in  the  English  annals, 
who  were  expected  from  Europe  ; 
while  a square  still  further  west 
was  reserved  for  public  uses. 

About  half  way  between  the 
palisado  was  erected  the  first  build- 
ing designed  for  the  collegiate 
school,  since  named  Yale  College. 
This  institution  was  founded  in  1700, 
and  remained  at  Saybrook  17  years. 
The  building  was  one  story  in  height, 
and  about  eighty  feet  in  length. 
Some  remains  of  the  cellar,  “ over 
which  the  ploughshare  has  passed,” 
are  still  visible.  Fifteen  com- 
mencements were  held  at  Saybrook. 
More  than  sixty  young  men  were 
graduated,  most  of  whom  entered 
the  ministry,  and  some  of  them  be- 
came characters  of  distinguished 
usefulness  and  excellence.  To 
educate  young  men  of  piety  and 
talents  for  the  ministry,  was  the 
leading  design  of  this  institution. 
It  was  desired  by  the  founders  and 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


others,  that  the  churches  should 
have  a public  standard  or  confession 
of  faith,  agreeable  to  which  the  in- 
struction of  the  college  should  be 
conducted.  This  led  to  the  adop- 
tion of  the  Saybrook  Platform, 
after  the  commencement  in  1708. 

David  Gardiner,  was  the  first 
white  child  born  in  Connecticut. 
The  following  was  written  upon  a 
blank  leaf  of  an  old  bible,  in  pos- 
session of  John  G.  Gardiner,  Esqr., 
of  Gardiner’s  Island,  N.  Y. 

“ In  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1685, 
the  10th  of  July,  came  I,  Lion  Gar- 
diner and  Mary  my  wife  from  Wor- 
den, a town  in  Holland,  where  my 
wife  was  born,  being  the  daughter 
of  one  Diricke  Willemson  deureant ; 
her  mother’s  name  was  Hachir, 
and  her  aunt,  sister  of  her  mother, 
was  the  wife  of  Wouter  Leanerd- 
son,  old  burger  Muster,  dwelling 
in  the  hostrade,  over  against  the 
Bruser  in  the  Unicorne’s  head  ; her 
brother’s  name  was  Punce  Garret- 
son,  also  old  burger  Muster.  We 
came  from  Worden  to  London,  and 
from  thence  to  New  England,  and 
dwelt  at  Saybrook  fort  four  years — 
it  is  at  the  mouth  of  Connecticut 
river — of  which  I was  commander, 
and  there  was  born  unto  me  a son, 
named  David,  1635,  the  29th  of 
April,  the  first  born  in  that  place, 
and  1638  a daughter  was  born, 
named  Mary,  30th  of  August,  and 
then  I went  to  an  island  of  my  own, 
which  I had  bought  and  purchase*! 
of  the  Indians,  called  by  them  Mon- 
chonack,  by  us  Isle  of  Wight,  and 
there  was  born  another  daughter, 
named  Elizabeth,  the  14th  Septem- 
ber, 1641,  she  being  the  first  child 
of  English  parents  that  was  born 
there.’’ 

Saybrook  is  a very  pleasant  town, 
and  full  of  interesting  associations. 

Saxtonfg  River,  Vt., 

Is  formed  in  Grafton,  Windham 
county,  traverses  an  eastern  course 
about  10  miles,  and  falls  into  the 
Connecticut  at  Rockingham.  It 


is  an  excellent  mill  stream,  and 
derived  its  name  from  a Mr.  Sax- 
ton, who  was  drowned  near  its 
mouth. 

Scantic  River,  Ct. 

See  East  Windsor. 

Scarborough,  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  This  town  lies 
105  miles  N.  E.  from  Boston,  and 
60  S.  W.  from  Augusta.  It  con- 
tains 30,634  acres  of  land,  and  a 
population  of  2,244. 

A part  of  this  town,  called  Black 
point,  lying  upon  the  sea,  was 
granted  by  the  council  of  Plym- 
outh to  Thomas  Cammock,  in  1631 ; 
this  was  soon  after  settled,  and  be- 
came of  considerable  importance  on 
the  coast  in  the  fisheries  and  trade. 
The  land  is  held  under  that  ancient 
grant  at  the  present  day.  Another 
settlement  was  early  made  by  a 
family  of  Algers,  from  England, 
near  the  centre  of  the  town,  and 
called  Duastan  corner,  which  name 
it  still  bears.  This  was  wholly  de- 
stroyed in  the  Indian  war  of  1675. 
It  was,  however,  revived  by  a de- 
scendant in  the  female  line,  through 
whom  that  race  is  still  perpetua- 
ted. 

Scarborough  is  principally  an  ag- 
ricultural town,  for  which  purpose 
it  furnishes  some  rich  soil,  and  has 
a large  quantity  of  salt  marsh. — 
Ship  building,  however,  continues 
to  be  pursued  here,  although  not  to 
the  extent  it  formerly  was.  Nou- 
suck  river  passes  through  the  whole 
length  of  the  town.  Its  present 
name  was  given  to  it  in  1658,  when 
it  submitted  to  the  government  of 
Massachusetts ; previously  the  east- 
ern side  of  the  river  and  Marsh 
was  called  Black  point,  and  the 
western,  Blue  point,  names  which 
are  still  in  familiar  use. 

This  town  has  the  honor  of  being 
the  birth  place  of  the  distinguished 
statesman  Rufus  King,  and  his 
half  brother,  William  King, 
the  first  governor  of  Maine. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Sclioodic  Lakes,  Me. 

These  are  large  collections  of 
water,  of  very  irregular  form,  uni- 
ted together,  by  boatable  passages, 
lying  principally  in  Washington 
county,  but  extending  west  into  the 
county  of  Penobscot.  Their  out- 
let is  by  a large  stream  of  the  same 
name,  into  the  river  Saint  Croix, 
on  the  west  side,  of  about  9 miles 
in  length.  These  lakes  cover  a 
large  surface,  they  are  naviga- 
ble for  large  boats,  and  their  bor- 
ders, and  indeed  the  whole  country 
around  them,  are  densely  wooded. 
Vast  quantities  of  timber  and  lum- 
ber descend  from  these  waters  to  the 
St.  Andrews,  Eastport  and  Lubec 
markets,  on  the  Passamaquoddy. 

Scituate,  Mass. 

Plymouth  co.  This  town,  the 
Indian  Satuit,  lies  at  the  mouth  of 
North  river,  in  Massachusetts  bay, 
and  has  a convenient  harbor, defend- 
ed by  rocky  clifts,  and  Ceader 
Point,  on  which  is  a Light  house. 

The  North  River  rises  near  the 
sources  of  the  Taunton.  It  passes 
Pembroke,  Hanover  and  Marsh- 
field, and  meets  the  tide  water 
here.  This  river  is  very  deep,  nar- 
row and  crooked,  and  is  noted  for 
the  fine  ships  built  on  its  banks. 
The  manufactures  of  Scituate  con- 
sist of  leather,  boots,  shoes,  tacks, 
vessels,  &c.  The  value  of  vessels 
annually  built  is  about  $40,000. 
These  vessels  are  of  superior  me- 
chanism, and  are  built  of  native 
white  oak,  remarkable  for  its  dura- 
bility. There  are  a number  of  ves- 
sels belonging  to  this  town  employ- 
ed in  the  merchant  service  and 
coasting  trade.  During  the  year 
ending  April  1,  1837,  Scituate  had 
22  vessels  engaged  in  the  fishery  : 
they  took  6,500  barrels  of  macker- 
el, valued  at  $46,000. 

The  town  extends  back  from  the 
bay  a considerable  distance  ; it  con- 
tains large  tracts  of  salt  meadow  and 
some  valuable  upland. 


Scituate  is  17  miles  S.  E.  by  S* 
from  Boston  and  20  N.  W.  by  N. 
from  Plymouth.  First  settled,  1633, 
Incorporated,  1637.  Population, 
1830,  3,470  ; 1837,  3,754. 

The  first  settled  minister  in  this 
town  was  the  Rev.  Charles 
Chatjhcy.  He  remained  here 
twelve  years  previous  to  his  becom- 
ing the  second  president  of  Har- 
vard College. 

Rev.  Thomas  Clapp,  president 
of  Yale  College,  was  born  in  this 
town,  in  1703.  He  graduated  at 
Harvard  College  in  1722,.  and  died 
in  1767. 

Scituate,  It.  1. 

Providence  co.  This  town  was 
a part  of  Providence  until  1731, 
when  it  was  incorporated.  It  lies 
12  miles  W.  by  S.  from  Providence, 
and,  in  1830,  had  3,394  inhabitants. 
The  surface  of  the  town  is  diversi- 
fied by  hills  and  valleys : in  the 
north  part  of  the  town  the  soil  is  a 
gravelly  loam,  better  adapted  to 
grazing  than  tillage.  Pawtuxet 
river  with  several  of  its  branches 
give  Scituate  a good  water  power, 
and  large  manufactories,  particular- 
ly of  cotton  and  wool  are  found  on 
their  banks.  There  is  a valuable 
quarry  of  free-stone  in  the  western 
part  of  the  town. 

Seabrook,  N.  II., 

Rockingham  co.,  is  situated  atthe 
S.  E.  corner  of  the  state,  17  miles 
S.  S.  W.  from  Portsmouth,  and  7 
N.  from  Newburyport,  bounded  N. 
by  Hampton  Falls,  E.  by  the  Atlan- 
tic, S.  by  Massachusetts,  W.  by 
South  Hampton  and  Kensington.  It 
was  formerly  a part  of  Hampton 
Falls, and  was  granted, 1768,  to  Jona- 
than Weare  and  others.  Settlements 
commenced  here  in  1638.  The  riv- 
ers are  Black,  Brown’s  and  Walton’s 
rivers.  Many  of  the  rivulets  abound 
with  bog  ore  of  iron.  This  town 
derives  its  name  from  the  number 
of  rivers  and  rivulets  meandering 
through  it.  Whale-boat  building  is 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


the  most  important  manufacture, 
and  is  carried  on  to  a greater  extent 
than  in  any  other  town  in  New  Eng- 
land. The  larger  part  of  the  male 
inhabitants  are  mechanics  and  sea- 
men. Perhaps  no  town  in  the  state 
is  better  situated  for  carrying  on 
the  Bay  and  Labrador  fisheries  than 
this.  Population,  in  1S30,  1,096. 

Seaconuet  Rocks,  R.  I., 

Or  Point.  See  Little  Compton. 

Searsburgli,  Vt. 

Bennington  co.  Searsburgh  is 
too  elevated  on  the  Green  Moun- 
tains either  for  cultivation,  popula- 
tion, or  wool  growing.  It  has  40  in- 
habitants, and  41  sheep.  It  is  11 
miles  E.  from  Bennington. 

Searsmout,  Me. 

Waldo  co.  Searsmont  has  a good 
soil,  and  some  beautiful  ponds.  It 
is  a pleasant  and  flourishing  town, 
30  miles  E.  from  Augusta,  and  12 
S.  W.  from  Belfast.  Population, 
1837,  1,392.  Wheat  crop,  same 
year,  2,792  bushels. 

Seaville,  Me. 

Hancock  co.  This  town  was  in- 
corporated in  1838,  and  comprises  a 
part  of  the  island  and  town  of 
Mount  Desert,  and  Bartlett’s,  Rob- 
inson’s, Hardwood  and  other  small- 
er islands  on  the  coast. 

Sebago  Lake,  Me.  *- 

Cumberland  co.  This  is  a beau- 
ful  sheet  of  water,  about  12  miles  in 
length,  and  of  various  breadths.  The 
widest  part  is  across  from  Baldwin 
to  Raymond,  about  7 miles.  It  re- 
ceives the  waters  of  Long  and  sev- 
eral other  ponds,  and  of  Crooked 
river,  at  and  from  the  north.  It  dis- 
charges into  Casco  bay,  at  Fal- 
mouth, by  the  Presumpscot.  The 
Cumberland  and  Oxford  canal,  com- 
pleted in  1829,  passes  from  this  lake 
to  Portland,  and  is  the  channel  of 
considerable  inland  trade. 


Sebago,  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  This  town  lies 
between  Sebago  lake  and  Hancock 
pond,  and  was  taken  from  Baldwin 
in  1S26.  It  lies  87  miles  S.  W.  by 
W.  from  Augusta,  and  30  N.  W. 
from  Portland.  It  has  a good  soil 
and  is  watered  by  small  streams. 
Population,  1837,  646. 

Sebasticook  River,  Me. 

This  valuable  mill  stream  rises 
in  Sangerville,  Dover  and  Dexter, 
on  the  border  of  Penobscot  and 
Piscataquis  counties ; it  passes  S. 
E.  and  S.  through  Ripley,  Harmo- 
ny,Hartland  and  Palmyra  toChand- 
lerville;  it  then  runsS.  W.  through 
Burnham  and  falls  into  the  Kenne- 
bec between  Clinton  and  Winslow, 
opposite  to  Waterville.  This  stream 
receives  several  tributaries ; it  is 
about  50  miles  in  length  ; it  has  nu- 
merous falls  and  passes  through  a 
delightful  country. 

Sebec,  Me. 

Piscataquis  co.  Sebec  is  a town- 
ship of  good  soil,  and  is  well  water- 
ed by  Sebec  Pond  and  its  outlet, 
Sebec  river,  which  empties  into  the 
Piscataquis,  on  the  north  side,  in 
the  town  of  Milo.  This  town  lies 
87  miles  N.  N.  E.  from  Augusta, 
,and  9 N.  N.  E.  from  Dover.  In- 
corporated, 1812.  Population,  1837, 
987.  Wheat  crop,  same  year,  7,650 
bushels. 

Sebec  Pond  lies  in  the  towns  of 
Sebec,  Foxcroft  and  Bowerbank  : it 
is  about  10  miles  long,  and  about  a 
mile  average  breadth.  Its  outlet  is 
a good  mill  stream  of  about  10  miles 
in  length.  The  country  around 
these  waters  is  fertile  and  heavily 
timbered,  and  the  scenery  pictur- 
esque and  beautiful. 

Seboois  Lakes  and  River,  Me. 

Seboois  Lakes  are  connected 
sheets  of  water,  of  irregular  form, 
of  about  15  miles  in  length,  varying 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


in  width  from  half  a mile  to  a mile 
and  a half.  They  lay  near  the 
Aroostook  and  constitute  the  head 
waters  of  the  eastern  branch  of  Pe- 
nobscot river.  Seboois  River  is 
their  outlet.  See  Penobscot  River. 

Sedgwick,  Me. 

Hancock  co.  Sedgwick  lies  on 
the  west  side  of  Blue  Hill  bay,  87 
miles  E.  from  Augusta,  and  about 
25  S.  by  W.  from  Ellsworth.  In- 
corporated, 1789.  Population,  1837, 
1,7S4.  This  town  has  good  harbors 
and  enjoys  great  privileges  for  nav- 
igation. A number  of  vessels  are 
owned  here  employed  in  the  coast- 
ing trade  and  fishery,  and  ship 
building  is  an  important  branch  of 
business.  The  soil  of  the  town  is 
not  so  productive  as  that  more  dis- 
tant from  the  sea,  still  it  is  abundant- 
ly able  to  supply  its  own  people 
with  bread  stuffs  and  all  the  varie- 
ties of  fruits  and  vegetables  com- 
mon to  a New  England  climate. 

This  town  was  named  in  honor 
of  Theodore  Sedgwick,  an  em- 
inent statesman  and  jurist,  a senator 
to  Congress,  and  for  many  years  a 
judge  of  the  supreme  court  of  Mas- 
sachusetts. He  died  at  Boston  in 
1813,  aged  66,  highly  valued  by  his 
friends  and  country. 

Seckonk,  Mass. 

Bristol  co.  This  town  is  watered 
by  Seekonk,  or  Pawtucket  river, 
also  by  Ten  mile  river,  a good  mill 
stream.  It  lies  41  miles  S.  from 
Boston,  4 E.  by  N.  from  Provi- 
dence, R.  I.,  and  14  S.  W.  from 
Taunton.  It  was  taken  from  Re- 
hoboth  in  1812.  Population,  1837, 
2,016.  There  are  three  cotton  mills 
in  the  town,  which  constitute  the 
principal  manufactures ; the  annu- 
al value  of  which  is  about  $SO,000. 

Seven  Mile  Brook,  Me. 

This  stream  rises  by  several 
branches  in  the  counties  of  Somer- 
set and  Franklin  ; it  runs  in  a south- 


eastern direction,  about  35  miles, 
affording  mill  privileges  to  the  towns 
of  Kingfield  and  New  Portland, 
and  mingles  with  the  Kennebec  at 
Anson,  40  miles  N.  E.  from  Augus- 
ta. 

Seymour  Lftke,  Vt. 

See  Charleston. 

Sliaftsljixry,  Vt. 

Bennington  co.  This  town  lies 
between  the  Battenkill  and  Wal- 
loomsac,  and  gives  to  those  rivers 
some  tributaries.  West  mountain 
lies  in  this  town  and  Arlington. 
Shaftsbury  lies  97  miles  S.  S.  W. 
from  Montpelier,  and  8 N.  from 
Bennington.  First  settled,  1763. 
Population,  1830,  2,143.  Among 
the  first  settlers  was  the  Hon.  Jo- 
nas Galtjsha,  late  governor  of 
the  state.  He  was  a captain  in  the 
militia  in  1777,  and  commanded  a 
company  of  the  “ Green  mountain 
boys,”  at  the  battle  of  Bennington. 

Although  the  surface  of  Shafts- 
bury is  elevated,  the  soil  is  gener- 
ally of  an  excellent  quality  ; it  feeds 
12,000  sheep,  and  its  products  of 
beef  cattle  and  of  the  dairy  are 
considerable.  There  are  valuable 
beds  of  iron  ore  in  the  town,  pine 
timber  and  quarries  of  beautiful 
marble.  It  has  a number  of  manu- 
facturing concerns  on  its  small 
streams,  a pleasant  village  and  a 
school  fund  of  $10,000. 

Shapleigh,  Me. 

York  co.  Between  Shapleigh  and 
Acton  are  some  pleasant  ponds,  the 
source  of  Mousum  river  which  emp- 
ties into  the  sea  at  Kennebunk.  A 
bed  of  rich  bog  iron  ore  has  recent- 
ly been  discovered  in  the  town, 
which  promises  great  usefulness. 
The  surface  of  the  town  is  gener- 
ally level,  and  the  soil  favorable  for 
the  growth  of  wool,  grass,  wheat 
and  other  grain.  Here  are  iron 
works  and  other  manufactures. 

Shapleigh  was  incorporated,  1785. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Population,  1837,  1,547.  It  is  103 
miles  S.  W.  from  Augusta,  and  6 
N.  W.  from  Alfred. 

Sliaron,  N.  II., 

Hillsborough  co.,  is  bounded  N.  by 
Peterborough,  E.  by  Temple,  S.by 
New  Ipswich  and  Rindge,  and  W. 
by  Jaffrey.  It  is  18  miles  W.  by  S. 
from  Amherst,  and  48  S.  S.W.  from 
Concord.  The  streams  in  Sharon  are 
small  branches  of  Contoocook  riv- 
er, and  rise  near  the  S.  E.  corner  of 
the  town.  Boundary  mountain  lies 
on  the  line  between  this  town  and 
Temple,  and  has  an  elevation  of 
200  feet  above  the  surrounding 
country.  Sharon  was  incorporated, 
1791.  Population,  in  1830,  271. 

Sliaron,  Vt. 

Windsor  co.  White  river  passes 
through  Sharon  and  affords  it  an 
abundant  water  power.  Here  are 
mills  for  the  manufacture  of  wool- 
en goods,  paper  and  other  articles. 
It  contains  a handsome  and  flour- 
ishing village.  The  surface  of  the 
town  is  broken,  but  the  soil  is  warm 
and  productive.  It  keeps  about 
5,000  sheep.  Sharon  was  first  set- 
tled in  1763.  Population,  1830, 
1,459.  It  lies  22  miles  N.  from 
Windsor,  and  34  S.  by  E.  from 
Montpelier. 

Sliaron,  Mass. 

Norfolk  co.  Mashapoag  pond  iiL. 
this  town  is  one  of  the  sources  of 
Neponset  river.  Sharon  has  a good 
water  power ; one  woolen  and  two 
cotton  mills.  There  are  also  man- 
ufactures of  axes,  bed-steads,  straw 
bonnets,  leather,  boots,  shoes,  wool 
cards,  machinery,  joiners’  gages, 
&c. : annual  value,  about  $75,000. 
Sharon  is  a very  pleasant  town  ; the 
scenery  around  Mashapoag,  the  In- 
dian name  of  the  place,  is  highly 
pleasing.  There  is  good  fishing  in 
this  pond.  This  town  was  incorpo- 
rated, in  1765.  It  is  18  miles  S.  S. 
W.  from  Boston,  8 S.  from  Dedham, 


and  24  N.  by  E.  from  Providence, 
R.  I.  Population,  1837,  1,093. 

Sliaron,  Ct. 

Litchfield  co.  Sharon  lies  on  the 
west  side  of  Housatonick  river, 
opposite  to  Cornwall.  The  eastern 
part  of  the  town  is  elevated,  moun- 
tainous, and  stony,  but  is  suited  for 
grazing : the  western  part,  which 
borders  on  the  state  of  New  York,, 
is  a fertile  tract  of  undulating  land, 
and  very  productive  of  all  sorts  of 
grain.  Agriculture  is  the  chief 
business  of  the  inhabitants : they 
provide  for  about  10,000  sheep. 
Population  1830,  2,615. 

Sharon  was  first  settled  in  1739. 
The  village  is  situated  principally 
on  one  street,  on  the  eastern  side  of 
a beautiful  valley,  16  miles  W.  N. 
W.  from  Litchfield,  and  47  W.  by 
N.  from  Hartford.  There  is  a beau- 
tiful village  called  “ Hitchcock’s 
Corner,”  partly  in  Sharon  and  part- 
ly in  the  state  of  New  York:  this 
also  is  situated  in  a beautiful  valley, 
and  rich  in  agricultural  resources. 

“ Considerable  numbers  of  the 
Indians  resided  in  the  western  and 
northwestern  parts  of  the  town, 
which  are  watered  by  two  large 
ponds,  and  by  the  Ten  Mile  river , 
which  touches  the  western  bor- 
ders of  the  town.  Their  principal 
village  was  on  the  east  side  of  the 
Indian  pond,  so  called,  which  is  a 
body  of  water  lying  partly  in  the 
state  of  New  York,  and  partly  in 
Connecticut.  On  a romantic  and 
beautiful  plain,  lying  between  this 
pond  on  the  west,  and  the  Indian 
Mountain,  on  the  east,  was  a nu- 
merous village,  where  the  natives 
continued  to  reside  for  many  years 
after  the  whites  came  into  the  town. 
This  tribe  was  visited  by  the  Mo- 
ravian missionaries,  and  one  of  them 
died  and  was  buried  there.  He 
died  in  1749,  and  a plain  stone  was 
placed  over  his  grave,  with  the  fol- 
lowing inscription : 

“ David  Bruce  of  Edinburgh  in 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Scotland,  Minister  of  The  Breth- 
ren’s Church  among  the  Indians. 
Depart’d  1749.” 

This  town  took  an  active  part  in 
favor  of  the  liberties  of  the  coun- 
try. 

“The  approach  of  a large  British 
army  from  Canada,  under  General 
Burgoyne,  and  the  expedition  up 
the  North  River,  under  General 
Vaughan,  in  1777,  filled  the  whole 
country  with  terror  and  desponden- 
cy, and  created  strong  fears  and 
doubts  as  to  the  issue  of  the  con- 
troversy : the  firmness  and  confi- 
dence of  Parson  Smith,  however, 
remained  unbroken,  and  his  efforts 
to  revive  the  drooping  spirits  of  his 
neople  were  unremitted.  In  the 
month  of  October,  he  preached  a 
sermon  from  these  words  : “ Watch- 
man, what  of  the  night  ? The 
Watchman  saith,  the  morning  com- 
eth.”  In  this  discourse  he  dwelt 
much  upon  the  indications,  which 
the  dealings  of  Providence  afford- 
ed, that  a bright  and  glorious  morn- 
ing was  about  to  dawn  upon  a long 
night  of  defeat  and  disaster.  He 
told  the  congregation,  that  he  be- 
lieved they  would  soon  hear  of  a 
signal  victory  crowning  the  arms  of 
America ; and  he  exhorted  them  to 
trust  with  an  unshaken  and  fearless 
confidence  in  that  God,  who,  he 
believed,  would  yet  crown  with 
success  the  efforts  of  the  friends  of 
liberty  in  this  country.  Before  the 
congregation  was  dismissed,  a mes- 
senger arrived,  with  the  intelli- 
gence of  the  surrender  of  Bur- 
goyne’s  army.  Parson  Smith  read 
the  letter,  conveying  the  intelli- 
gence, from  the  pulpit,  and  a flood 
of  joy  and  gratitude  burst  from  the 
congregation.” 

Sliawslieen  River,  Mass. 

This  river  rises  in  Lexington  and 
Bedford.  It  passes  Billerica,  Wil- 
mington and  Tukesbury,  and  falls 
into  the  Merrimack,  at  Andover, 
20  miles  N.  by  W.  from  Boston. 


Sheepscot  River  and  Bay,  Me. 

The  head  waters  of  this  river 
are  derived  from  ponds  in  Palermo. 
Its  course  is  south  through  the  towns 
of  Whitefield  and  Aina.  It  meets 
the  tide  water  between  Wiscasset 
and  New  Castle,  and  proceeds  to  a 
bay  of  the  same  name.  The  length 
of  the  river  from  its  source  to  the 
bay  is  about  35  miles.  This  river 
is  valuable  on  account  of  its  hy- 
draulic power  and  navigable  facili- 
ties. 

Sheepscot  Bay  sets  up  from  the 
sea  between  Boothbay  and  George- 
town, and  receives  the  waters  of 
the  river.  It  is  about  3 miles  wide 
at  its  mouth,  and  extends  about  10 
miles  north.  The  whole  of  these 
waters  are  often  called  “ Sheepscot 
River.”  The  mouth  of  this  bay 
or  river  bears  about  N.  E.,  6 miles, 
from  Seguin  Light,  at  the  mouth 
of  Kennebec  river. 

Sliemeld,  Vt. 

Caledonia  co.  This  town  is  35 
miles  N.  E.  from  Montpelier,  and 
16  N.  from  Danville.  First  settled, 
1792.  Population,  1830,  720. 

This  town  lies  on  the  height  of 
land  between  Connecticut  river 
and  Memphremagog  lake.  Branch- 
es of  Passumpsic  and  Barton  rivers 
both  rise  here.  It  is  watered  by 
several  ponds.  The  lands  are  gen- 
erally broken  and  not  very  produc- 
tive. 

SlielSeld,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  This  is  a very 
pleasant  town,  on  both  sides  of  the 
Housatonick.  The  river  meanders 
circuitously  and  slowly  through  the 
town,  and  forms  large  tracts  of  rich 
alluvial  meadow.  In  large  fresh- 
ets the  river  overflows  its  banks  to 
a great  extent,  and  forms  the  ap- 
pearance of  alarge  lake.  The  vil- 
lage is  neat;  situated  in  a beauti- 
ful valley,  surrounded  by  hills,  one 
of  which  is  3,000  feet  in  height, 
and  presents  a great  variety  of  de- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER 


lightful  scenery.  There  are  man- 
ufactures in  the  town  of  leather, 
hats,  ploughs,  and  spirits,  hut  the 
principal  business  of  the  people  is 
agricultural.  In  1837,  there  were 
6,892  sheep  sheared  in  the  town  : 
the  value  of  the  wool  amounted  to 
$11,372.  Marble  andiron  ore  are 
abundant. 

Sheffield  is  the  oldest  town  in  the 
county  : it  was  incorporated  in  1733. 
It  lies  140  miles  S.  W.  from  Boston, 
20  S.  from  Lenox,  and  28  E.  from 
Hudson,  N.  Y.  Population,  1837, 
2,308. 

Shelburne,  N.  II. 

Coos  co.  Androscoggin  river 
passes  through  the  centre  of  this 
town,  into  which  fall  the  waters 
of  Rattle  river  and  some  smaller 
streams.  The  soil  on  each  bank  of 
the  river  is  very  good,  producing 
in  abundance  grain  and  grass  : but 
as  we  rise  from  the  river,  the  tracts 
are  mountainous  and  unfit  for  culti- 
vation. 

Mount  Moriah,  an  elevated  peak 
of  the  White  Mountains,  lies  in  the 
S.  part  of  Shelburne.  Moses’ 
Rock,  so  called  from  the  first  man 
known  to  have  ascended  it,  (Moses 
Ingall.s)  is  on  the  south  side  of  the 
river,  near  the  centre  of  the  town. 
It  is  about  60  feet  high  and  90  long, 
very  smooth,  and  rising  in  an  angle 
of  nearly  50°.  In  1778,  David  and 
Benjamin  Ingalls  commenced  a set- 
tlement at  Shelburne,  and  not  long 
afterwards,  several  families  were 
added.  In  August,  1781,  a party 
of  Indians  visited  this  town,  killed 
one  man,  made  another  prisoner, 
plundered  the  houses,  and  returned 
to  Canada  in  savage  triumph.  This 
town  was  incorporated  in  1820. 
Population,  1830,  312. 

Shelbwm,  Vt. 

Chittenden  co.  On  the  east  side 
of  Lake  Champlain,  33  miles  W.  by 
N.  from  Montpelier,  and  7 S.  from 
Burlington.  Population,  1830, 1 ,123. 
Logan’s  and  Potter’s  points  were 

33 


settled  previous  to  the  revolutionary 
war  by  men  of  those  names.  Dur- 
ing the  war  these  settlements  were 
abandoned,  but  re-established  at  its 
close.  Shelburn  is  finely  watered 
by  Platt  river,  a pond  covering  600 
acres,  and  by  the  waters  of  the  lake. 

Shelburn  Bay  sets  into  the  town- 
ship about  4 miles  from  the  N.  W., 
and  affords  the  town  a good  harbor, 
and  a depot  of  the  interior  trade  on 
the  beautiful  Champlain.  The  soil 
of  the  town  is  strong,  fertile,  and 
generally  well  improved.  About 
10,000  sheep  are  within  its  limits. 

Shelburne,  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  This  town  lies  on 
the  N.  side  of  Deerfield  river  op- 
posite to  Conway.  It  is  100  miles 
W.  by  N.  from  Boston,  and  5 W. 
from  Greenfield.  Population,  1837, 
1,018.  Incorporated,  1768.  Deer- 
field river  falls  in  this  town  a dis- 
tance of  20  feet,  and  produces  a val- 
uable water  power. 

The  manufactures  of  the  town 
consist  of  woolen  goods,  leather, 
boots,  shoes,  scythes,  palm-leaf 
hats,  &c.  : annual  value  about 

$40,000.  The  soil  of  the  town  is 
generally  of  a good  quality;  con- 
siderable wool  is  grown,  and  some 
cattle  and  products  of  the  dairy  are 
sent  to  market.  More  than  common 
attention  is  paid  to  mental  culture. 
This  is  a pleasant  and  flourishing 
-town : the  scenery  about  the  falls 
is  very  handsome. 

Sheldon,  Vt. 

Franklin  co.  The  first  settle- 
ments commenced  here  in  1790,  by 
Elisha  and  Samuel  B.  Sheldon,  from 
Salisbury,  Connecticut.  This  is  a 
good  township  of  land,  productive 
of  wool,  grain,  and  other  northern 
commodities.  The  river  Missisque 
passes  through  the  town,  and  Black 
creek,  a branch  of  that  river,  gives 
Sheldon  an  ample  water  power. 
The  village  is  a thriving  place,  both 
in  its  manufactures  and  trade.  It 
lies  46  miles  N.  W.  from  Montpe- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Jier,  32  N.  by  E.  from  Burlington, 
and  10  N.  N.  E.  from  St.  Albans. 
Population,  1830,  1,427. 

She pang  River,  Ct. 

This  river  rises  in  Goshen,  in  the 
county  of  Litchfield ; it  receives 
several  branches,  and  passes  south, 
through  the  towns  of  Washington 
and  Roxbury,  and  falls  into  the 
Housatonick  at  Southbury.  This  is 
a good  mill  stream,  in  some  parts 
rapid,  in  others  gentle  and  fertiliz- 
ing. 

Sherburne,  Vt. 

Rutland  co.  Killington  Peak, 
3,924  feet  in  height,  several  ponds, 
and  Thundering  brook,  with  a hand- 
some fall,  lie  in  this  town.  Queechy 
river  rises  in  this  town,  and  along 
its  banks  is  some  good  land;  but  the 
lands  are  generally  too  elevated 
even  for  pasturage.  Sherburne  was 
first  settled  in  1785.  It  lies  22  miles 
N.  W.  from  Windsor,  and  10  E.  from 
Rutland.  Population,  1830,  452. 

Sherburne,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  This  town  is  wa- 
tered by  Charles  and  Sudbury  riv- 
ers. It  is  18  mile*  S.  W.  by  W. 
from  Boston,  and  15  S.  from  Con- 
cord. Population,  1837, 1,037.  In- 
corporated, 1674.  The  soil  of  Sher- 
burne is  very  good  and  productive. 
The  village  is  on  elevated  land  ; it 
is  pleasant, and  commands  good  pros- 
pects. The  manufactures  of  the 
town  consist  of  straw  bonnets,  boots, 
shoes,  leather,  axes,  forks,  ploughs, 
muskets  and  whips  : annual  value, 
about  $60,000. 

Sherman,  Ct. 

Fairfield  co.  Sherman  was  for- 
merly the  north  part  of  New  Fair- 
field, and  incorporated  in  1802.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830, 947.  It  is  60  miles  S. 
W.  from  Hartford,  13  N.  from  Dan- 
bury, and  bounded  W.  by  the  state 
of  New  York.  There  is  a variety 
of  soils  in  the  town,  but  they  are 
generally  strong,  warm,  and  pro- 


ductive of  grass  and  grain.  A 
branch  of  the  Housatonick  waters 
the  town.  Iron  ore  is  found  here. 

Shetuchet  River,  Ct. 

This  fine  mill  stream  receives  its 
head  waters  by  several  branches  in 
the  counties  of  Windham  and  Tol- 
land. It  passes  between  Lisbon 
and  Franklin  and  uniting  with  the 
Quinnebaug  at  Norwich,  flows  in- 
to the  Thames.  Its  principal  bran- 
ches are  the  Natchaug  and  Willi- 
mantic. 

0 

Shirley,  Me. 

Piscataquis  co.  This  town  was  in- 
corporated in  1834.  It  was  former- 
ly No.  3 in  the  4th  range  of  the 
Bingham  Purchase.  It  is  watered 
by  the  higher  branches  of  Piscata- 
quis river,  and  lies  about  76  miles 
N.  by  E.  from  Augusta.  Popula- 
tion, 1837,  213. 

Shirley,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  This  is  a very 
pleasant  agricultural  and  manufac- 
turing town,  32  miles  N.  W.  from 
Boston,  16  N.  W.  from  Concord, 
and  18  .S.  W.  from  Lowell.  There 
are  some  elevations  in  the  town,  but 
of  warm  and  fertile  soil.  There  are 
large  tracts  of  intervale  land  along 
the  streams,  which  are  very  fertile 
and  valuable. 

Shirley  is  separated  from  Groton  by 
Nashua  river,  and  from  Pepperell 
by  the  Squanicook,  a branch  of  the 
Nashua.  These  streams  afford  Shir- 
ley a fine  water  power,  which  ren- 
ders it  an  excellent  location  for  man- 
ufacturing establishments.  There 
are  1 woolen  and  3 cotton  mills  in  the 
town,  and  manufactures  of  boots, 
shoes,  paper,  leather,  palm-leaf  hats, 
&c.  Annual  value,  about  $125,- 
000.  Population,  1837,  967. 

Shoreham,  Vt. 

Addison  co.  This  town  lies  on 
the  east  side  of  Lake  Champlain, 
and  is  watered  by  Lemonfair  river, 
a good  mill  stream.  It  is  12  miles 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


S.  W.  from  Middlebury,  and  26  N. 
from  Whitehall,  N.  Y.  The  lake 
here  is  about  a mile  wide.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  2,137.  The  surface  of 
the  town  is  level  and  the  soil  re- 
markably good.  This  is  one  of  the 
best  farming  towns  in  the  state.  In 
1837,  there  was  26,584  sheep  in 
Shoreham.  There  are  some  manu- 
factures in  the  town,  and  a pleasant 
and  flourishing  village  on  the  banks 
of  the  lake.  Most  of  the  waters 
here  are  impregnated  with  Epsom 
salts.  See  Bridport. 

Shoreham  was  first  settled  in 
1766,  by  a number  of  persons  who 
adopted  the  plan  of  holding  all  things 
in  common.  This  mode  of  holding 
property  was,  however,  relinquish- 
ed about  the  time  of  the  revolu- 
tionary war. 

Shrewsbury,  Vt. 

Rutland  co.  This  town  lies  22 
miles  W.  from  Windsor  and  9 S. 
E.  from  Rutland.  Population,  in 
1830,  1,289.  This  is  a mountainous 
township,  having  Shrewsbury  Peak 
within  its  limits,  a summit  4,034  feet 
above  the  sea.  Mill  and  Cold  riv- 
ers and  Peal’s  and  Ashley’s  Ponds 
water  the  town,  and  fall  into  Otter 
Creek.  There  is  some  good  land 
in  this  mountain  town,  and  between 
three  and  four  thousand  sheep  graze 
on  its  surface. 

Shrewsbury,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  is  . an  agri- 
cultural town  of  a pleasing  variety 
of  surface,  and  good  soil,  36  miles 
W.  by  S.  from  Boston  and  6 E.  from 
W orcester.  Quinsigamond  or  Long 
Pond  lies  principally  in  this  town. 
It  is  nearly  four  miles  in  length  and 
from  40  to  250  rods  in  width.  It 
empties  into  the  Blackstone  river 
and  canal,  and  produces  a consider- 
able hydraulic  power.  A floating 
bridge  crosses  this  pond  for  the  ac- 
commodation of  the  Worcester  turn- 
pike, 525  feet  in  length,  built  in 
1818,  and  cost  $6,000. 

The  manufactures  of  Shrewsbury 


consist  of  clothing,  guns,  hats, 
chairs,  straw  bonnets,  leather,  boots . 
shoes,  &c : the  value  of  which,  dur- 
ing the  year  ending  April  1,  1837, 
was  $211,287.  The  town  was  in- 
corporated, 1727.  Population,  1830, 
1,3S6 ; 1837,  1,507. 

Levi  Pease,  the  father  of  mail 
stages  in  this  country,  was  a native 
of  this  town.  He  died  here  in  1824, 
aged  86.  Mr.  Pease  was  a man  of 
great  enterprise ; he  projected  the 
first  turnpike  road  in  New  England, 
and  to  his  zeal  and  sacrifices  the 
public  is  more  indebted  than  to  any 
other  man  for  its  excellent  mail  es- 
tablishment. At  the  time  Mr. 
Pease  started  his  first  line  of  mail 
stages  between  Boston  and  New 
York,  in  1784,  the  mail  between 
those  places  passed  only  once  a fort- 
night, on  horseback,  in  a pair  of 
saddlebags. 

Slmtcsbuiy,  Mass. 

This  town  is  on  high  land,  10 
miles  E.  from  Connecticut  river,  9 
N.  by  E.  from  Amherst,  16  S.  S.E. 
from  Greenfield,  and  78  W.  by  N. 
from  Boston.  Incorporated,  1761. 
Population,  1837, 816.  Copper  ore, 
and  soapstone,  are  found  here.  On 
Swift  river  are  three  shingle  mills 
and  a wheel  factory.  There  is  a 
mineral  spring  of  some  note  in  this 
town,  containing,  in  solution,  iron, 
sulphur,  &c.  There  is  also  a pond, 
covering  about  700  acres,  with  an 
abundance  of  fine  fish. 

Ephraim  Pratt  lived  in  this  town 
many  years,  and  died  here  in  1804, 
aged  116  years.  He  married  at 
the  age  of  21,  and  could  count  1,500 
descendants.  He  was  a very  tem- 
perate man,  so  much  so  that  for  40 
years  he  took  no  animal  food.  He 
was  a farmer,  and  his  health  was  so 
uniformly  good  that  he  was  able  to 
mow  a good  swath  101  years  in  suc- 
cession. He  was  born  at  Sudbury, 
1687. 

Sidney,  Me. 

Kennebec  co.  Sidney  is  very 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


pleasantly  situated  on  the  west  side 
of  Kennebec  river,  and  watered  by 
a large  and  beautiful  pond  lying  in 
this  town  and  Belgrade.  It  is 
bounded  N.  by  Waterville,  and  is 
12  miles  N.  from  Augusta.  Incor- 
porated, 1792.  Population,  1837, 
2,346.  Wheat  crop,  same  year, 
6,569  bushels. 

Simsbury,  Ct. 

Hartford  co.  The  territory  of 
this  town  was  formerly  a part  of 
Windsor:  its  Indian  name  was  Mas- 
sacoe,  and  was  incorporated  in  1670. 
The  surface  of  the  town  is  greatly 
diversified  by  hills  and  valleys  : a 
range  of  mountains  pass  through 
the  town,  and  there  is  some  level 
and  good  land  within  its  limits 
on  Farmington  river.  Population, 
1830,  2,221. 

TarifFville,  a flourishing  village, 
is  situated  at  the  northeastern  ex- 
tremity of  this  town,  on  the  west 
bank  of  the  Farmington  river, which 
at  this  place  passes  south,  at  the 
base  of  a range  of  mountains,which 
divides  this  part  of  the  State  from 
the  great  valley  of  Connecticut 
river.  This  place  is  a carpet  man- 
ufacturing village,  owned  principal- 
ly by  a company  called  the  “ New 
England  Carpet  Company they 
employ  175  hands,  and  manufacture 
yearly  about  132,000  yards  of  car- 
peting. This  flourishing  village  is 
between  three  and  four  miles  south 
of  Simsbury  mines,  in  Granby, near 
the  New  Haven  and  Northampton 
canal,  and  12 miles  N.W.  from  Hart- 
ford. 

Skitticook  River,  Me. 

This  is  the  most  northern  and 
eastern  branch  of  the  Matawam- 
keag. 

Skootum  Lake,  Me. 

A sheet  of  water  of  considerable 
size,  the  outlet  of  which  passes 
through  Kilmarnock. 


Skowhegan,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  This  town  was  for- 
merly called  Milbiirn  : it  took  the 
Indian  name  of  the  place  in  1836. 
It  is  situated  on  the  N.  side  of  Ken- 
nebec river,  at  Skowhegan  Falls. 
The  river  runs  here  in  an  eastern 
direction.  The  local  situation  of 
Skowhegan,  its  admirable  water 
power,  and  the  fertility  of  the  adja- 
cent country,  united  with  the  en- 
terprise of  its  inhabitants,  has  ren- 
dered the  place,  but  recently  a wil- 
derness, one  of  the  best  cultivated 
townships  in  the  state,  the  site  of 
a great  number  of  mills,  and  a mart 
of  an  extensive  trade.  There  is  much 
delightful  scenery  about  Skowhe- 
gan ; the  village  is  neatly  built, and 
its  beauty  is  much  enhanced  by  the 
whiteness  of  the  houses  contrasted 
with  the  blue  and  green  of  the  riv- 
er and  its  banks.  Between  Skow- 
hegan and  Bloomfield  is  a small  isl- 
and in  the  river.  Across  this  isl- 
and are  noble  bridges  uniting  the 
towns.  This  place  lies  5 miles  be- 
low Norridgewock  and  33  N.  from 
Augusta.  Population,  1830, 1,006 ; 
1837,  1,433. 

Slaterville,  R.  I. 

We  regret  to  state  that  no  ac- 
count of  the  manufactures  of  this 
interesting  manufacturing  village 
has  been  xeceived.  See  Smithfield. 

Small,  Cape,  Me. 

The  eastern  boundary  of  Casco 
Bay. 

Smithfield,  R.  I. 

Providence  co.  This  is  a large 
town,  containing  an  area  of  about 
10  by  6 miles,  and  a great  variety 
of  surface  and  soil. 

Smithfield  has  generally  an  un- 
dulating surface,  presenting  an 
agreeable  diversity  of  moderate  em- 
inences and  gentle  declivities  ; but 
in  some  sections  it  is  considerably 
rough  and  broken. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


The  manufacture  of  lime  is  an 
important  and  extensive  business, 
and  affords  employment  to  a great 
number  of  persons.  There  is  also 
a quarry  of  white  stone  at  what  is 
called  Woonsocket  hill,  that  sus- 
tains heat  remarkably  well,  which 
renders  it  very  valuable  for  furnace 
hearths.  About  two  miles  distant 
from  this,  there  is  a quarry, contain- 
ing excellent  whetstones,  for  edge 
tools. 

The  soil  is  a gravelly  and  sandy 
loam,  with  some  sections  of  a cal- 
careous loam.  It  is  generally  rich 
and  fertile,  although  in  some  places 
it  has  been  reduced  by  an  exhaust- 
ing system  of  cultivation.  There 
are,  however,  some  low  and  marshy 
tracts,  which  are  generally  appro- 
priated to  mowing,  and  afford  good 
crops  of-  grass.  The  agricultural 
productions  consist  of  the  various 
articles  common  to  the  climate ; 
Indian  corn,  rye,  wheat,  barley, 
oats,  potatoes,  flax,  beef,  pork, 
buttei',  cheese,  apples,  cider  and 
hay. 

The  waters  of  the  town  consist 
of  the  Blackstone,  which  washes 
its  northeastern  border,  and  a branch 
of  this  river,  nearly  of  equal  size, 
which  intersects  the  town,  dis- 
charging its  waters  into  the  former, 
in  the  northern  section  of  the  town. 
After  the  union  of  these  streams, 
the  Blackstone  is  from  one  to  two 
hundred  feet  in  width.  At  some~ 
seasons  of  the  year,  it  overflows  its 
banks,  and  has  been  known  to  rise 
from  15  to  20  feet  above  its  usual 
height.  Besides  these,  there  are 
numerous  small  streams,  some  of 
which  afford  valuable  sites  for  mills 
and  manufacturing  establishments, 
which  are  mostly  occupied.  In 
the  south  part  of  the  town,  within 
about  4 miles  from  Providence, 
there  is  a considerable  body  of  wa- 
ter, called  Scots  Pond.  It  is  near- 
ly a mile  in  length,  about  half  a 
mile  in  width,  and  of  great  depth. 
What  is  remarkable  in  this  pond,  is 

33* 


the  steep  descent  of  its  shores. 
Cases  have  occurred,  of  persons 
being  drowned  in  attempting  to 
water  their  horses  at  this  pond. 

There  is  a remarkable  fall  of  wa- 
ter upon  the  Blackstone  river,  call- 
ed Woonsocket  falls,  which  is  con- 
sidered as  quite  a curiosity.  The 
fall  is  about  20  feet,  not  perpendic- 
ular, but  over  a precipice  of  rocxs 
for  some  distance.  The  fall  of  the 
water  upon  these  rocks  through  a 
succession  of  ages,  has  occasioned 
numerous  excavations,  all  of  which 
are  smooth  and  circular,  and  some 
of  them  very  large,  being  sufficient 
to  contain  several  hogsheads. 

The  beautiful  village  of  Woon- 
socket is  situated  at  these  falls,  on 
the  line  of  Cumberland  ; the  river 
dividing  the  towns,  and  the  village 
into  nearly  equal  parts.  In  this 
village  are  15  cotton  and  2 satinet 
factories,  a large  furnace,  machine 
shops,  sash  factory,  &c.  The  Black- 
stone canal  passes  through  this 
village,  and  it  is  in  contemplation 
to  construct  a rail  road  to  meet  the 
Boston  and  Providence  rail  road, 
either  at  Providence  or  at  Dedham, 
Mass.  This  village  is  indeed  a 
beautiful  place,  and  exceedingly 
flourishing.  It  is  14  miles  N.  N. 
W.  from  Providence. 

Slaterville  is  another  beautiful 
village  in  this  town,  on  Branch 
fiver,  about  2 miles  W.  from  Woon- 
socket. 

Smithfield  is  a large  manufactur- 
ing town,  containing  many  other 
pleasant  villages,  almost  exclusive- 
ly devoted  to  manufacturing  ob- 
jects. The  centre  of  the  town  lies 
9 miles  N.  W.  from  Providence. 
Incorporated,  1730.  Population,  in 
1830,  6,857. 

Smith's  River,  N.  H. 

Grafton  co.  This  river  rises  from 
several  ponds  in  Grafton  and  Or- 
ange, and  after  pursuing  a winding, 
but  generally  an  east  course,  of 
from  12  to  18  miles,  through  Dan- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


action  iu  suit,  it  was  his  practice 
to  see  the  parties  or  to  write  to  them, 
stating  the  consequences  of  a legal 
process,  and  advising  them  to  set- 
tle their  differences  between  them- 
selves. By  this  mode  of  procedure 
he  was  instrumental  in  preventing 
many  vexatious  lawsuits ; and  was 
entitled  to  the  appellation  of  peace- 
maker. He  was  a member  of  the 
continental  congress  in  the  revolu- 
tion, and  died  January  10,  17S7. 

Hon.  Thomas  Wallingford, 
was  born  at  Bradford,  Mass.,  in 
1697.  He  came  to  this  town  in  the 
early  part  of  his  life  ; and  bjr  a dili- 
gent application  to  business,  from  a 
small  beginning  became  one  of  the 
richest  men  in  the  province. 

Ichabod  Rollins,  was  born 
in  Somersworth  in  1721.  He  was 
a judge  of  probate  for  the  county  of 
Strafford,  and  died  January  31, 
1800.  Population,  in  1830,  3,090. 

Soucook  River,  N.  II., 

Has  its  source  in  three  ponds  in 
the  south  part  of  Gilmanton,  lying 
near  each  other,  called  Loon,  Rocky 
and  Shellcamp  ponds.  It  passes 
through  Loudon,  receiving  several 
branches,  and  forms  the  boundary 
between  Concord  and  Pembroke, 
falling  into  the  Merrimack  below 
Garvin’s  falls. 

Sonliegan  River,  N.  H. 

Originally  Souhegenack,  the  name 
of  a river  in  Hillsborough  county, 
and  the  former  name  of  Amherst 
and  Merrimack.  The  principal 
branch  of  this  river  originates  from 
a pond  in  Ashburnham,  Mass.  It 
passes  N.  through  Ashby,  at  the 
N.  W.  angle  of  the  county  of  Mid- 
dlesex, into  New  Ipswich,  and 
through  Mason,  Milford,  Amherst, 
into  Merrimack,  where  it  unites 
with  Merrimack  river.  In  its  course 
it  receives  several  streams  from 
Temple,  Lyndeborough  and  Mount 
Vernon,  and  just  before  it  falls  into 
the  Merrimack,  receives  Babboo- 
suck  brook,  a considerable  stream 


issuing  from  Babboosuck  pond.  See 
Amherst. 

South  Hampton,  X.  II., 

Rockingham  co.,  is  bounded  N. 
by  East  Kingston  and  Kensington, 
E.  by  Seabrook,  S.  by  Amesbury, 
Mass.,  W.  by  Newtown;  and  is  50 
miles  S.  E.  frodi  Concord,  and  IS 
S.  S.  W.  from  Portsmouth. 

The  surface  is  generally  even, 
and  the  soil  of  a good  quality.  Pow- 
ow  river  passes  through  this  town, 
affording  valuable  mill  seats.  South 
Hampton  was  incorporated  in  1742. 

Hon.  Phillips  White,  who 
was  a member  of  the  old  congress, 
a counsellor  in  1792  and  1793,  and 
for  many  years  judge  of  probate, 
died  June  24, 1811,  aged  S2.  Pop- 
ulation, 1S30,  487. 

Sonthampton,  Mass. 

Hampshire  co.  Manhan  river 
waters  the  town  and  affords  it  mill 
privileges.  The  Farmington  canal 
passes  through  the  eastern  part. 
Lead  in  various  forms  and  qualities 
is  found  here,  and  here  is  a subter- 
raneous passage  leading  to  the  lead 
mine  in  Westhampton.  There  are 
some  manufactures  in  the  town, 
but  the  people  are  generally  em- 
ployed in  agricultural  pursuits,  and 
the  soil  is  well  adapted  to  that  pur- 
pose. 

Southampton  is  pleasantly  situa- 
ted, 9 miles  S.  W.  from  Northamp- 
ton, and  97  W.  by  S.  from  Boston. 
Incorporated,  1753.  Population, 
1S37,  1,216. 

South.  Berwick,  Me. 

York  co.  This  town  is  situated 
on  the  N.  E.  side  of  Salmon  Fall 
river,  97  miles  S.  W.  from  Augusta, 
and  10  W.  N.  W.  from  York.  The 
limits  of  the  town  have  recently 
been  increased  by  the  addition  of  a 
portion  of  the  territory  of  York. 
It  was  incorporated  in  1814.  Pop- 
ulation, 1S30,  1,577  ; 1S37,  2,342. 
The  Great  Falls  on  the  river  at  this 
place  afford  an  hydraulic  power  of 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


great  magnitude  and  value.  Man- 
ufacturing operations  commenced 
here  many  years  ago,  and  have  been 
gradually  increasing  ; but  in  1837, 
the  “ Great  Works  Manufacturing 
Company”  was  incorporated.  This 
company  have  a large  capital,  and 
are  making  arrangements  for  man- 
ufacturing on  an  extensive  scale. 
"When  it  is  considered  that  this  place 
is  located  on  navigable  waters,  and 
only  about  a dozen  miles  from  the 
beautiful  harbor  of  Portsmouth,  by 
water,  these  operations  promise  a 
favorable  result,  both  to  individual 
enterprise  and  the  public. 

The  village  of  South  Berwick  is 
pleasantly  situated ; it  is  a place  of 
considerable  trade,  and  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  delightful  scenery. 

Soutbborougli,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  town  was 
taken  from  Marlborough  in  1727. 
It  has  a good  soil,  and  is  well  culti- 
vated by  industrious  and  skillful 
farmers.  It  is  watered  by  a branch 
of  Sudbury  river,  and  has  man- 
ufactures of  woolen  cloth,  boots, 
shoes,  and  straw  bonnets : annual 
value,  about  $50,000.  The  Boston 
and  Worcester  rail  road  passes 
through  this  pleasant  town.  It 
lies  26  miles  W.  fr.om  Boston,  and 
15  E.  from  Worcester.  Population, 
1837,  1,113. 

Southbridge,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  Southbridge  was 
taken  from  Sturbridge  in  1814. — 
Population,  1830, 1,444  ; 1837, 1740. 
It  is  54  miles  S.  W.  from  Boston, 
and  19  S.  S.  W.  from  Worcester. 
This  town  is  watered  by  the  Quin- 
neboag,  a branch  of  the  Thames, 
and  a good  mill  stream.  There  are 
one  woolen  and  three  cotton  mills 
in  Southbridge,  and  manufactures 
of  boots,  shoes  and  cutlery : the 
value  of  which,  for  the  year  ending 
April  1,  1837,  was  $262,212.  This 
town  has  an  excellent  soil  and  a 
pleasant  and  flourishing  village. 


Sou.th.bury,  Ct. 

New  Haven  co.  The  principal 
village  in  this  town  is  pleasantly 
situated  on  the  Pamperaug,  a fine 
mill  stream,  which  passes  through 
the  town.  This  village  is  20  miles 
N.  W.  from  New  Haven,  and  40 
S.  W.  from  Hartford. 

The  village  of  South  Britain  is 
about  4 miles  S.  W.  from  the  princi- 
pal or  central  village  : it  is  a flour- 
ishing place,  containing  a num- 
ber of  neat  buildings,  a carpet  and 
several  hat  factories.  This  village 
is  surrounded  by  high  hills  and 
precipices,  and  has  a romantic  and 
picturesque  appearance.  The  sur- 
face of  the  town  is  generally  un- 
even : there  is  some  good  meadow 
land  on  Housatonick,  Pamperaug, 
and  Shepaug  rivers,  and  the  up- 
lands are  warm  and  productive. 
Some  traces  of  coal  have  been  dis- 
covered. 

The  northern  part  of  the  town  is 
called  “ White  Oak,”  from  an  oak 
tree  under  which  the  first  persons 
who  explored  the  town  encamped. 
Pieces  of  this  tree  are  considered 
by  some  as  precious  relics.  South  - 
bury  was  formerly  attached  to 
Litchfield  county.  It  was  a part 
of  Woodbury,  and  was  first  settled 
about  the  year  1672.  It  was  incor- 
porated as  a distinct  town  in  1786. 
Population,  1830,  1,557. 

South  Hadley,  Mass. 

Hampshire  co.  Nature  and  art 
seem  to  have  united  to  render  this 
an  interesting  place.  The  falls  on 
the  Connecticut  are  50  feet  ; not 
perpendicular,  but  in  so  short  a 
distance  as  to  render  the  river  very 
rapid.  These  falls,  Mount  Hol- 
yoke at  the  north  part  of  the  town, 
and  Mount  Tom  on  the  west  side  of 
the  river,  with  the  luxuriant  mead- 
ows along  this  beautiful  stream, 
would  form  a picture  of  no  ordinary 
character.  These  falls  are  ren- 
dered passable  for  freight  and  steam 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


boats  by  a canal  of  about  two  miles 
in  length.  In  this  canal  is  a cut 
through  solid  rock,  40  feet  in  depth 
and  300  feet  in  length.  The  hy- 
draulic power,  at  this  place,  is  very 
great,  having  the  whole  volume  of 
Connecticut  river  and  some  smaller 
streams  at  command  for  manufac- 
turing purposes.  Much  of  the 
■water  power  is  yet  unimproved, 
but  its  local  situation  is  such  as  to 
insure  its  usefulness  as  the  manu- 
facturing interests  of  New  England 
increase.  There  are  in  South  Had- 
ley 3 paper  and  2 woolen  mills, 
and  manufactures  of  leather,  boots, 
shoes,  pearl  buttons,  iron,  &c. : to- 
tal value,  the  year  ending  April  1, 
1S37,  $237,650. 

South  Hadley  lies  on  the  east 
side  of  Connecticut  river,  90  miles, 
W.  from  Boston,  and  5 S.  by  E. 
from  Northampton.  Incorporated 
in  1753.  Population,  1837,  1,400. 

South  Hero,  Vt. 

Grand  Isle  co.  Lake  Champlain 
bounds  this  town  on  all  sides. — 
The  passage  in  the  lake  however,  is 
very  narrow  between  the  towns  of 
N.  and  S.  Hero.  It  lies  W,  miles 
N.  W.  from  Burlington,  and  16  S.  S. 
W.  from  St.  Albans.  The  lake  is 
fordable  a considerable  part  of  the 
year  on  the  Vermont  side.  This 
town  was  formerly  a part  of  North 
Hero,  and  was  separated  from  it  in 
1788.  First  settled,  1784.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  717.  South  Hero  con- 
tains an  area  of  about  9,065  acres 
of  level  land  of  an  excellent  soil. 
Its  basis  is  limestone.  It  is  suppos- 
ed that  all  the  lands  of  this  island 
county  were  once  covered  by  the 
waters  of  the  lake,  as  clam  shells 
are  found  incorporated  with  the 
rocks  in  the  highest  places.  The 
scenery  around  these  islands  is 
beautiful.  This  vicinity  was  a fa- 
vorite resort  for  the  Indians,  as  ap- 
pears from  a large  number  of  their 
implements  found  on  the  islands. 
It  seems  they  manufactured  hatch- 
ets, spear  heads,  chisels,  arrows, 


and  a variety  of  other  implements 
at  this  place,  from  a flint  stone  not 
found  in  this  region,  but  brought 
from  a distance.  This  town  fur- 
nishes a 'great  abundance  of  food 
for  the  inhabitants,  and  some  for  ex- 
portation. It  feeds  about  6,200 
sheep.  This  is  a pleasant  stopping 
place  for  the  angler,  the  painter  or 
the  geologist. 

Southington,  tt. 

Hartford  co.  Southington  was 
taken  from  Farmington  in  1779. 
There  are  some  elevations  in  the 
town,  particularly  in  the  eastern 
part ; but  the  soil  is  generally  very 
good  for  all  kinds  of  grain  and  the 
pasturage  of  cattle.  It  is  watered 
by  the  Quinnepiack,  and  the  Far- 
mington canal  passes  through  it. 
It  contains  a neat  village,  18  miles 
S.  W.  from  Hartford  and  21  N. 
from  New  Haven.  Population, 
1830,  1,844. 

The  inhabitants  are  generally  en- 
gaged in  agriculture ; yet  several 
kinds  of  manufactures  receive  con- 
siderable attention.  Peck’s  patent 
for  machines  for  making  tin  ware, 
a most  valuable  invention,  is  exclu- 
sively owned  in  this  town,  and  the 
business  of  making  them  is  exten- 
sively carried  on,  by  Peck  & Co., 
whose  manufactory  supplies  almost 
the  whole  of  the  United  States  and 
the  British  provinces.  The  manu- 
facture of  water  cement  is  very 
extensively  carried  on  in  this  town, 
and  furnishes  a supply  for  the  wants 
of  the  vicinity,  and  some  for  distant 
markets.  There  is  an  establish- 
ment for  the  manufacture  of  lasts, 
which  are  turned  out  by  a machine  : 
this  is  effected  by  having  a model 
of  the  shape  wanted,  inserted  into 
the  apparatus  connected  with  the 
machinery.  Besides  the  above, 
there  is  a brass  foundry;  and  sev- 
eral other  establishments,  for  man- 
ufacturing various  articles,  such  as 
saws  of  different  kinds,  tin  ware, 
combs,  spoons,  clocks,  brushes,  &c., 
are  in  operation,  more  or  less  ex- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


tensively,  at  different  times,  accor- 
ding to  the  demands  of  the  market. 
Copper  has  been  discovered,  in  sev- 
eral places,  in  the  range  of  moun- 
tains on  the  eastern  border  of  the 
town. 

South.  Kingston,  R.  I. 

Washington  co.  Chief  town. 
This  town  was  formerly  a part  of 
North  Kingston,  and  was  first  set- 
tled in  1670.  It  is  the  largest  town 
in  the  State,  comprising  98  square 
miles,  and  within  its  limits  is  the 
noted  Point  Judith.  It  has  an 
uneven  surface,  a soil  of  a gravelly 
loam,  based  on  a granite  foundation. 
Large  quantities  of  grain  of  vari- 
ous kinds  and  of  the  productions  of 
the  dairy  are  annually  sent  to  mar- 
ket from  this  town  ; also  the  fleeces 
of  about  7,500  sheep.  This  town 
possesses  great  navigable  advan- 
tages ; its  eastern  and  southern 
borders  being  washed  by  the  At- 
lantic ocean  and  Narraganset  bay. 
It  contains  a great  number  of  fresh 
water  ponds,  and  a large  salt  pond  : 
one  of  the  fresh  water  ponds,  cov- 
ers an  area  of  between  three  and 
four  thousand  acres. 

The  fisheries  on  the  shores  and 
in  the  ponds  of  South  Kingston  are 
of  considerable  extent  and  value. 
The  fish  taken  are  principally  bass, 
alewives,  perch  and  smelts.  Some 
portion  of  the  inhabitants  follow  a- 
maritime  life  for  a livelihood. 

The  principal  village  in  South 
Kingston  is  improperly  called  “ Lit- 
tle Rest  Hill,”  for  it  is  quite  a snug 
and  comfortable  place.  It  lies  30 
miles  S.  from  Providence,  and  9 S. 
from  North  Kingston.  Population, 
1830,  3,663. 

South  Reading,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  This  town  was 
taken  from  Reading  in  1812.  It 
lies  10  miles  N.  from  Boston,  18  E. 
by  N.  from  Concord,  and  10  W.  from 
Salem.  Population,  1830,  1,310; 
1837,  1,488. 

The  manufactures  of  the  town 


consistof  shoes, cabinet  ware,  chairs 
shoe  tools,  razor  straps,  block  tin 
and  tin  ware  : annual  value,  about 
$60,000. 

This  town  contains  a large  and 
beautiful  pond,  the  source  of  Sau- 
gus river.  The  village  is  compact, 
neat  and  flourishing. 

Southwick,  Mass. 

Hampden  co.  This  town  is 
bounded  S.  by  the  state  of  Con- 
necticut, and  is  100  miles  W.  by 
S.  from  Boston,  and  10  W.  S.  W. 
from  Springfield.  Incorporated, 
1779.  Population,  1837, 1,291.  It 
is  watered  by  a considerable  stream, 
and  several  ponds  in  the  town  sup- 
ply water  for  the  Farmington  canal, 
which  passes  through  Southwick. 
The  manufactures  consist  of  gun- 
powder, leather,  and  distilled  spir- 
its : annual  value,  about  $70,000. 
The  surface  of  the  town  is  eleva- 
ted, but  the  soil  is  generally  good, 
particularly  for  grazing.  The  val- 
ue of  wool  sheared  in  1837,  was 
$2,125. 

So'wada'bscook  River,  Me.  • 

Penobscot  co.  This  stream  falls 
into  the  Penobscot  at  Hampden,  5 
miles  below  Bangor.  Within  3 
miles  of  its  mouth  it  falls  120  feet, 
furnishing  many  valuable  mill  priv- 
ileges. The  main  branch,  which 
rises  in  Stetson,  unites  with  ihe 
Harvey  stream  from  Levant,  and 
the  Kinsley'stream  from  Etna,  both 
affording  excellent  mill  sites,  near 
the  village  in  Carmel.  Below 
these,  the  Sowadabscook  is  deep 
and  sluggish,  from  15  to  25  yards  in 
width,  flowing  through  extensive 
meadows,  and  the  Great  and  Little 
ponds  in  Hermon,  with  very  little 
descent,  to  the  head  of  the  falls  in 
Hampden.  Near  the  east  line  of 
Carmel,  this  stream  comes  within 
about  20  rods  of  the  Little  Kendus- 
keag,  a stream  which  flows  through 
the  N.  E.  part  of  Carmel,  from  Le- 
vant to  Bangor;  and  the  two  streams 
are  united  by  a branch  from  20  to 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


30  feet  wide  and  3 feet  deep,  called 
the  Cross.  The  Kenduskeag  is  so 
rapid  that  it  rises  and  falls  much 
quicker  than  the  Sowadabscook. 
When  the  streams  are  rising,  the 
current  in  the  Cross  sets  towards  the 
Sowadabscook,  and  when  falling, 
towards  the  Kenduskeag. 

The  country  watered  by  the 
Sowadabscook  is  generally  rather 
level  and  free  from  hills,  though 
there  are  many  swells  of  very  fine 
farming  land.  In  the  towns  of 
Hermon  and  Hampden  is  a large 
tract,  very  little  elevated  above  the 
level  of  the  stream,  and  liable  to  be 
overflowed  by  freshets.  It  is  too 
low  for  settlement,  and  is  chiefly 
covered  with  wood.  The  improve- 
ment of  this  land  requires  too  great 
an  outlay  of  capital  for  a new  coun- 
try, hut  it  will  probably  at  some 
time  be  among  the  most  valuable 
in  this  country  for  mowing. 

There  are  on  this  stream,  in 
Hampden,  five  superior  saw  mills, 
a grist  and  paper  mill,  and  the  privi- 
leges are  excelled  by  few  in  New 
England.  Upon  the  Kenduskeag 
are  9 mills  below  the  Cross,  many 
of  them  superior  double  mills.  The 
pine  timber  has  been  cut  off  upon 
the  waters  of  this  stream  to  such  an 
extent,  as  to  give  a high  value  to 
that  which  remains,  and  to  the  hem- 
lock timber,  of  which  there  are 
great  quantities  of  fine  quality. 

Since  our  first  pages  went  to 
press,  we  have  received,  from  an 
obliging  friend,  the  following  infor- 
mation in  regard  to  Carmel. 

The  township  of  Carmel, border- 
ing on  the  Sowadabscook,  is  a very 
level  tract  of  land;  most  of  it  of  a 
very  light  and  fertile  soil,  free  of 
stone.  The  valleys  have  a fine 
growth  of  pine  timber,  which  has 
been  carefully  preserved  by  the 
owners,  and  may  be  rum,  by  means 
of  the  Cross,  at  a small  expense, 
either  to  Bangor  or  Hampden. — 
There  is  probably  no  town  in  this 
section  of  the  county,  in  which 


there  was  originally  so  valuable  a 
growth  of  pine,  or  in  which  there 
is  so  large  a quantity  remaining. 
The  swells  are  large,  and  are  cov- 
ered with  the  rock  maple,  beech, 
birch,  &c.,  and  are  of  a very  supe- 
rior quality  for  tillage.  Near  the 
streams  are  large  tracts  of  intervale 
of  great  fertility,  and  making  very 
fine  meadows.  There  is  little  waste 
land  in  the  town.  The  swamps  are 
few  and  of  small  extent,  but  fur- 
nish cedars  in  sufficient  quantities 
for  fencing,  for  which  use  they  are 
the  finest  and  most  durable  mate- 
rial. 

The  settlement  of  this  town  is 
rapidly  progressing,  and  many  of 
the  farms  recently  cleared  are  very 
superior,  and  the  buildings,  fences, 
and  improvements,  show  an  active, 
industrious  and  enterprising  peo- 
ple. 

The  village  near  the  centre  of 
the  town,  is  a very  thriving  and 
active  place  of  business,  on  the 
stage  road  from  Bangor  to  Skowhe- 
gan,  13  miles  W.  from  Bangor,  and 
11  W.  N.  W.  from  Hampden.  Here 
are  four  stores,  two  taverns,  an 
apothecary  shop,  potash,  black- 
smiths, coopers,  shoemakers,  join- 
ers, and  other  shops  ; an  extensive 
tannery,  mills,  &c.,  and  a meeting 
house  is  about  being  built.  In  the 
town  are  five  good  school  houses, 
five  saw  mills,  a clapboard  and  shin- 
gle mill,  grist  mill,  and  clothing 
mill. 

There  are  found  in  this  town  some 
fine  specimens  of  petrified  shells, 
at  an  elevation  of  125  to  130  feet 
above  the  Penobscot,  and  near  the 
banks  of  the  stream,  showing  that 
this  valley  was  once  covered  by 
the  ocean. 

The  roads  in  the  towns  watered 
by  this  stream  are  exceedingly  well 
made,  and  creditable  to  the  inhab- 
itants, though  it  is  remarkable,  that 
several  of  them,  which  were  made 
in  the  early  settlement,  pass  over 
decidedly  the  most  inferior  lands  in 
those  towns.  This  is  particularly 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


true  of  the  road  from  Hampden 
through  Carmel  and  Etna  to  New- 
port: and  the  settlement  of  this 
section  was  formerly  retarded,  with- 
out doubt,  by  the  unfavorable  im- 
pression created  by  this  circum- 
stance. The  projected  rail  road 
from  Bangor  to  Augusta  is  survey- 
ed to  pass  through  this  town,  near 
the  bank  of  the  stream ; and  the 
level  character  of  the  country  is 
exceedingly  well  adapted  for  that 
purpose. 

Spafford’s  Lake,  N.  H. 

See  Chesierfield. 

Speckled  Mountain,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  This  mountain  lies 
on  the  line  of  New  Hampshire, 
partly  in  the  town  of  Riley,  and  is 
said  to  be  4,000  feet  above  sea 
level. 

Spencer,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  Seven  Mile  riv- 
er, a branch  of  the  Chickopee,  wa- 
ters this  town.  There  are  two 
woolen  mills  in  the  town,  and  man- 
ufactures of  scythe  snaiths,  straw 
bonnets,  boots,  shoes,  leather,  cab- 
inet ware,  chairs,  palm-leaf  hats, 
harnesses,  and  barrels : annual  val- 
ue, about  $80,000. 

This  township  is  quite  elevated 
for  the  section  of  country  in  which 
it  lies.  It  is  stated  to  be  the  sumr" 
mit  level  between  the  waters  of 
Boston  harbor  and  Connecticut  riv- 
er, 950  feet  above  the  former,  and 
880  feet  above  the  latter.  The 
surface  of  the  town  is  agreeably 
varied  by  hills  and  valleys : the 
soil  is  fertile,  and  cultivated  by  men 
of  industry  and  independence. 

Spencer  is  52  miles  W.  from  Bos- 
ton, and  12  W.  from  Worcester. 
Population,  in  1830,  1,618  ; 1837, 
2,085.  It  was  taken  from  Leices- 
ter in  1753. 

Spiggot  River,  N.  H., 

Rises  in  Hampstead,  and  passes 
through  Salem,  and  into  the  Merri- 

34 


mack  between  Methuen  and  Dra- 
cut.  Mass.,  nearly  opposite  Shaw 
sheen  river,  which  comes  from  the 
S.,  through  Andover. 

Split,  Cape,  Me. 

See  Addison. 

Springfield,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  The  Matakeunk, 
a branch  of  the  Matawamkeag, 
rises  here,  and,  with  several  ponds, 
gives  the  town  a considerable  wa- 
ter power.  The  soil  of  the  town  is 
fertile,  and  in  1837,  with  a popula- 
tion of  398,  produced  9,429  bushels 
of  wheat.  Springfield  was  No.  5, 
2d  range  N.  of  the  Bingham  Pur- 
chase, and  was  incorporated  in  1834. 
It  iies  about  60  miles  N.  E.  by  E. 
from  Bangor. 

Springfield,  N.  H. 

Sullivan  co.  This  town  is  bound- 
ed N.  by  Grafton,  E.  by  Wilmot, 
S.  E.  by  New  London,  S.  by  Wen- 
dell "and  Croydon,  W.  by  Croydon 
and  Grantham.  It  lies  35  miles  N. 
W.  from  Concord  and  13  N.  E.  from 
Newport.  A branch  of  Sugar  riv- 
er has  its  source  in  this  town ; and 
also  a branch  of  the  Blackwater 
river.  The  former  empties  into  the 
Connecticut, the  latter  into  the  Mer- 
rimack. There  are  several  ponds, 
viz.  Station  pond,  about  250  rods 
long,  140  wide ; Cilley  pond,  240 
rods  long,  and  about  80  wide  ; Star, 
Stony,  and  Morgan’s ‘ponds.  The 
land  is  rough  and  stony.  This  town 
was  granted  in  1769,  by  the  name 
of  Protectworth.  Its  first  settle- 
ment commenced  in  1772.  It  was 
incorporated  by  the  name  of  Spring- 
field,  1794.  Population,  1830, 1,202. 

Springfield,  Vt. 

Windsor  co.  Springfield  is  situ- 
ated at  the  S.  E.  corner  of  the 
county,  on  the  W.  side  of  Connect- 
icut river,  and  is  70  miles  S.  from 
Montpelier,  24  S.  from  Woodstock, 
and  110  N.  W.  from  Boston.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  1,498. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


The  land  in  Springfield  is  gen- 
erally rich,  with  a deep  soil  suita- 
ble for  grass  or  tillage  ; on  the  riv- 
ers are  extensive  intervales,  form- 
ing some  of  the  most  beautiful  farms 
in  the  state.  The  principal  agri- 
cultural products,  are  corn,  rye, 
oats,  beef,  pork,  butter,  cheese  ; and 
wool,  of  which  17,872  fleeces  were 
shorn  in  1S37.  Many  horses  are 
raised  in  this  town  and  sent  to  mar- 
ket. 

The  principal  village  is  situated 
on  Black  River  falls,  near  the 
centre  of  the  town.  These  falls 
are  about  four  miles  from  the  con- 
fluence of  Black  river  with  the 
Connecticut ; their  descent  is  rapid 
over  a rocky  bed,  about  60  rods, 
when  the  waters  are  contracted, 
and  precipitated  50  or  60  feet  down 
an  abrupt  ledge  into  a narrow  chan- 
nel. This  ravine  extends  about  12 
rods  ; it  is  60  or  70  feet  deep,  and  is 
walled  by  perpendicular  ledges  of 
mica  slate.  Over  this  ravine  has 
been  erected  a bridge,  from  which 
may  be  had  a full  view  of  the  falls. 
A mist  constantly  arises,  in  which 
may  be  seen,  in  a fair  day,  all  the 
colors  of  the  rainbow. 

There  are  in  Springfield  1 cotton 
and  2 woolen  mills,  a sand  paper 
factory,  on  an  extensive  scale, 
which  produces  an  excellent  arti- 
cle, and  manufactures  of  machirfe 
cards,  machinery,  iron  ware,  lead 
pipe,  hats,  chairs,  tin  and  copper 
wares,  scythes,  leather,  cabinet  fur- 
niture, and  various  other  articles. 
This  is  a very  flourishing  town, 
and  the  scenery  around  its  neat  and 
handsome  village  is  delightful. 

Springfield,  Mass. 

Chief  town,  Hampden  co.  This 
is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and 
important  inland  towns  in  New 
England.  It  is  situated  on  the  east 
bank  of  Connecticut  river,  and  is 
supplied  with  a good  hydraulic 
power  by  Chickopee  and  Mill  riv- 
ers. It  is  87  miles  W.  by  S.  from 
Boston,  17  S.  by  E.  from  North-  | 


ampton,  and  27  N.  from  Hartford, 
Ct.  Its  Indian  name  was  Agawam. 
First  settled,  1635.  Incorporated, 
1645.  Population,  1820,  3,914 ; 

1830,  6,784;  1837,  9,234.  Along 
the  banks  of  the  Connecticut  are 
large  tracts  of  fine  alluvial  meadow, 
which  are  very  productive.  Back 
from  the  river  the  land  rises  by  a 
gentle  acclivity  to  an  extended  pine 
plain. 

The  village  and  business  part  Df 
the  town,  is  on  a street  between  2 
and  3 miles  in  length,  running  par- 
allel with  the  river.  This  village 
is  very  pleasant,  well  built,  and 
contains  many  beautiful  buildings. 
A handsome  bridge,  1,234  feet  in 
length,  connects  this  town  with 
West  Springfield.  Boats  for  the 
transportation  of  passengers,  and 
for  towing  freight  boats,  are  con- 
tinually plying  between  this  place 
and  Hartford,  during  the  season  of 
navigation.  The  rail  road  from 
Boston  to  Albany  will  pass  through 
Springfield,  which,  with  the  great 
natural  advantagesitpossesses,  must 
render  it  one  of  the  most  important 
commercial  depots  on  Connecticut 
river. 

About  4 miles  north  of  the  prin- 
cipal village,  near  the  confluence 
of  Chickopee  river  with  the  Con- 
necticut, stands  the  neat  and  en- 
terprising village  of  Chickopee, 
one  of  the  most  beautifully  located 
manufacturing  villages  in  New 
England. 

The  United  States  Arsenal  is 
delightfully  situated  on  an  elevated 
plain  about  half  a mile  east  of  the 
principal  village.  The  buildings 
are  arranged  with  great  taste  and 
judgment,  around  a level  square  of 
20  acres,  and  make  a fine  appear- 
ance. The  buildings  are  all  of 
brick ; on  one  of  which  is  a 
cupola,  from  which  an  extensive 
and  delightful  view  of  Connecticut 
river  and  the  surrounding  coun- 
try is  presented.  The  water  works 
are  situated  on  Mill  river,  about  a 
mile  south  of  the  arsenal.  This 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


establishment  was  founded  in  1795* 
and  is  considered  the  most  impor- 
tant arsenal  of  construction  in  the 
United  States.  There  are  260 
men  constantly  employed  in  the  va- 
rious branches  of  this  manufacture. 
In  1837,  the  lands  and  buildings 
attached  to  this  establishment  were 
valued  at  $210,000 ; Machinery, 
$50,000;  170,000  muskets  on  hand, 
$2,040,000;  muskets  manufactured 
during  the  year  ending  April  1, 
1837,  14,000,  valued  at  $154,000  : 
amount  of  ordnance  and  stock  on 
hand,  $S0,000. 

An  establishment  for  the  manu- 
facture of  brass  cannon,  employing 
25  hands,  lately  commenced  by  a 
private  company,  will  manufacture 
cannon  to  the  amount  of  $50,000 
per  annum. 

There  are  in  Springfield  7 cotton 
and  4 paper  mills,  3 tanneries,  and 
manufactures  of  iron  castings,  cut- 
lery, ploughs,  chairs,  cabinet  and 
tin  wares,  boots,  shoes,  cards,  hard 
ware,  steam  boats,  joiners  tools,  pa- 
per machinery,shuttles,bobbins,  ri- 
fles, stoves,  machinery,  swords,  &c. 
The  total  value  of  the  manufactures 
of  Springfield,  for  the  year  ending 
April  1,  1837,  exclusive  of  those 
by  the  U.  S.,  amounted  to  $1,709,- 
700.  See  Register. 

Squam  liaise,  &c. 

Squam  Lake,  N.  H.,  lies  on  the 
borders  of  Holderness,  Sandwich, 
Moultonborough  and  Centre  Har- 
bor. This  is  “ a splendid  sheet  of 
water,  indented  by  points,  arched 
with  coves,  and  studded  with  a suc- 
cession of  romantic  islands.”  It  is 
about  6 miles  long,  and  in  its  widest 
part,  3 miles  in  width.  It  covers  a 
surface.of  between  6,000  and  7,000 
acres,  and  is  well  stored  with  trout 
and  other  fish. 

Squam  River  is  the  outlet  of  the 
above  mentioned  lake : it  passes 
through  Squam  pond  in  Holder- 
ness, and  forms  a junction  with  the 
Pemigewasset,  at  the  S.  W.  corner 
of  that  town. 


Squam  Ray  and  Village,  Mass. 
The  bay  sets  up  between  Glouces- 
ter and  the  mouth  of  Ipswich  har- 
bor. Ther  village  is  on  Cape  Ann, 
about  4 miles  N.  from  the  principal 
village  of  Gloucester,  and  is  the  re- 
sort and  residence  of  a large  num- 
ber of  enterprising  fishermen. 

Sqnamanagouick,  X.  H. 

The  name  of  a village  at  the  falls  on 
Cocheco  river,  in  Rochester,  so  call- 
ed from  the  Indian  name  of  the  falls. 

Sqaamscot  River,  N.  H., 

Or  Swamscot , called  also  Great 
or  Exeter  river.  See  Exeter. 

Stafford,  Ct. 

Tolland  co.  This  town  lies  24 
miles  N.  E.  from  Hartford,  6 N.  E. 
from  Tolland,  27  N.  W.  from  Brook- 
lyn, 36  N.  from  Norwich,  14  N.  E. 
from  Springfield,  Mass.,  and  73  W. 
S.  W.  from  Boston.  Population, 
1830,  2,515. 

The  surface  of  the  town  is  rough; 
in  some  parts  mountainous,  abound- 
ing with  rocks  of  primitive  forma- 
tion. Its  soil  is  a coarse,  hard  and 
dry  gravelly  loam  ; generally  not 
very  productive.  There  are  sever- 
al minerals  in  the  town,  but  iron 
ore  is  the  principal.  As  early  as 
1779,  a blast  furnace  was  erected 
here,  and  cannon  shot,  hollow  ware, 
&c.,  were  cast. 

The  town  is  watered  by  Fur- 
nace river,  and  the  Willimantic, 
which  unite  in  Stafford,  and  afford 
a good  water  power.  There  are  in 
the  town  several  blast  and  cupola 
furnaces,  a cotton  mill,  manufac- 
tures of  pistols,  axes,  adzes,  car- 
penters’ chisels,  tailors’  shears, 
drawing  knives,  and  several  other 
articles  of  cutlery.  There  are  also 
manufactures  of  cotton  and  woolen 
machinery,  cabinet  ware,  brush 
handles,  iron  card  cylinders,  and 
two  forges  for  making  wrought 
iron. 

Stafford  Mineral  Springs  have 
acquired  considerable  notice,  and 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


are  celebrated  for  their  virtues  in 
curing  cutaneous  diseases. 

“ The  Indians  first  made  the  set- 
tlers acquainted  with  the  virtues  of 
these  springs,  when,  in  the  year 
1719,  this  part  of  the  country  be- 
gan to  be  settled.  4 It  has  been 
their  practice,  time  immemorial, 
to  resort  to  them  in  the  warm  sea- 
son, and  plant  their  wigwams  round 
them.  They  recommended  the  wa- 
ter as  an  eye  water ; but  gave,  as 
their  own  particular  reason  for 
drinking  it,  that  it  enlivened  their 
spirits.’  It  is  said,  that  in  1766, 
these  springs  were  carefully  exam- 
ined by  Dr.  Warren,  who  then  had 
thoughts  of  purchasing  the  land  on 
which  they  rise,  with  a view  of  es- 
tablishing himself  upon  it.  Subse- 
quent events  transformed  the  phy- 
sician into  a soldier,  and  Dr.  Warren 
fell  in  the  first  great  struggle  of  the 
Revolution.  Dr.  Willard  afterwards 
put  Dr.  Warren’s  plan  into  opera- 
tion, by  building  a large  hotel  for 
the  reception  of  patients  and  oth- 
ers. The  establishment  is  at  pres- 
ent owned  by  Mr.  Jasper  Hyde, 
and  its  former  reputation  is  fully 
sustained,  and  it  is  a place  of  much 
resort  for  the  purposes  of  health  or 
pleasure  during  the  summer  season. 
There  are  two  distinct  springs,  the 
medical  qualities  of  which  are  con- 
sidered as  essentially  different.  One 
of  them  contains  a solution  of  iron, 
sustained  by  carbonic  acid  gas,  a 
portion  of  marine  salt,  some  earthly 
substances,  and  what  has  been  call- 
ed natron,  or  a native  alkali.  This 
spring  has  been  known  and  used  for 
a length  of  time,  and  has  been  pro- 
nounced by  chemists  to  be  one  of 
the  most  efficacious  chalybeate 
springs  in  the  United  States.  The 
other  spring,  the  medical  virtues  of 
which  were  not  known  till  about 
the  year  1810,  contains,  according 
to  the  opinion  of  Professor  Silliman, 
(who  examined  it  in  that  year)  a 
large  portion  of  hydrogen  gas,  of 
sulphur,  and  a small  proportion  of 
iron.  These  springs  did  not  acquire 


much  celebrity  until  about  the  year 
1765,  when  a case  occurred  calcu- 
lated to  establish  and  extend  their 
reputation;  It  was  an  effectual  * 
cure  of  a most  obstinate  cutaneous 
complaint,  which  had  completely 
baffled  all  medicinal  skill,  and  re- 
sisted all  other  applications.  The 
publicity  which  was  given  to  this 
case  soon  raised  the  reputation  of 
these  springs ; and  in  consequence 
of  which  they  immediately  became 
a place  of  resort  of  persons  afflict- 
ed with  various  diseases.” 

Stamford,  Vt. 

Bennington  co.  A mountain 
township  on  the  line  of  Massachu- 
setts. It  is  9 miles  S.  W.  from  Ben- 
nington, and  21  W.  by  S.  from 
Brattleborough.  Population,  1830, 
563.  Branches  of  the  Hoosack  and 
Walloomsack  rise  here.  There  are 
several  fine  fish  ponds  among  the 
mountains ; and  some  good  land ; 
but  the  lands  in  Stamford  are  gen- 
erally too  elevated  for  culture. 

Stamford,  Ct. 

Fairfield  co.  This  beautiful  town 
is  bounded  on  the  S.  by  Long 
Island  Sound,  and  on  the  N.  W.  by 
the  state  of  New  York.  Its  Indian 
name  was  Rippowams,  and  was 
purchased  of  the  natives  for  “ twelve 
coats,  twelve  hoes,  twelve  hatchets, 
twelve  knives,  two  kettles  and  four 
fathom  of  white  wampum.”  The 
soil  of  Stamford  is  a rich  gravelly 
loam,  well  cultivated  and  very  pro- 
ductive. The  surface  is  undula- 
ting, presenting  a great  variety  of 
delightful  prospects.  The  town  is 
well  supplied  with  mill  sites  by 
Mill  and  Miannas  rivers,  and,  with- 
in its  bay,  between  Shippan  and 
Greenwich  points,  are  good  harbors 
for  vessels  of  8 1-2  feet  draught  of 
water.  There  are  a number  of 
vessels  owned  here,  and  Stamford 
is  a place  of  an  active  trade  with 
the  suiTOunding  country  and  New 
York.  There  are  within  the  limits 
of  the  town  an  iron  foundry,  a roll- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ing  mill,  a wire  factory,  and  two 
large  boot  and  shoe  manufactories. 

Stamford  Borough  is  a neat  vil- 
lage, beautifully  situated  near  the 
Sound,  and  surrounded  by  a coun- 
try full  of  interesting  scenery. 

This  was  the  residence  of  the 
Hon.  Abraham  Davenport,  for 
many  years  one  of  the  Counsellors 
of  the  colony,  and  afterwards  of  the 
state.  He  was  the  son  of  the  Rev. 
John  Davenport,  the  second  minis- 
ter of  Stamford,  and  grandson  of  the 
Rev.  John  Davenport,  the  father  of 
New  Haven  colony.  Mr.  Daven- 
port was  distinguished  for  his  vig- 
orous mind,  Christian  integrity,  and 
for  his  uncommon  firmness  of  char- 
acter. An  instance  of  his  firmness 
is  here  quoted. 

“The  19th  of  May,  1780,  was  a 
remarkable  dark  day.  Candles 
were  lighted  in  many  houses ; the 
birds  were  silent  and  disappeared, 
and  the  fowls  retired  to  roost.  The 
legislature  of  Connecticut  was  then 
in  session  at  Hartford.  A very 
general  opinion  prevailed,  that  the 
day  of  judgment  was  at  hand. 
The  House  of  Representatives,  be- 
ing unable  to  transact  their  business, 
adjourned.  A proposal  to  adjourn 
the  Council  was  under  consideration. 
When  the  opinion  of  Mr.  Daven- 
port was  asked,  he  answered,  {I  am 
against  an  adjournment.  The  day 
of  judgment  is  either  approaching, 
or  it  is  not.  If  it  is  not,  there  is  no 
cause  for  an  adjournment : if  it  is,  I 
choose  to  be  found  doing  my  duty. 
I wish  therefore  that  candles  may 
be  brought.” 

Slandisli,  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  This  township 
is  bounded  on  the  N.  and  N.  E.  by 
Sebago  Lake,  and  S.  W.  by  Saco 
river.  It  lies  68  miles  S.  W.  from 
Augusta,  and  16  N.  W.  from  Port- 
land. This  is  a good  farming  town 
with  two  pleasant  villages.  Incor- 
porated, 1785.  Population,  1837, 
2,270. 


Starks,  Me. 

Somerset  co.  Starks  is  very 
pleasantly  situated  on  the  W.  side 
of  Kennebec  river,  and  is  also  wa- 
tered by  the  Sandy,  which  unites 
with  the  Kennebec  at  this  place. 
This  town  possesses  great  resources 
in  the  fertility  of  the  soil,  its  loca- 
tion for  trade,  and  its  mill  privileges. 
It  lies  37  miles  N.  N.  E.  from  Au- 
gusta, and  6 W.  by  N.  from  Nor- 
ridgewock.  Incorporated,  1795. 
Population,  1837,  1,424.  Wheat 
crop  same  year,  7,614  bushels. 

Stark,  BT.  II. 

Coos  co.  This  town  was  named 
Piercy,  until  a few  years  since. 
It  was  then  altered  to  compliment 
the  memory  of  Gen.  Stark.  It  con- 
tains about  20,000  acres,  most  of 
which  is  broken  and  extremely  un- 
even. It  was  settled  in  1788,  but 
the  progress  of  the  settlement  has 
been  very  slow.  Population,  236. 
It  lies  10  miles  N.  E.  from  Lancas- 
ter. 

StarkslJorough,  Vt. 

Addison  co.  This  town  is  wa- 
tered by  Lewis  creek  and  Hunting- 
ton  river,  which  are  good  mill 
streams.  There  are  three  springs 
in  the  town,  not  more  than  20  rods 
apart,  which  unite  and  form  a 
stream  of  sufficient  power  for  a 
number  of  mills,  and  is  thus  im- 
proved. The  town  is  rough  and 
mountainous.  Hog’s  Back  moun- 
tain skirts  its  western  border,  and 
East  mountain  passes  through  its 
centre,  and  divides  the  waters  of 
the  rivers.  There  is  some  good 
land  in  the  town,  but  a large  portion 
of  the  territory  i3  too  elevated  for 
cultivation.  Here  are  2 villages, 
and  the  manufactures  of  iron  are 
considerable. 

Starksborough  was  first  settled  in 
1788.  It  is  22  miles  W.  by  S.  from 
Montpelier,  and  18  N.  by  E.  from 
Middlebury.  Population,  in  1830, 
1,342. 


34* 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Sterling,  Vt. 

Lamoille  co.  Sterling  Peak,  in 
the  South  part  of  this  town,  ranks 
among  the  most  elevated  summits 
of  the  Green  Mountain  range. 
Some  streams  issue  from  this  moun- 
tain town.  It  was  first  settled  in 
1799,  and  contains  23,040  acres  of 
land.  The  quality  of  the  soil  may 
be  known  by  the  number  of  its  in- 
habitants, 1S3  ; and  by  the  number 
of  its  sheep,  350.  It  lies  24  miles 
N.  by  W.  from  Montpelier. 

Sterling,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  town  was 
first  settled  about  the  year  1721. 
It  was  taken  from  Lancaster,  in  . 
1781.  It  lies  40  miles  W.  from 
Boston,  and  12  X.  from  Worcester. 
It  is  watered  by  Still  river.  Its 
surface  is  uneven,  and  its  soil  light. 
Population,  1837, 1,650.  The  man- 
ufactures of  the  town  consist  of 
boots,  shoes,  leather,  straw  bonnets, 
palm-leaf  hats,  scythe  snaiths, 
chairs  and  cabinet  ware : total 

amount,  for  the  year  ending  April 
1,  1837,  $76,523,  of  which  $53, 
223,  was  for  chairs  and  cabinet 
ware. 

Sterling,  Ct. 


I through  one  of  which  there  runs 
a small  stream  of  water  ; the  other 
communicates  with  a room  about 
12  feet  square,  at  the  interior  part 
of  which  there  is  a fire  place,  and 
a chimney  extending  through  the 
rock  above,  forming  an  aperture  of 
about  3 feet  square.  In  another 
part  of  the  rock  there  is  a natural 
stair  case,  winding  around  it  from 
l.the  bottom  to  the  top.  In  the  cold 
1 season  of  the  year,  a large  mass  of 
i ice  is  formed  in  the  room  above  de- 
! scribed,  by  the  dashing  of  the  water 
down  the  chimney,  which  contin- 
j ues  there  through  nearly  the  whole 
of  the  warm  months,  the  sun  being 
almost  excluded  from  this  subter- 
ranean recess.” 

Stetson,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  This  town  is 
bounded  X.  by  Exeter,  and  S.  by 
Etna  and  Carmel.  It  is  63  miles 
| X.  E.  from  Augusta,  and  18  W.  X. 
W.  from  Bangor.  It  is  watered  by 
branches  of  the  Sebasticook  and 
, Sowadabscook,  which  rise  here.  It 
was  incorporated  in  1831.  Popula- 
tion,1830,  114;  1837,437.  The  sur- 
face of  the  town  is  undulating,  and 
the  soil  excellent.  Wheat  crop, 
1337,  3,704  bushels. 


Windham  co.  This  town  lies  10 
miles  S.  E.  from  Brooklyn,  and  44 
E.  by  S.  from  Hartford.  It  was 
taken  from  Yoiuntown  in  1794. 
Population,  1830,  1,240.  The  soil 
is  a light  gravelly  and  sandy  loam, 
and  produces  good  grain.  Sterling 
is  watered  by  two  branches  of 
Moosup  river,  a good  mill  stream, 
on  which  are  four  cotton  mills. 

“ Xear  the  centre  of  this  town, 
there  is  a cavern,  called  the  “ Dev- 
il’s Den,”  possessing  very  singular 
and  curious  features.  It  is  situated 
within  a ledge  of  rocks,  and  has  a 
circular  area  of  about  100  feet  in 
diameter.  The  rock  is  cleft  in  two 
places,  forming  at  each  a chasm  or 
fissure  about  50  feet  in  depth, 


Steuben,  Me. 

Washington  co.  This  is  a mar- 
j itime  township,  and  comprises  Dy- 
j er’s  Bay,  which  sets  up  from  the 
| sea  about  9 miles,  and  contains  a 
1 number  of  good  harbors.  This  bay 
lies  between  Little  Menan  Point 
and  Goldsborough  harbor.  It  is 
about  a mile  wide  at  its  mouth. 

Steuben  is  a place  of  considera- 
ble ship  building,  and  a number  of 
vessels  are  owned  here,  employed 
in  the  coasting  trade  and  fishery. 
Xarraguagus  river  passes  its  north- 
eastern border. 

Steuben  lies  107  miles  E.  irom 
Augusta,  and  about  35  W.  by  S. 
fromMachias.  Incorporated,  1795. 
Population,  1837,  802. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Stevens’  Rivex*,  Vt. 

Caledonia  co.  This  excellent 
mill  stream  rises  in  Peacham  and 
Ryegate.  It  received  its  name  in 
compliment  to  Captain  Phineas  Ste- 
vens, the  brave  defender  of  Charles- 
town, N.  H.  The  waters  of  this 
river  are  remarkably  clear,  and  its 
banks  luxuriant  and  romantic.  It 
meanders  about  15  miles,  and  in  its 
course  through  Barnet  it  receives 
Harvey’s  lake,  a pellucid  sheet  of 
water,  covering  an  area  of  300 
acres.  This  beautiful  river  min- 
gles its  crystal  waters  with  those  of 
the  Connecticut,  at  Barnet,  by  a 
leap  of  100  feet  in  the  distance  of 
ten  rods,  as  it  were  in  joy  to  meet 
a sister  stream  on  its  passage  to  the 
bosom  of  the  ocean. 

Stewartstown,  Hi.  II., 

Coos  co.,  lies  on  the  E.  side  of 
the  Connecticut,  which  washes  its 
W.  boundary,  a distance  of  7 miles. 
It  lies  150  miles  N.  W.  from  Port- 
land, 150  N.  from  Concord,  and 
is  bounded  N.  by  Canada. 

The  Connecticut  river  is  about 
15  rods  in  width  at  this  place. — 
Bishop’s  brook,  a considerable 
stream,  rises  in  this  town,  and  falls 
into  the  Connecticut  at  the  N.  W. 
corner.  Dead  water  and  Mohawk 
rivers  have  their  sources  here^ 
Hall’s  stream,  also,  unites  with 
the  Connecticut  in  Stewartstown. 
There  are  two  ponds  in  the  E.  part 
of  this  town,  called  Little  and  Great 
Diamond  ponds,  both  well  stocked 
with  salmon  trout.  There  are  no 
large  mountains  in  Stewartstown, 
although  there  are  many  elevations. 
The  soil  of  the  intervale  is  rich, 
and  the  uplands  productive. 

Stewartstown  was  incorporated  in 
1799.  During  the  late  war  a block 
house  or  fort  was  erected  in  this 
town  for  defence  by  a company  of 
militia,  and  occupied  until  August, 
1814,  when  it  was  destroyed.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  529. 


Stillwater,  Me. 

Penobscot  co.  A very  flourish- 
ing village,  on  the  lower  falls  of 
Penobscot  river,  in  the  town  of  Oro- 
no.  An  immense  amount  of  lum- 
ber is  sawed  at  this  place,  and  raft- 
ed down  to  the  Bangor  market.  See 
Orono. 

Stocltbridge,  Vt. 

Windsor  co.  This  town  lies  30 
miles  S.  by  W.  from  Montpelier, 
and  26  N.  W.  from  "Windsor.  First 
settled,  1783.  Population,  1830, 
1,333. 

White  river  passes  through  the 
town,  and  at  a place  called  the 
“ Great  Narrows,”  it  is  compressed 
into  a channel  of  but  a few  feet  in 
wiclth,  and,  affords  the  only  good 
mill  seat  in  tQwn.  The  soil  of  the 
town  is  better  for  pasturage  than 
tillage.  It  feeds  about  five  thou- 
sand five  hundred  sheep. 

Stoclibridge,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  This  is  a fine 
farming  town  on  both  sides  of  the 
Housatonick  river,  130  miles  W. 
from  Boston,  and  6 S.  from  Lenox. 
Incorporated,  1739.  Population, 
1830,  1,580;  1837,  2,036. 

The  soil  of  this  town  is  adapted 
to  all  kinds  of  culture  ; much  of  it 
is  rich  alluvial  meadow,  and  the 
uplands  produce  excellent  feed  for 
cattle. 

Here  is  an  excellent  hydraulic 
power,  and  a pleasant  village  on  an 
extended  plain,  surrounded  by  de- 
lightful scenery. 

There  are  one  cotton  and  two 
woolen  mills  in  the  town,  two  tan- 
neries, and  manufactures  of  pig 
iron,  iron  castings,  chairs,  boots, 
shoes,  and  machinery  for  boring 
iron  and  wood  : total  amount  of  the 
manufactures,  for  the  year  ending 
April  1,  1837,  $380,765.  Marble 
is  abundant. 

A tribe  of  Indians  had  a reserva- 
tion of  6 miles  square  in  this  town, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


light  and  sandy,  and  good  for  the 
growth  of  hops.  It  lies  24  miles 
W.  by  N.  from  Boston,  and  S W. 
by  S.  from  Concord.  Incorporated, 
1683.  Population,  1837,  1,134. 

There  are  two  woolen  mills  in 
the  town,  and  manufactures  of 
leather,  boots,  shoes,  straw  bonnets, 
and  palm-leaf  hats : total  value, 
the  year  ending  April  1,  1837, 
$231,611. 

Strafford  Comity,  N.  H. 

Dover , Gilmanton,  Gilford  and 
Rochester,  are  the  shire  towns. 
StrafFoi'd  county  is  bounded  N.  by 
the  county  of  Coos,  E.  by  the  state 
of  Maine,  S.  and  S.  W.  by  Rock- 
ingham and  Merrimack  counties, 
W.  by  the  Pemigewasset  river, 
which  separates  it  from  parts  of  the 
counties  of  Grafton  and  Merrimack, 
and  N.  W.  by  Grafton  county.  It 
is  63  miles  in  length,  from  the 
mouth  of  Lamprey  river  to  the  N. 
line  of  Albany  ; 33  miles  wide  -at 
the  centre.  Its  shape,  like  that  of 
all  the  other  counties  in  the  state,  is 
ii'regular.  It  contains  an  ax-ea  of 
1,345  square  miles.  This  county, 
which  extends  to  the  neighbox-hood 
of  the  White  mountains,  has  sever- 
al considerable  mountains  within  its 
limits.  Chocorua  Peak,  in  Albany, 
Sandwich  mountain  in  the  same 
range, Ossipee  and  Effingham  moun- 
tains, Gunstock  mountain,  in  Gil- 
ford, Moose,  in  Bi’ookfield  and  Mid- 
dleton, Teneriffe,  in  Milton,  and  the 
ridge  denominated  Blue  Hills,  are 
the  most  elevated.  Red  Hill,  in 
Moultonborough,  has  a command- 
ing elevation,  and  has  long  attracted 
visitors.  Below,  the  waters  of  the 
Winnepisiogee  lie  open  to  the  eye, 
and  its  numerous  islands  and  bays 
present  a fine  appearance.  This 
lake  is  much  the  lai'gest  body  of 
water  in  the  state,  being  22  miles 
long,  and  varying  from  one  to  eight 
miles  in  width.  Sullivan  orSquam 
lake,  lies  partly  in  this  county,  and 
is  6 miles  in  length,  and  nearly  5 in 
width.  Ossipee  lake  is  also  in  this 


county.  Great  bay,  Long  bay  and 
Merxymeeting  bay,  are  connec- 
ted with  the  Winnepisiogee  lake. 
Smith’s  pond,  in  Wolfeborough ; 
Sixmile,  in  Eaton,  Meri’ymeeting, 
in  New  Durham,  and  Love  well,  in 
W'akefield,  are  the  principal  ponds. 
The  larger  rivers,  are  the  Piscata- 
qua,  Salmon  Falls,  Cocheco,  Saco 
and  Swift  rivers.  The  soil  of 
Strafford  county,  though  presenting 
a great  variety,  is  generally  good. 
The  lands  are  genei-ally  iiard  of 
cultivation,  but  the  patient  laborer 
finds  an  ample  rewax*d  for  his  in- 
dustry. This  county  possesses  a 
large  hydraulic  powei*,  and  manu- 
facturing establishments  are  con- 
stantly increasing  on  its  streams. 
Population,  1830,  58,916.  Popula- 
lati'on  to  a square  mile,  44.  In 
1837,  there  were  53o602  sheep  in 
Strafford  county. 

Strafford,  N.  H. 

Strafford  co.  This  town  lies  15 
miles  N.  W.  from  Dover,  and  25 
E.  N.  E.  from  Concord,  and  is  about 
7 miles  in  length,  6 1-2  wide.  Bow 
pond  is  in  the  S.  W.  part  of  the 
town,  and  is  about  650  rods  long, 
400  wide  ; its  waters  form  one  of 
the  pxincipal  branches  of  the  Is- 
inglass river.  The  range  of  Blue 
hills  crosses  the  N.  W.  part  of  the 
town.  The  soil  here  is  generally 
of  a good  quality.  Sti’afford  was 
formerly  a part  of  Barrington,  and 
was  incorpox-ated  in  1820.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  2,200. 

Strafford,  Vt. 

Orange  co.  This  town  is  water- 
ed by  a branch  of  Ompomponoo- 
suc  river,  and  lies  30  miles  S.  S.  E. 
from  Montpelier,  30  N.  from  Wind- 
sor, and  11  S.  S.  E.  from  Chelsea. 
Population,  1830,  1,935. 

The  surface  of  the  town  is  rough, 
but  the  soil  is  productive.  It  feeds 
a large  number  of  sheep.  The 
manufacturing  interests  of  Strafford 
are  quite  extensive. 

“ In  this  township  is  an  extensive 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


bed  of  the  sulphuret  of  iron,  from 
which  immense  quantities  of  cop- 
peras are  manufactured.  The  ore  is 
situated  on  the  east  side  of  an  eleva- 
tion, and  the  bed  is  about  half  a mile 
in  length,  and  from  two  to  three 
rods  in  width.  Its  depth  has  not 
been  ascertained.  A company  was 
incorporated  by  the  name  of  the 
“ Y ermont  Mineral  F actory  Compa- 
ny,” in  October,  1809,  which  im- 
mediately commenced  the  manu- 
facture of  copperas,  at  this  place. 
In  1822,  180  tons  of  copperas  were 
manufactured  here,  and  in  1823, 
158  tons ; since  that  time  the  man- 
ufacture has  increased.  The  ore  is 
covered  to  the  depth  of  about  three 
feet  with  a stratum  of  earth.  Be- 
low this  is  a stratum  of  ferrugin- 
ous petrifactions,  which  exhibits 
forms  of  buds,  leaves,  limbs  of 
trees,  &c.  in  admirable  perfection. 
This  stratum  varies  from  two  to 
three  feet  in  depth.  Below  this 
lies  the  bed  of  sulphuret  of  iron. 
It  is  very  compact.  Its  colors  are 
brilliant,  varying  from  that  of  steel 
to  a bright  yellow,  and  its  appear- 
ance is  occasionally  diversified  by 
small  quantities  of  green  copper 
ore.  It  is  also  traversed  in  many 
parts  by  small  veins  of  quartz.  The 
ore  is  detached  from  the  bed  in 
large  masses,  by  blasting.  It  is 
then  beaten  to  pieces  with  ham-, 
mers  and  thrown  into  heaps  several 
rods  in  length,  about  12  feet  in 
width,  and  seven  or  eight  in  height. 
Here  it  is  suffered  to  lie  exposed 
to  the  action  of  the  air  and  moist- 
ure until  a spontaneous  combus- 
tion takes  place,  and  the  whole 
heap  is  converted  from  the  sulphu- 
ret to  the  sulphate  of  iron,  which 
usually  takes  several  weeks.  After 
the  process  of  burning  is  comple- 
ted, the  residue  is  removed  to  the 
leaches,  where  water  -is  passed 
through  it  which  dissolves  the  cop- 
peras and  leaves  the  earthy  matter 
behind.  The  water  is  then  con- 
veyed to  the  boilers,  which  are 
made  of  lead,  and  weigh  about 


2,500  pounds  each.  Here  it  is 
boiled  and  evaporated  to  a certain 
extent,  and  suffered  partially  to 
cool.  It  is  then  transferred  to  the 
crystalizers,  where  the  copperas 
continues  to  crystalize,  while  cool- 
ing, and  when  the  crystalization 
ceases,  the  water  is  again  returned 
to  the  boilers,  mixed  with  water 
from  the  leaches,  and  again  evapo- 
rated.” 

Stratford,  N.  H. 

Coos  co.  This  town  lies  on  the 
E.  bank-  of  Connecticut  river,  16 
miles  above  Lancaster.  The  town 
is  large,  extending  10  miles  on  the 
river,  with  a fertile  intervale  of  1-4 
to  1 mile  wide.  This  meadow  is 
skirted  in  many  places  by  a narrow 
plain,  succeeded  by  the  mountain- 
ous regions,  covering  the  whole  E. 
and  N.  divisions  of  the  town.  The 
soil,  except  along  the  river,  is  rocky, 
gravelly  and  cold.  The  Peaks, 
two  mountains  of  a conical  form, 
situated  in  the  S.  E.  part  of  the 
town,  are  seen  at  a great  distance. 
They  are  discovered  immediately 
on  entering  Dalton,  30  miles  below, 
and  stand  as  land  marks  in  front  or 
to  the  right,  till,  on  nearer  approach, 
they  are  lost  behind  the  intervening 
hills.  Bog  brook  and  several  small- 
er streams,  here  fall  into  the  Con- 
necticut; and  Nash’s  stream  cross- 
es the  S.  E.  part  of  the  town  into 
the  Amonoosuck.  There  is  a pond 
in  the  S.  E.  part  of  the  town,  the 
waters  of  which  pass  into  the  Amo- 
noosuck. Stratford  was  incorpora- 
ted in  1779.  Population,  in  1830, 
443. 

Thomas  Burnside,  of  this  town, 
was  one  of  Rogers’  Rangers  in  the. 
French  war.  Some  years  after- 
wards, he  was  desirous  of  becoming 
a justice  of  the  peace.  He  procur- 
ed Colonel  Barr  to  assist  his  views, 
and  carrying  with  him,  by  his  di- 
rection, as  a present,  a firkin  of 
butter  and  a piece  of  linen,  waited 
upon  Gov.  Wentworth,  at  Ports- 
mouth. He  stated  to  the  governor 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


that  the  inhabitants  of  his  town 
could  not  live  peaceably  any  longer 
without  a magistrate.  The  gover- 
nor enquired  how  many  inhabitants 
belonged  to  the  town,  and  who  was 
the  fittest  man  for  the  office.  Thom- 
as answered  that  himself  and  his 
neighbor  were  the  only  inhabitants, 
and  himself  the  only  man  qualified 
for  the  appointment ; for  his  neigh- 
bor was  no  more  fit  for  a justice  of 

the  peace  than  the  d 1 was.  The 

governor  gave  him  his  commission, 
and  was  highly  amused  with  the 
singularity  of  the  application. 

Stratford,  Ct. 

Fairfield  co.  This  town  was  first 
settled  in  1639,  by  persons  from 
Boston,  Roxbury  and  Concord, 
Mass,  and  'Wethersfield,  Ct.  Its 
Indian  name  was  Cupheag. 

Stratford  is  about  6 miles  in 
length  from  north  to  south,  and  its 
breadth  from  -east  to  west  is  be- 
tween 2 and  3 miles.  It  is  bound- 
ed north  by  Huntington,  west  by 
Trumbull  and  Bridgeport,  east  by 
the  Housatonick,  dividing  it  from 
Milford,  and  south  by  Long  Island 
Sound.  The  central  part  of  the 
town  is  13  miles  S.  W.  from  New- 
Haven,  and  8 E.  by  N.  from  Fair- 
field.  The  township  is  mostly  level 
and  free  from  stone,  and  there  is  a 
very  rich  alluvial  tract  of  mead- 
ows on  the  river  and  harbor.  The 
principal  street  in  the  town,  is  one 
mile  in  length,  running  north  and 
south,  parallel  to  the  Housatonick; 
it  is  level,  pleasant,  and  ornament- 
ed with  shade  trees.  On  this  street, 
and  others,  in  the  immediate  vi- 
cinity, there  are  about  200  dwell- 
ing houses,  and  4 houses  for  pub- 
lic worship. 

This  place  lies  at  the  mouth  of 
Housatonick  river,  and  has  consid- 
erable inland  and  coasting  trade. 
Stratford  Point,  jutting  out  into 
the  Sound,  is  very  pleasant,  and  a 
noted  landing  place  for  passengers. 

Gen.  David  Wooster,  was  a 
native  of  this  town,  and  was  born 


in  1711.  He  was  a brave  and  good 
officer,  an  ardent  patriot,  and  in  his 
various  public  and  private  relations, 
sustained  a character  distinguished 
for  integrity,  benevolence  and  vir- 
tue. He  was  mortally  wounded  in 
a skirmish  with  the  British  troops, 
at  the  time  of  their  incursion  to 
Danbury,  in  1777. 

Stratham,  N.  II. 

Rockingham  co.  This  town  lies  39 
miles  S.  E.  by  E.  from  Concord,  3 E. 
N.  E.  from  Exeter,  and  is  situated 
on  the  E.  side  of  the  W.  branch  of 
the  Piscataqua  river.  Stratham  is 
distant  about  8 miles  from  the  sea. 
The  land  is  even,  and  well  calcu- 
lated for  agricultural  purposes. 
Farming  is  so  exclusively  the  em- 
ployment of  the  people,  that  al- 
though a navigable  river  adjoins  it, 
there  is  little  attention  given  to  any 
other  pursuit.  In  the  east  part  of 
the  town,  in  a swamp,  is  perhaps 
the  largest  repository  of  peat  in  the 
state.  This  town  was  a part  of  the 
Squamscot  patent,  or  Hilton’s  pur- 
chase. It  was  made  a town  by 
charter,  March  20,  1716.  Popula- 
tion, in  1830, 838. 

Stratton,  Vt. 

Windham  co.  A mountainous 
township  in  the  west  part  of  the 
county,  18  miles  N.  E.  from  Ben- 
nington, and  22  N.  W.  from  Brat- 
tleborough.  Branches  of  Deerfield 
and  Winhall  rivers  rise  here  from 
two  ponds.  The  soil  is  cold  and 
generally  unprofitable.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  312. 

Strong,  Me. 

Franklin  co.  This  excellent 
township  lies  on  both  sides  of  Sandy 
river,  45  miles  N.  W.  from  Augus- 
ta, and  bounded  South  by  Farming- 
ton.  Population,  in  1837,  1,091. 
There  is  a large  body  of  intervale 
land  on  the  Sandy,  very  fertile  and 
productive.  Strong  contains  a 
pleasant  and  flourishing  village, 
some  mills  on  the  stream,  and  sev- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


eral  very  beautiful  ponds.  In  Por- 
ter’s pond,  about  two  miles  long, 
a salmon  trout  was  taken,  which 
weighed  twenty  seven  and  a half 
pounds. 

Strong  was  incorporated  in  1801, 
and  named  in  honor  of  Caleb 
Strong,  LL.  D.,  formerly  a 
Senator  to  Congress,  from  Massa- 
chusetts,.and  Governor  of  that  state 
9 years.  He  died  at  Northampton, 
Mass.,  his  native  town,  Nov.  7, 
1819,  aged  74  years. 

Sturbridge,  Msss. 

Worcester  co.  This  is  a very 
pleasant  town,  and  is  well  watered 
by  Quinebaug  river.  It  lies  60 
miles  W.  S.  W.  from  Boston,  and 
18  S.  W.  from  Worcester.  Incor- 
porated, 1738.  Population,  1S30, 
1,688  ; 1837,  2,004.  The  surface  of 
the  town  is  uneven  and  billy,  and 
the  soil  hard  to  subdue  ; but  it  has 
become  productive  by  good  man- 
agement. There  are  some  good 
fish  ponds  in  the  town,  which  serve 
to  swell  the  Quinebaug.  There 
are  6 cotton  mills  in  Sturbridge  and 
manufactures  of  boots,  shoes,  leath- 
er, chairs,  cabinet  ware,  clothing, 
palm-leaf  hats,  trunks  harnesses, 
chairs,  wagons,  sleighs  and  pocket 
rifles ; total  value,  the  year  ending 
April  1,  1837,  $182,415. 

Success,  N.  II. 

Coos  co.  There  are  several  con- 
siderable mountains  in  this  tract, 
and  two  or  three  ponds.  Narmar- 
cungawack  and  Live  rivers  rise 
here,  and  pass  westerly  into  the 
Androscoggin.  Success  was  grant- 
ed Feb.  12,  1773,  to  Benjamin 

Mackay  and  others ; and  is  143 
miles  N.  by  E.  from  Concord.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  14. 

Sudbury,  Vt. 

Rutland  co.  A part  of  Hubbards- 
ton,  and  Hinkum’s  ponds  lie  intbis 
town,  neither  of  which,  nor  Otter 
Creek,  which  passes  through  the 
eastern  part,  produce  any  consider- 


able water  privileges.  The  soil  is 
generally  a warm  loam  and  produc- 
tive : the  surface  is  elevated,  and,  in 
the  centre  of  the  town,  mountain- 
ous. There  are  about  5,500  sheep 
in  the  town.  Sudbury  is  43  miles 
S.  W.  from  Montpelier,  47  S.  by  E. 
from  Burlington,  and  17  N.  W.  from 
Rutland.  Population,  1830,  812. 

Sudbury  River,  Mass. 

This  river  rises  in  Hopkinton 
and  its  neighborhood,  and  after 
passing  Framingham,  Natick,  Sud- 
bury, Wayland  and  Lincoln,  it 
joins  the  Assabet  at  Concord. 

Sudbury,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  This  ancient 
town  is  situated  on  the  west  side 
of  a river  of  the  same  name,  19 
miles  W.  by  N.  from  Boston,  and 
8 S.  W.  from  Concord.  Popula- 
tion, 1837,  1,388.  It  is  watered  by 
a small  stream,  a branch  of  Sudbu- 
ry river.  There  is  a paper  mill 
iu  the  town,  a plough  factory,  and 
manufactures  of  boots  and  shoes  • 
annual  value  about  $20,000. 

Sudbury  was  first  settled  in  1635. 
In  1676,  about  70  men,  on  theft 
march  for  the  relief  of  Marlbo- 
rough, fell  into  an  ambuscade  with 
the  Indians:  twenty  six  of  the  En- 
glish were  left  dead  on  the  field ; 
the  residue  were  captured,  and  ma- 
ny of  them  afterwards  tortured  and 
slain.  West  of  Sudbury  causeway, 
is  a monument  erected  to  their 
memory,  by  president  Wadsworth, 
of  Harvard  College,  a son  of  the 
Captain  of  the  Band. 

Sufbeld,  Ct. 

Hartford  co.  Suffield  lies  on  the 
west  side  of  Connecticut  river,  and 
is  bounded  N.  by  Massachusetts,  to 
which  state  it  was  attached  until 
1752.  This  territory,  8 by  5 miles, 
was  purchased  about  the  year  1670, 
of  two  Indian  Chiefs,  for  one  hun- 
dred dollars.  The  surface  on  the 
banks  of  the  river,  are  elevated, 
and  although  the  town  is  without 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


much  alluvial  meadow,  the  soil  be- 
ing of  a strong  deep  loam,  is  very 
fertile,  and  productive.  Suffield 
contains  some  of  the  best  farms  in 
the  state.  It  lies  16  miles  N.  from 
Hartford,  and  10  S.  from  Spring- 
field.  Population  183&,  2,690. 

The  principal  village  is  pleas- 
antly located  on  rising  ground  ; it 
contains  many  handsome  buildings ; 
it  is  the  site  of  the  “ Connecticut 
Literary  Institution,”  and  com- 
mands delightful  views  of  the  riv- 
er and  circumjacent  country. 

Gideon-  Granger,  post  master 
general  of  the  United  States  from 
1801  to  1814,  was  born  in  Suffield, 
in  1767.  He  died  at  Canandaigua, 
N.  Y.,  in  1822. 

Oliver  Phelps,  Esq.,  et  a man 
of  extraordinary  enterprise  and  ex- 
tensive business,  was  for  many 
years  a resident  of  this  town.  He 
was  the  -'maker  of  his  own  fortunes.’ 
He  was  a native  of  Windsor,  but 
was  bred  in  this  town,  and  received 
a mercantile  education.  He  en- 
gaged in  business  in  Granville, 
Mass.,  and  soon  became  a very  en- 
terprising, sagacious  and  successful 
trader.  During  the  revolutionary 
war,  he  was  employed  by  the  state 
of  Massachusetts,  in  the  commis- 
sary department.  Whilst  in  this 
situation,  his  transactions  were  of 
a most  extensive  and  responsible 
nature,  and  his  own  paper  formed 
a kind  of  circulating  medium.  Af- 
terwards he  purchased  a large  es- 
tate, and  returned  to  this  town.  In 
1789,  he,  in  connection  with  the 
Hon.  Mr.  Gorham,  purchased  of 
the  commonwealth  of  Massachu- 
setts, a tract  of  land  in  the  western 
paFt.  of  the  state  of  New  York,  in 
what  is  commonly  called  the  Gen- 
esee country,  comprising  2,200,000 
acres.  This  is  probably  the  great- 
est land  purchase,  or  speculation, 
ever  made  by  two  individuals  in  the 
United  States.  This  is  a very  ex- 
cellent tract  of  land,  having  a mild 
climate,  and  fertile  soil,  and  an 
abundance  of  waters,  and  is  now 


comprised  in  the  extensive  counties 
of  Ontario  and  Steuben.  In  1795, 
Mr.  Phelps,  together  with  William 
Hart  and  their  associates,  purchas- 
ed of  Connecticut,  the  tract  of  land 
in  the  state  of  Ohio,  called  the 
Western  Reserve,  comprising  3,- 
300,000  acres.” 

Suffolk  County,  Mass. 

See  Boston  and  Chelsea. 

Sugar  River,  N.  If. 

This  river  originates  from  Suna- 
pee  Lake  ; it  passes  through  part  of 
Wendell,  the  whole  of  Newport, 
and  nearly  through  the  centre  of 
Claremont,  where  it  meets  the  Con- 
necticut. Red  Water  brook,  in 
Claremont,  is  a tributary  of  Sugar 
river. 

Sullivan,  Me. 

Hancock  co.  This  maritime 
town  is  situated  at  the  head  of 
Frenchman’s  bay,  93  miles  E.  from 
Augusta,  and  17  E.  by  S.  from 
Ellsworth.  Population  1837,  611. 
Sullivan  has  mill  privileges,  and  is 
finely  located  for  ship  building,  and 
other  branches  of  business  connec- 
ted with  navigation. 

This  town  was  incorporated  in 
1789,  and  received  its  name  in  hon- 
or of  John  Sullivan,  LL.  D., 
a major  general  in  the  revolution- 
ary war ; afterwards  member  of 
congress,  president  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, and  district  Judge  of  the  U. 
S.  Court.  He  was  born  in  Maine, 
and  died  in  New  Hampshire,  1795. 

James  Sullivan,  LL.  D.,  a 
brother  of  Gen.  Sullivan,  was  born 
at  Berwick,  in  1744.  He  early  es- 
poused the  cause  of  his  country, 
and  sustained  the  offices  of  member 
of  the  provincial  congress,  attorney 
general  and  governor  of  Massachu- 
setts, with  great  talents  and  faith- 
fulness. 

He  died  while  governor,  in  1808, 
at  a period  of  great  political  excite- 
ment, honored  and  beloved  by  all 
parties. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Sullivan  County,  IV.  II. 

Newport,  chief  town.  This 
county  is  bounded  N.  by  Grafton 
county,  E.  by  Merrimack  and  a part 
of  Hillsborough  counties,  S.  by 
Cheshire  county,  and  W.  by  Con- 
necticut river,  or  the  state  of  Ver- 
mont. It  was  taken  from  Cheshire 
county  in  1827,  and  contains  an 
area  of  about  533  square  miles. 
Population,  1830,  19,687.  Popula- 
tion to  a square  mile,  37.  The  sur- 
face of  the  county  is  elevated,  but 
not  mountainous : Croydon  moun- 
tain is  the  highest. 

Along  the  streams,  particularly 
on  Connecticut  river,  the  soil  is 
rich  and  exceedingly  productive. 
The  uplands  produce  good  grain, 
and  afford  excellent  pasturage  for 
cattle,  of  which  many  are  reared 
for  market.  Although  this  is  the 
smallest  county  in  the  state;  in  1837, 
it  had  71,076  sheep,  whose  wool, 
being  partly  Saxony,  would  aver- 
age as  good  as  full  blood  Merino. 

Besides  the  Connecticut,  which 
waters  its  whole  western  frontier, 
the  Ashuelot,Cold,  Sugar, Little  Su- 
gar rivers,  and  other  streams  furnish 
the  county  with  an  abundant  water 
power,  and  Sunapee  Lake  and  nu- 
merous ponds  give  beauty  to  its 
otherwise  varied  and  picturesque 
scenery. 

Sullivan,  N.  II. 

Cheshire  co.  The  distance  from 
Keene  is  6 miles,  from  Concord,  42 
W.  S.  W.  The  &.  E.  part  of  this 
town  is  watered  by  Ashuelot  river. 
This  town  was  incorporated  in  1787, 
and  received  its  name  from  Presi- 
dent Sullivan,  the  chief  magistrate 
of  N.  H.  that  year.  Population  in 
1830,  555. 

Sumner,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  Thi*s  town  is  well 
watered  by  a branch  of  Andros- 
coggin river;  it  has  a fine  soil,  and 
produced  in  1837,  7,144  bushels  of 
wheat.  It  lies  44  miles  W.  from  I 


Augusta,  and  8 N.  from  Paris. 
Population,  1837,1,190. 

This  town  derived  its  name  from 
Increase  Sumner,  who  was 
governor  of  Massachusetts  in  1798, 
when  the  town  was  incorporated. 
Gov.  Sumner  was  a native  of  Rox- 
bury,  Mass.  He  died  in  1799,  aged 
52  years. 

Sunapee  Lake,  N.  H. 

This  lake  is  situated  in  the  W. 
part  of  Merrimack  county,  and  the 
E.  part  of  Sullivan,  in  the  towns  of 
Wendell,  New  London  and  New- 
bury. It  is  9 miles  long,  and  about 
1 1-2  miles  in  width.  Its  outlet  is 
on  the  W.  side  through  Sugar  riv- 
er. The  waters  of  this  lake  are 
more  than  800  feet  higher  than  the 
Connecticut  or  Merrimack,  at  the 
nearest  points. 

Suncook  River,  N.  II. 

This  river  rises  in  a pond  be- 
tween Gilmanton  and  Gilford,  near 
the  summit  of  one  of  the  Suncook 
mountains,  elevated  900  feet  above 
its  base.  The  water  from  this  pond 
passes  through  two  others  at  the 
foot  of  the  mountains,  and  thence 
through  a flourishing  village  in  the 
S.  E.  part  of  Gilmanton,  into  Barn- 
stead,  where  it  receives  several 
tributaries;  thence  through  Pitts- 
field and  Epsom,  and  between  Al- 
lenstown  and  Pembroke,  into  the 
Merrimack. 

Sunderland,  Vt. 

Bennington  co.  This  town  was 
first  settled  in  1765.  It  lies  87  miles 
S.  S.  W.  from  Montpelier,  and  15 
N.  by  E.  from  Bennington.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  463.  The  town  is 
watered  by  several  ponds,  Batten- 
kill  river  and  Roaring  brook.  There 
is  some  fine  land  along  the  streams, 
in  Sunderland,  excellent  mill  sites, 
and  lead  ore  in  granular  limestone. 

Sunderland,  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  This  town  lies  on 
the  east  side  of  Connecticut  riv- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


er,  90  miles  W.  from  Boston,  and 
9 S.  by  E.  from  Greenfield.  It  was 
taken  from  Hadley  in  1718.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837, 729.  The  settlement 
in  this  town  is  principally  on  a 
street  running  parallel  with  the 
river.  Between  the  street  and  the 
river  is  a tract  of  fertile  meadow  : 
on  the  other  side  of  the  village  is  a 
more  elevated  plain,  and  back  of 
that,  Mount  Toby  rears  its  lofty 
front.  This  mountain  is  composed 
of  pudding  stone,  and  the  small 
stones  within  it  are  round  and 
smooth  as  though  washed  by  the 
ocean ; they  are  of  various  sizes, 
and  of  every  color.  On  one  side  is 
a cavern  60  feet  deep  ; and  many 
other  ruptures  seem  to  indicate  some 
great  change  in  this  mountain  since 
its  formation.  This  village  is  very 
pleasant,  and  the  scenery  around  it 
is  of  a fascinating  character.  The 
people  here  are  good  farmers,  and 
are  noted  for  their  good  schools  and 
philanthropic  disposition. 

Suukliaze,  Me. 

Sunkhaze  stream  meets  the  Pe- 
nobscot, from  the  east,  about  15 
miles  above  Old  Town  village,  in 
Orono.  The  plantation  of  Sunk- 
haze  lies  on  this  stream,  82  miles 
N.  E.  from  Augusta.  The  popula- 
tion of  the  plantation,  in  1S30,  was 
250. 

Surry,  Me. 

Hancock  co.  Surry  lies  on  the 
W.  side  of  Union  river,  6 miles  S. 
from  Ellsworth,  and  87  E.  by  N. 
from  Augusta. 

This  town  is  accommodated  with 
navigable  privileges,  and  water 
power  of  superior  excellence. — 
There  are  some  manufactures  in 
the  town,  but  the  inhabitants  are 
generally  independent  farmers. — 
Many  of  the  farms  are  rendered 
very  fertile  by  an  inexhaustible  bed 
of  shell  marl,  of  a very  fine  qual- 
ity. Incorporated,  1803.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  561 ; 1837,  735. 


Surry,  N.  H. 

Cheshire  co.  This  town  lies  54 
miles  S.  W.  from  Concord,  and  6 
N.  TV.  from  Keene.  It  is  watered 
by  Ashuelot  river,  on  which  there 
is  a tract  of  valuable  meadow 
land,  extending  almost  the  whole 
length  of  the  town.  On  the  east 
side  of  Ashuelot  river  is  a steep 
and  high  mountain,  on  the  summit 
of  which  is  a pond  of  about  3 acres 
in  extent,  and  about  25  feet  depth 
of  water. 

Surry  was  originally  a part  of 
Gilsum  and  Westmoreland.  It  was 
incorporated  in  1769,  deriving  its 
name  from  Surry  in  England.  The 
first  settlement  was  made  in  1764, 
by  Peter  Hayward.  Population, 
1830,  539. 

Sutton,  X.  II. 

Merrimack  co.  This  town  lies 
25  miles  W.  N.  W.  from  Concord. 
The  southerly  and  largest  branch 
of  Warner  river  enters  this  town  on 
the  south,  runs  a short  distance, 
and  passes  off  into  Warner  again. 
The  northerly  branch  of  this  river 
runs  nearly  through  the  centre  of 
the  town  from  north  to  south,  and 
affords  several  good  mill  seats.  Ste- 
vens’ brook,  another  considerable 
branch  of  Warner  river,  has  its 
source  on  the  W.  side  of  Kearsarge, 
and  runs  about  4 miles  in  this  town, 
in  a S.  E.  direction.  There  is  also 
a large  branch  of  Blackwater  riv- 
er, which  has  its  source  about  the 
western  confines  of  Kearsarge,  and 
flows  through  this  town  in  a N. 
E.  course  about  3 miles.  On  the 
margin  of  this  stream,  there  is  some 
rich  meadow  and  intervale  land. 
There  are  several  ponds,  the  most 
important  of  which  are  Kezar’s 
pond,  situated  towards  the  N.  part 
of  the  town,  which  is  about  190 
rods  square ; and  Long  pond,  situa- 
ted at  the  south  part  of  the  town. 
Kearsarge  mountain  extends  more 
than  half  the  length  of  Sutton  ou 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


the  E.  side.  King’s  Hill  is  situated 
on  the  W.  part  of  Sutton.  On  the 
most  elevated  part  of  this  hill,  which 
rises  within  a few  feet  as  high  as 
Kearsarge,  there  is  one  of  the  most 
extensive  landscape  views  in  the 
country.  On  the  W.  is  seen  the 
Sunapee  lake,  the  Ascutney,  and 
highlands  in  Vermont  to  the  Green 
mountains  ; on  the  S.  the  Sunapee 
and  Monadnock ; on  the  E.  you 
almost  overlook  Kearsarge,  and  on 
the  north  the  Cardigan  and  White 
hills. 

Sutton  was  granted  in  1749.  It 
was  called  Perrys-town,  from  Oba- 
uiah  Perry,  one  of  its  original  and 
principal  proprietors.  The  first 
settlement  was  made  in  1767.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  1,424. 

On  the  W.  bank  of  Kezar’s  pond, 
were  several  acres  of  land,  which 
appeared  to  have  been  cleared  of 
their  original  forests.  Here  were 
found  several  Indian  hearths,  laid 
with  stone,  and  with  much  skill  and 
ingenuity.  . Here  was  found  an 
Indian  burial  place.  Gun  barrels 
and  arrows  have  been  found  in  this 
sacred  repository.  Near  the  pond, 
have  been  found  stone  pestles,  mor- 
tars and  tomahawks. 

Sutton,  Vt. 

Caledonia  co.  This  town  is  wa- 
tered by  several  ponds  and  by 
branches  of  Passumpsic  river.  *ft 
lies  18  miles  N.  E.  from  Montpe- 
lier. and  13  N.  from  Danville.  First 
settled,  1791.  Population,  1830, 
1,005. 

The  surface  of  the  town  is  level, 
and  in  some  parts  so  low  as  to  ren- 
der the  soil  cold  and  unproduc- 
tive. 

Sutton,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  is  a very 
pleasant  and  flourishing  town,  44 
miles  W.  by  S.  from  Boston,  and  9 
S.  by  E.  from  Worcester.  Incorpo- 
rated, 1715.  Population,  1830, 
2,186 ; 1837,  2,457. 

Sutton  is  watered  by  Blackstone 

35* 


river,  and  the  Blackstone  canal 
passes  through  the  town.  There 
are  in  the  town  four  cotton  and  two 
woolen  mills,  two  scythe  factories, 
and  manufactures  of  boots,  shoes, 
shuttles  and  spindles : total  value, 
the  year  ending  April  1,  1837, 
$309,578. 

The  surface  of  the  town  is  agree- 
ably diversified,  and  the  soil  capa- 
ble of  producing  good  crops.  Gran- 
ite and  soapstone  are  abundant. 

“ Purgatory  Cavern,”  in  this  town, 
is  a great  curiosity.  It  is  a fissure 
in  gneiss,  nearly  half  a mile  long, 
in  most  parts  partially  filled  by  the 
masses  of  rock  that  have  been  de- 
tached from  the  walls.  The  sides 
are  often  perpendicular,  and  some- 
times 70  feet  high ; being  separated 
from  each  other  about  50  feet. 

Swanzey,  N.  H. 

Cheshire  co.  This  town  lies  6 
miles  S.  from  Keene,  and  60  S. 
W.  from  Concord.  The  principal 
streams  are  the  Ashuelot  and  the 
South  Branch  rivers.  The  former 
passes  through  Swanzey  in  a S.  W. 
direction,  and  empties  into  the  Con- 
necticut at  Hinsdale.  This  is  a 
stream  of  much  importance,  and  is 
made  navigable  for  boats  as  far  up 
as  Keene,  excepting  a carrying 
place  about  the  rapids  at  Winches- 
ter. The  South  Branch  unites 
with  the  Ashuelot  about  one  mile 
north  from  the  centre  of  the  town . 
The  surface  here  is  somewhat  di- 
versified with  hills,  valleys,  and 
swells  of  upland.  There  is  one 
pond  in  the  S.  W.  part  of  the  town, 
the  source  of  the  South  Branch. 
There  is  a mineral  spring,  the  wa- 
ter of  which  is  impregnated  with 
sulphate  of  iron.  Some  iron  ore 
has  been  discovered.  Here  are  2 
cotton  factories,  1 cotton  and  woolen 
factory,  and  other  machinery. 

Swanzey  was  first  granted  by 
Massachusetts,  in  1733.  After  the 
divisional  line  was  run,  it  was 
granted  in  1753,  by  New  Hamp- 
shire. Until  that  time  it  had  been 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


called  Lower  Ashuelot,  from  the 
Indian  name  of  the  river,  which 
was  originally  Ashaelock. 

From  1741  to  1747,  this  town  suf- 
fered much  from  Indian  depreda- 
tions. Several  of  the  inhabitants 
were  killed  and  many  were  made 
prisoners.  After  Massachusetts 
withdrew  her  protection,  the  set- 
tlers collected  together  their  house- 
hold furniture,  such  as  chests,  ta- 
bles, iron  and  brass  ware,  and  con- 
cealed it  in  the  ground,  covering 
the  place  of  concealment  with 
leaves,  trees,  &c.,  and  left  their 
plantation  to  the  disposition  of  the 
Indians,  who  were  not  tardy  in  set- 
ting fire  to  their  forts,  which,  with 
every  house  except  one, they  re- 
duced to  ashes.  Most  of  the  peo- 
ple went  to  their  former  places  of 
residence  in  Massachusetts.  They 
returned  about  three  years  after- 
wards, and  nothing  about  their  for- 
mer habitation  was  to  be  seen,  but 
ruin  and  desolation.  Population, 
1830,  1,816. 

Swanzey,  Mass. 

Bristol  co.  This  town  lies  be- 
tween Somerset,  and  Bristol,  R.  I. 
An  arm  of  Mount  Hope  bay  sets 
up  some  miles  into  the  town,  on 
which  is  some  navigation  and  ship 
building. 

There  are  two  paper  mills,  a cot- 
ton and  a woolen  mill  in  the  town, 
and  manufactures  of  vessels,  boots 
and  shoes : annual  value,  about 
$50,000. 

Swanzey  is  a very  pleasant  town, 
and  is  interesting  as  the  scene  of 
much  savage  aggression.  Here  it 
was  that  Philip  commenced  his  war, 
in  1675,  by  plunder  and  murder. 
It  lies  46  miles  S.  by  W.  from  Bos- 
ton, and  14  S.  W.  by  S.  from  Taun- 
ton. Incorporated,  1667.  Popula- 
tion, 1837,  1,627. 

S wanton,  Vt. 

Franklin  co.  This  township  is 


situated  on  the  east  side  of  Lake 
Champlain,  opposite  to  North  Hero 
and  Alburgh.  It  is  50  miles  N.  W. 
from  Montpelier,  28  N.  from  Bur- 
lington, and  is  bounded  by  St.  Al- 
bans on  the  south,  and  Highgate  on 
the  north.  Population,  1830, 2,158. 
Swanton  was  first  settled  by  the 
whites  in  1787.  At  that  time  the 
St.  Francois  Indians  had  about  fifty 
cabins  here,  and  large  plantations  of 
corn. 

Missisque  river  passes  through 
Swanton,  and  fertilizes  a considera- 
ble portion  of  its  territory.  This 
river  is  navigable  for  lake  vessels  to 
Swanton  falls,  six  miles  from  its 
mouth.  These  falls  descend  twen- 
ty feet,  and,  with  other  smaller 
streams,  give  to  Swanton  'a  water 
power  of  great  value. 

Bog  iron  ore  is  found  in  this  town, 
and  an  abundance  of  beautiful  mar- 
ble. This  marble  is  of  various  col- 
ors, and  large  quantities  of  it  is 
wrought  into  all  desired  patterns, 
polished,  and  transported. 

The  surface  and  soil  of  the  town 
is  favorable  to  agricultural  pursuits, 
with  the  exception  of  a part  border- 
ing the  lake,  which  is  low,  wet  and 
cold ; and  which  is  the  favorite 
abode,  in  summer,  of  wild  geese, 
ducks  and  other  water  fowls. 

The  village  of  Swanton  is  pleas- 
antly located,  and  is  the  site  of  a 
number  of  manufactories,  and  of 
an  increasing  trade  from  the  inte- 
rior country,  and  to  New  York  and 
Canada. 

Swanton  may  boast  of  the  purity 
of  its  air  and  water,  and  of  a Wal- 
ter Scott,  who  died  in  1815,  aged 
110  years. 

Swanville,  Me. 

Waldo  co.  This  town  lies  8 miles 
N.  from  Belfast,  and  46  E.  by  N. 
from  Augusta.  It  was  incorpora- 
ted in  1818.  It  is  watered  by 
Paasaggassawakeag  lake  and  river, 
and  possesses  a pleasant  surface  and 
fertile  soil.  Population,  1837,  794. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Wheat  crop,  same  year,  2,556  bush- 
els. 

Sweden,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  Xhe  waters  From  Kc- 
zer  pond  in  Lovell,  pass  through 
this  town,  and  give  it  mill  privi- 
leges. Sweden  lies  9 miles  N.  E. 
from  Fryeburg,  19  S.W.  from  Paris, 
and  62  W.'  S.  W.  from  Augusta. 
Incorporated,  1813.  Population,  in 
1837,  621 . Wheat  crop,  same  year, 
1,485  bushels. 

Swift  Rivers. 

Swift  river,  in  Maine,  is  a branch 
of  the  Androscoggin,  from  the  N. 
These  rivers  unite  at  Mexico. 

Swift  river,  in  New  Hampshire, 
rises  among  the  mountains  in  the 
ungranted  lands  N.  W.  of  Albany, 
and  passes  through  the  town  from 
west  to  east  with  great  rapidity,  and 
falls  into  the  Saco  in  Conway.  Its 
whole  course  is  rapid,  and  in  one 
place  it  falls  30  feet  in  the  distance 
of  6 rods,  through  a channel  in  the 
solid  rock  of  about  12  feet  wide — 
the  sides  being  from  10  to  30  feet 
perpendicular  height.  At  the  up- 
per part  of  these  falls,  are  found 
several  circular  holes  worn  perpen- 
dicularly into  the  rock,  several  feet 
in  depth  and  from  6 inches  to  2 feet 
in  diameter.  There  is  another  small 
river  in  Tamworth  of  the  same 
name.  ^ 

Swift  river,  in  Massachusetts, 
rises  in  a pond  in  New  Salem:  it 
passes  through  the  towns  of  Pres- 
cott, Greenwich  and  Belchertown, 
and  joins  the  Chickopee  at  Palmer. 

Tam  worth,  N.  H. 

Strafford  co.  This  town  is  situa- 
ted on  the  post  road  from  Concord 
to  Portland,  about  58  miles  from 
each,  and  30  N.  from  Gilford. 

There  is  no  mountain  situated 
wholly  in  this  town.  On  the  N. 
are  the  mountains  of  Albany,  and 
the  S.  the  line  crosses  a part  of  Os- 
sipee  mountain.  The  mountains  to 
the  N.  have  a romantic  and  pictur- 


esque appearance.  The  town  lies 
in  ridges  and  valleys,  generally 
rocky  and  fertile.  The  principal 
rivers  are  Beai’camp,  which  passes 
through  the  town  in  an  easterly  di- 
rection, and  discharges  its  waters 
into  Ossipee  lake ; Swift  river, 
which  rises  near  the  N.  W.  corner 
of  the  town,  and  passing  through 
its  centre,  mingles  its  waters  with 
the  Bearcamp  ; and  Conway  river, 
proceeding  from  Conway  pond,  near 
Albany  ; and  crossing  the  S.  line 
of  Tamworth,  near  the  S.  E.  corner 
of  the  town,  near  which  it  empties 
into  Bearcamp  river.  By  these 
rivers,  and  other  small  streams,  the 
town  is  uncommonly  well  watered. 
On  these  streams  is  a great  number 
of  excellent  mill  privileges.  Tam- 
worth was  granted  in  1766,  and 
was  settled  in  1771.  Population, 
1S30,  1,554. 

Tariffville,  Ct. 

See  Simsbury. 

Tauglvkauiiic  Mountains. 

This  range  of  mountains  skirt  the 
western  border  of  New  England, 
and  separate  the  waters  of  the 
Housatonick  and  Hudson. 

Taunton  River. 

This  river  rises  in  the  county  of 
Plymouth,  Mass.,  and  falls  into 
Mount  Hope  Bay.  The  Taunton 
and  its  branches,  water  the  towns 
of  Abington,  Hanson,  Halifax,  and 
Plympton,  all  the  Bridgewaters, 
Raynham,  Taunton,  Berkley,  Digh- 
ton,  Freetown,  Fall  river,  Somer- 
set and  Swansey.  It  is  navigable 
to  Taunton,  for  small  vessels,  and 
with  its  contemplated  improve- 
ments, steam  boats  will  be  enabled 
to  run  to  Taunton,  and  thus  become 
another  channel  of  conveyance  be- 
tween Boston  and  New  York.  This 
river  is  celebrated  for  the  great  and 
widely  distributed  water  power  it 
produces,  and  for  the  multitude  of 
alewives  within  its  waters. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Taunton,  Mass. 

One  of  the  chief  towns  in  Bristol 
co.  This  very  beautiful  town  is  sit- 
uated at  the  junction  of  Canoe, 
Rumford  and  Taunton  rivers,  and 
possesses  an  excellent  water  power. 
There  is  some  excellent  land  in  this 
town,  and  its  proprietors  display 
much  taste  in  its  cultivation.  The 
business  of  the  place  is,  however, 
rather  in  manufactures  than  agri- 
culture. There  are  8 cotton  mills 
and  a print  works,  in  the  town  ; also 
a paper  mill,  3 nail  factories,  a,  forge, 
a furnace,  and  manufactures  of 
boots,  shoes,  leather,  hats,  chairs, 
brick,  vessels,  straw  bonnets,  and 
britannia,  stone  and  cabinet  wares  : 
total  value  of  the  manufactures,  the 
year  ending  April  1,  1837,  exclu- 
sive of  cloth  printing  and  iron  cast- 
ings, $1,425,552.  The  number  of 
hands  employed  in  these  manufac- 
tures was  1,308.  There  is  some 
navigation  owned  in  this  town, 
which  is  employed  in  the  coastwise 
trade,  and  domestic  fishery. 

The  manufacture  of  britannia 
ware  at  this  place,  is  of  recent  ori- 
gin in  this  country,  and  proves  suc- 
cessful. The  articles  manufactur- 
ed, are  tea  sets,  castors,  urns,  and 
all  the  varieties  of  that  description 
of  ware.  The  quality  of  the  metal, 
and  beauty  of  the  polish  of  this 
ware,  is  said  to  equal  any  import- 
ed from  “ Britannia.” 

The  village  contains  a large  num- 
ber of  handsome  public  and  private 
buildings,  tastefully  located  around 
a beautiful  enclosure,  called  “Taun- 
ton Green.”  This  public  walk 
is  ornamented  with  trees,  which 
heightens  the  beauty  of  this  de- 
lightful village. 

Taunton  is  32  miles  S.  from  Bos- 
ton, 20  E.  by  N.  from  Providence, 
and  32  N.  E.  from  Newport.  A 
rail  road  connects  this  town  with 
Boston.  Population,  1820,  4,520; 
1830,  6,042  ; 1837,  7,647. 

The  settlement  of  this  place  com- 
menced in  1637.  Its  principal 


founder  was  Miss  Elizabeth  Poole 
The  following  is  on  her  grave  stone : 

“ Here  rest  the  remains  of  Elizabeth 
Poole,  a native  of  Old  England,  of 
good  family,  friends,  and  prospects, 
all  which  she  left  in  the  prime  of  her 
life,  to  enjoy  the  religion  of  her  con- 
science, in  this  distant  wilderness  ; a 
great  proprietor  of  the  township  of 
Taunton,  a chief  promoter  of  its  set- 
tlement, and  its  incorporation  in  1639 
— 40 ; about  which  time  she  settled 
near  this  spot,  and  having  employed 
the  opportunity  of  her  virgin  state  in 
piety,  liberality,  and  sanctity  of  man- 
ners, died  May  21,  1664,  aged  65.” 

Temiscouata  Lake,  Me. 

See  Madawaska  River. 

Temple,  Me. 

Franklin  co.  This  was  formerly 
a part  of  Kennebec  county.  It  lies 
40  miles  N.  N.  W.  from  Augusta, 
and  is  bounded  N.  by  Farmington. 
It  was  incorporated  in  1803.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  871.  Wheat  crop, 
same  year,  5,798  bushels. 

Temple,  N.  H. 

Hillsborough  co.  Temple  is  12 
miles  W.  by  S.  from  Amherst,  and 
40  S.  S.  W.  from  Concord.  The 
several  streams  which  empty  in- 
to Souhegan  river  at  Wilton,  rise 
among  the  mountainous  tracts  on 
the  W.,  and  generally  from  sources 
within  the  limits  of  Temple.  This 
town  is  of  considerable  elevation. 
The  prospect  towards  the  E.  and  S. 
is  very  extensive,  and  presents  a 
rich  and  diversified  scenery.  From 
the  highest  point  of  elevation,  in  a 
clear  atmosphere,  about  20  meeting 
houses  may  be  seen  by  the  naked 
eye.  The  surface  is  uneven  and 
pleasant.  The  soil  is  tolerably 
good.  Temple  is  the  easterly  part 
of  what  was  called  Peterborough 
Slip.  It  was  incorporated  in  1768. 
Population,  in  1830,  641. 

Templeton,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  Several  streams, 
affording  good  mill  seats,  water  this 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


town,  and  pass  to  the  Connecticut, 
by  Miller’s  and  Chickopee  rivers. 
The  surface  of  the  town  is  uneven, 
but  not  mountainous ; the  elevated 
parts  afford  good  pasturage,  and  the 
valleys,  excellent  crops  of  grain 
and  hay.  The  manufactures  con- 
sist of  woolen  goods,  boots,  shoes, 
leather,  iron  castings,  shovels,  hoes, 
spades,  forks,  palm  leaf  hats,  chairs, 
carriages,  and  cabinet,  tin  and  wood- 
en wares : value,  the  year  ending 
April  1,  1S37,  $145,400.  The  vil- 
lage is  very  pleasantly  located,  and 
presents  some  beautiful  landscapes. 

This  town  lies  60  miles  W.  N.  W. 
from  Boston,  and  26  N.  N.  W.  from 
Worcester.  Incorporated  in  1762. 
Population,  1837,  1,690. 

Tewksbury,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  The  Indians  call- 
ed this  place  Wamesit.  It  lies  on 
the  south  side  of  Merrimack  river, 
19  miles  N.  W.  by  W.  from  Boston, 
and  6 E.  S.  E.  from  Lowell.  Incor- 
porated, 1734.  Population,  1837, 
907.  The  surface  of  the  town  is 
level,  and  the  soil  light  and  sandy. 

Thames  River,  Ct. 

This  river  is  formed  by  the  union 
of  Quinebaug,  Shetucket  and  Y an- 
tic rivers,  near  Norwich,  and  is 
navigable  from  that  place  to  New 
London,  14  miles.  The  banks  o£ 
this  river  are  romantic  and  beauti- 
ful, and  possess  great  interest,  as 
the  residence  of  the  once  powerful, 
noble  hearted  and  brave  Mohegans. 

Thatclier’s  Island,  Mass. 

See  Gloucester. 

Thetford,  Vt. 

Orange  co.  This  town  is  pleas- 
antly situated  on  the  west  side  of 
Connecticut  river, opposite  to  Lyme, 
N.  H.  The  Ompomponoosuc  and 
its  branches,  give  the  town  an  ex- 
cellent water  power.  There  are 
several  ponds  in  Thetford,  one  of 
which  is  worthy  of  notice.  It  cov- 
ers about  9 acres,  and  is  situated  on 


an  elevation,  the  base  of  which  is 
only  4 rods  from  Connecticut  river, 
and  100  feet  in  height.  It  is  very 
deep  ; it  has  neither  inlet  or  outlet, 
and  contains  large  quantities  of 
perch  and  other  fish.  The  surface 
of  the  town  is  generally  rocky  and 
uneven;  it  has  but  little  intervale, 
but  the  soil  is  strong  and  productive. 
It  feeds  between  7 and  8,000  sheep. 
There  are  some  manufactures  in 
the  town,  a rich  vein  of  galena,  and 
three  neat  villages.  Thetford  was 
first  settled  in  1764.  Tt  lies  34  miles 
S.  S.  E.  from  Montpelier,  and  18  S. 
E.  from  Chelsea.  Population,  in 
1830,  2,113. 

Thomaston,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  This  is  a very  flour- 
ishing maritime  town,  situated  be- 
tween the  western  entrance  of  Pe- 
nobscot Bay  and  St.  Georges’  river, 
and  comprises  the  celebrated  penin- 
sula of  Owl’s  Head.  It  lies  36 
miles  S.  E.  from  Augusta,  37  E. 
from  Wiscasset,  and  is  bounded  N. 
W.  by  Warren.  Incorporated,  1777. 
Population,  in  1820,  2,651 ; 1830, 
4,221  ; 1837,  5,272. 

Thomaston  is  the  site  of  the  State 
prison,  which  is  located  on  the 
bank  of  the  St.  George.  The  build- 
ings occupy  a plat  of  10  acres,  in- 
cluding a marble  quarry ; they  are 
all  of  stone,  and  are  surrounded  by 
a high  stone  wall.  The  convicts 
are  principally  employed  in  cutting 
granite  into  various  forms  for  build- 
ing, and  which,  when  prepared,  is 
transported  by  water.  The  granite 
is  of  an  excellent  quality,  and  is 
found  in  large  quantities  on  the 
river. 

Thomaston  is  a place  of  consider- 
able maritime  commerce  and  ship 
building ; but  the  most  important 
business  of  its  people,  is  the  quar- 
rying and  burning  of  lime,  from 
inexhaustible  ledges  of  limestone 
within  its  limits.  There  are  annu- 
ally made  at  this  place,  no  less  than 
350,000  casks  of  lime,  the  same  in 
quality  and  reputation  as  that  pre- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


pared  at  Camden,  10  miles  distant. 
; This  manufacture,  united  with 
those  of  granite  and  marble,  give 
constant  employment  to  a large 
number  of  men  and  vessels, 
f Thomaston  is  a beautiful  Atlantic 
town,  and  commands  a great  variety 
of  marine  scenery. 

Thompson,  Ct. 

Windham  co.  This  town  lies  47 
miles  E.  N.  E.  from  Hartford,  14 
N.  from  Brooklyn,  27  W.  N.  W. 
from  Providence,  R.  I.,  and  53  S. 
W.  from  Boston.  It  is  bounded  N. 
by  Massachusetts,  and  E.  by  Rhode 
Island.  It  was  formerly  a part  of 
Killingly,  and  was  first  settled 
about  the  year  1715.  The  surface 
of  the  town  is  hilly,  but  not  moun- 
tainous : it  presents  a pleasing  va- 
riety of  elevations  and  valleys. 
The  soil  is  a gravelly  loam,  strong, 
and  productive  of  good  crops  of 
corn  and  hay,  and  affords  excellent 
pasturage.  French  river  meets  the 
Quinnebaug  near  the  centre  of  the 
town,  and  Five  Mile  river,  issuing 
from  several  ponds,  waters  the  east- 
ern part.  These  streams  give  to 
the  town  a valuable  water  power, 
and  on  their  banks  are  the  pleasant 
and  thriving  villages  of  Masonsville, 
Fishersville  and  New  Boston. 
These  are  manufacturing  villages, 
and  contain  10  cotton  and  woolen 
mills,  and  a number  of  other  manu- 
factures. This  town  is  large,  and 
very  pleasant ; it  contains  a class 
of  enterprising  and  intelligent  agri- 
culturalists and  mechanics.  The 
population  of  Thompson,  in  1837, 
was  about  4,100.  The  Indian  name 
of  the  place  was  Quinn etes sett. 
The  plantations  of  the  natives  are 
still  apparent. 

Thorndike,  Me. 

Waldo  co.  This  is  an  agricultural 
town  of  pleasant  surface  and  fertile 
soil,  59  miles  N.  E.  from  Augusta, 
and  17  N.  W.  from  Belfast.  It  is 
watered  by  a branch  of  Sebasticook 
river.  Thorndike  was  incorpora- 


ted in  1819.  Population,  1837,  763. 
Wheat  crop,  same  year,  6,975 
bushels. 

Thornton,  X.  II., 

Grafton  co.,  is  bounded  N.  by 
Peeling  and  Lincoln,  E.  by  ungrant- 
ed land,  S.  by  Campton,  and  W.  by 
Ellsworth  and  Peeling.  It  is  12 
miles  N.  from  Plymouth,  and  58  N. 
by  W.  from  Concord.  It  is  water- 
ed by  Pemigewasset  river,  passing 
through  the  town  from  N.  to  S.,  by 
Mad  river  at  the  S.  E.  extremity, 
and  by  several  small  brooks.  On 
Mill  brook,  there  is  a cascade,  at 
which  the  water  falls  7 feet  in  2 
rods,  and  then  falls  over  a rock  42 
feet  perpendicular.  The  intervales 
on  the  Pemigewasset  are  produc- 
tive. There  are  many  elevations, 
but  none  distinguished  for  a remark- 
able height.  Thornton  was  grant- 
ed in  1763.  It  was  first  settled  in 
1770.  Thornton  was  incorporated 
in  1781.  Population,  1830, 1,049. 

Tinmonth,  Vt. 

Rutland  co.  This  town  is  sepa- 
rated from  Wallingford  by  Otter 
Creek.  Furnace  brook  rises  from 
a pond  in  the  south  part  of  the  town, 
and  passing  through  Tinmouth  and 
Clarendon,  falls  into  Otter  Creek, 
at  Rutland.  This  stream  has  been 
noted  for  great  quantities  of  fish  of 
a remarkable  large  size. 

The  surface  of  the  town  is  hilly, 
in  some  parts  mountainous.  There 
is  some  good  land  on  the  streams, 
and  a large  portion  of  the  high  land 
is  good  for  the  pasturage  of  sheep, 
of  which  between  3,000  and  4,000 
are  kept.  There  are  several  quar- 
ries of  beautiful  marble  in  the  town, 
iron  ore  in  abundance,  and  several 
iron  works.  Tinmouth  was  first 
settled  in  1770.  It  lies  8 miles  S. 
from  Rutland. % Population,  1830, 
1,049. 

Tislmry,  Mass. 

Dukes  co.  Tisbury  lies  on  the 
north  side  of  Martha’s  Vineyard, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


and  contains  the  noted  harbor  of 
“Holmes’  Hole.”  This  harbor  is 
large  and  safe,  and  of  a sufficient 
depth  of  water  for  the  largest  mer- 
chantmen. It  is  much  frequented 
by  vessels  passing  through  Vine- 
yard Sound  ; particularly  when  the 
winds  are  contrary.  From  this 
harbor,  across  the  Sound,  to  Fal- 
mouth, on  Cape  Cod,  is  6 miles. 

A nu  mber  of  small  vessels  belong 
to  this  place,  and  one  of  388  tons 
is  employed  in  the  whale  fishery. 

There  are  some  manufactures  of 
salt,  boots,  shoes,  leather,  and  hats  ; 
and,  in  1S37,  there  were  2,655 
sheep  in  the  town. 

Tisbury  is  77  miles  S.  S.  E.  from 
Boston,  8 W.  from  Edgarton,  and 
23  S.  E.  from  New  Bedford.  In- 
corporated, 1671.  Population,  1837, 
1,461. 

Tiverton,  R.  I. 

Newport  co.  Tiverton  is  bound- 
ed N.  and  E.  by  Massachusetts,  S. 
by  Little  Compton,  and  W.  by  the 
eastern  passage  into  Mount  Hope 
and  Narraganset  bays.  It  is  con- 
nected with  Portsmouth,  on  the  isl- 
and of  Rhode  Island,  by  a stone 
bridge  at  a place  called  “ How- 
land’s Ferry.*’ 

The  surface  of  the  town  is  varied 
by  hills  and  valleys.  Its  structure 
is  granite,  and  the  land,  in  soitul 
parts,  is  stony.  The  soil  is  princi- 
pally a gravelly  loam,  and  capable 
of  producing  good  crops.  There 
are  valuable  forests  of  timber  in 
the  town,  and  a considerable  num- 
ber of  sheep. 

The  navigable  privileges  of  Tiv- 
erton are  of  a superior  kind  ; and 
are  improved,  to  some  extent,  in 
the  fishery,  and  foreign  and  domes- 
tic trade.  There  are  large  ponds 
in  the  town,  well  supplied  with 
fish.  These  ponds  produce  a water 
power  which  is  applied  to  the  man- 
ufacture of  cotton  and  other  mate- 
rials. 

This  town  was  attached  to  Mas- 


sachusetts until  1746.  It  is  24  miles 
S.  E.  from  Providence,  and  13  N. 
E.  from  Newport  Population, 
1830,  2,905. 

The  captor  of  the  British  Gener- 
al Prescott,  was  a native  of  Tiver- 
ton. His  name  was  Tak,  a slave, 
the  property  of  Thomas  Sisson,  a 
wealthy  farmer.  “ During  the 
Revolution,  Tak  was  sent  by  his 
master  into  the  army,  to  serve  as  a 
substitute  for  another  man  who  was 
drafted.  When  Col.  Barton  took 
Gen.  Prescott  on  Long  Island,  Tak 
was  one  of  Col.  Barton’s  chosen 
men ; and  the  one  on  whom  he 
most  depended.  Having  entered 
the  house  where  Gen.  Prescott 
was  quartered.  Col.  Barton,  follow- 
ed by  Tak  and  two  or  three  others, 
proceeded  silently  to  the  door  of 
the  chamber  where  General  Pres- 
cott was  sleeping.  The  colonel 
finding  the  door  fastened,  turned 
and  whispering  to  Tak,  ‘ I wish 
that  door  opened,  General  Prescott 
taken,  and  carried  by  the  guard  to 
the'boat,  without  the  least  noise  or 
disturbance.’ 

“ Tak  stepped  back  two  or  three 
paces,  then  plunging  violently 
against  the  door,  burst  it  open,  and 
rushed  into  the  middle  of  the  room. 
At  the  same  instant  General  Pres- 
cott sprang  from  his  bed  and  seized 
his  gold  watch,  hanging  upon  the 
wall.  Tak  sprang  upon  him  like  a 
tiger,  and  clasping  the  general  in 
his  brawny  arms,  said  in  a low, 
stern  voice,  c One  word,  and  you 
area  dead  man!’  Then  hastily 
snatching  the  general’s  cloak  and 
wrapping  it  round  his  body,  and  at 
the  same  time  telling  his  compan- 
ions to  take  the  rest  of  his  clothes, 
he  took  the  general  in  his  arms,  as 
if  a child,  and  ran  with  him  by  the 
guard  towards  the  boat,  followed  by 
Colonel  Barton  and  the  rest  of  his 
little  company.” 

Tak  was  more  than  six  feet  in 
height,  well  proportioned,  and  re- 
markable for  his  shrewdness,  agil- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


lty  and  strength.  He  attained 
great  age,  and  was  never  known  to 
taste  of  any  kind  of  meat. 

Tolland,  Mass. 

Hampden  co.  Tolland  is  situated 
on  the  border  of  Litchfield  county, 
Connecticut,  and  is  watered  by  the 
upper  branch  of  Farmington  river. 
The  surface  is  elevated,  but  the 
lands  are  finely  adapted  for  graz- 
ing. 

There  are  manufactures  in  the 
town  of  shovels,  spades,  forks, 
hoes,  and  wooden  ware ; and  here 
is  a large  tannery,  but  the  inhabi- 
tants are  chiefly  farmers. 

Tolland  was  incorporated  in  1810. 
Population,  1830,  570.  It  lies  110 
miles  W.  S.  W.  from  Boston,  and  20 
W.  from  Springfield. 

Tolland  County,  Ct. 

Tolland  is  the  chief  town.  This 
county  was  taken  from  Hartford 
and  Windham  counties  in  1786.  It 
is  bounded  N.  by  Massachusetts, 
E.  by  Windham,  S.  by  New  Lon- 
don, and  W.  by  Hartford  counties. 
Its  greatest  length  from  N.  to  S.  is 
30  miles.  It  covers  an  area  of  337 
square  miles.  Population,  1820, 
14,330  ; 1830,  18,700.  Inhabitants 
to  a square  mile,  56. 

The  western  part  of  the  county 
lays  within  the  great  valley  of  the 
Connecticut : it  is  generally  free 
from  stone,  undulating,  fertile  and 
productive  : the  eastern  section  is 
within  the  granitic  range  which 
extends  through  the  state  : much 
of  this  portion  of  the  county  is  cov- 
ered with  forests;  that  part  which  is 
cleared  affords  good  grazing.  In 
1837,  there  were  in  the  county 
23,096  sheep.  The  Scantic,  Willi- 
mantic,  Salmon,  Hockanum  and 
Hop  rivers,  with  their  tributaries, 
afford  the  county  a good  water 
power,  and  manufactures  flourish 
within  its  limits. 

Tolland,  Ct. 

Shire  town  of  Tolland  county. 


This  town  has  a population  of  1,700 
inhabitants,  and  is  situated  on  the 
nearest  mail  route  from  Hartford  to 
Boston.  Its  products  are  English 
grain,  grass,  potatoes,  &c.  It  con- 
tains two  small  woolen  manufacto- 
ries, with  water  power  sufficient  to 
operate  a greater  number  with  cor- 
responding machinery.  It  lies  18 
miles  E.  N.  E.  from  Hartford,  17 
N.  from  Windham,  27  W.  N.  W. 
from  Brooklyn,  and  30  N.  from  Nor- 
wich. The  land  is  rather  sterile, 
mountainous  and  uneven.  The  in- 
habitants are  industrious  and  intel- 
ligent. 

Topslield,  Me. 

Washington  co.  This  township 
was  number  eight  in  the  second 
range  north  of  the  Bingham  Penob- 
scot Purchase.  It  was  incorporated 
in  the  year  1838.  We  guess  that 
this  town  lies  about  25  miles  N.  N. 
E.  from  the  mouth  of  M at  aw  am - 
keag  River.  We  should  like  to 
know  “ how  the  land  lies.”  See 
“ Down  East.” 

Topsfield,  Mass. 

Essex  co.  This  is  a very  pleas- 
ant town,  watered  by  ^jswich  river 
and  its  branches.  The  surface  is 
agreeably  diversified  by  hills  and 
valleys.  There  are  some  fine  tracts 
of  intervale  in  the  town,  and  the 
uplands  possess  a strong  soil,  ren- 
dered productive  by  industrious  and 
skilful  farmers.  The  principal 
manufacture  is  that  of  boots  and 
shoes, in  which  between  500  and  600 
hands  are  employed,  making  annu- 
ally about  $100,000  in  value.  This 
town  lies  21  miles  N.  by  E.  from 
Boston,  and  9 N.  by  W.  from  Sa- 
lem. Population,  1837,  1,049. 

Topsfield  was  first  settled  about 
the  year  1642.  It  was  incorporated 
in  1650.  Among  the  names  of  the 
first  settlers  were  Peabody,  Per- 
kins, Clark,  Cummings,  Bradstreet, 
Gould,  Town,  Easty,  Smith,  and 
Wildes ; many  of  whose  descend- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ants  now  cultivate  the  soil  of  their 
progenitors. 

Topsham,  Me. 

One  of  the  shire  towns  of  Lincoln 
co.  Topsham  is  pleasantly  situated 
on  the  N.  side  of  Androscoggin  riv- 
er, opposite  to  Brunswick.  This  is 
a good  farming  town,  and,  in  com- 
mon with  Brunswick,  enjoys  a great 
hydraulic  power,  and  accommoda- 
tions for  ship  building  and  naviga- 
tion. It  is  a place  of  considerable 
trade,  and  much  lumber  is  annual- 
ly shipped. 

Topsham  was  incorporated  in 
1764.  Population,  1337,  1,778. 

Topsliam,  Vt. 

Orange  co.  This  town  is  on  ele- 
vated ground  ; with  a rocky,  strong 
soil,  adapted  to  grazing.  It  con- 
tains much  granite,  and  is  watered 
by  the  upper  branches  of  Wait’s 
river,  which  propel  a number  of 
mills.  The  town  was  first  settled 
in  1781.  Population  ‘1830,  1,384. 
It  is  19  miles  S.  E.  from  Montpe- 
lier, 47  N.  from  Windsor,  and  15  N. 
E.  from  Chelsea. 

Torrington,  Ct. 

Litchfield  co.  This  town  was 
first  settled  in  1737.  Its  surface  is 
diversified  by*  hills  and  valleys-, ^nd 
the  soil  is  better  adapted  to  grazing 
than  the  culture  of  grain.  There 
are  many  sheep  in  the  (own,  and 
the  products  of  the  dairy  are  con- 
siderable. Population,  1830,  1,654. 

Two  branches  of  Naugatuck  riv- 
er meet  at  JVnlcottville.  a beauti- 
ful village,  in  the  south  part  of  the 
town;  26  miles  W.  N.  W,  from 
Hartford,  40  N.  by  W.  from  New 
Haven,  and  7 N.  by  E.  from  Litch- 
field. This  village  is  situated  in  a 
valley,  and  contains  an  extensive 
woolen  factory,  a church,  an  acad- 
emy, and  a number  of  handsome 
dwelling  houses.  Near  this  village, 
a good  bed  of  copper  ore  has  re- 
cently been  discovered  ; and  Mr. 
Israel  Coe,  the  proprietor,  has  com- 

36 


menced  the  manufacture  of  brass 
kettles,  the  first  establishment  of 
the  kind,  it  is  believed,  in  the  Uni- 
ted States. 

Wolcottville  owes  its  rise,  prin- 
cipally, to  Oliver  Wolcott, 
secretary  of  the  United  States 
Treasury,  during  the  administra- 
tions of  Washington  and  John  Ad- 
ams; and  governor  of  Connecticut 
10  successive  years.  He  was  born 
at  Litchfield,  and  died  in  New 
York,  1833,  aged  74. 

Townsend,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  The  surface  of 
this  town  is  rather  level ; some  parts 
are  pine  plains.  The  soil  is  gener- 
ally light,  but  in  some  sections  it  is 
productive,  particularly  of  fruit 
trees.  It  is  watered  by  a branch  ot 
the  Nashua,  a beautiful  mill  stream, 
on  which  are  divers  mechanical  op- 
erations. “Townsend  Harbor,”  on 
the  road  from  Groton  to  New  Ips- 
wich. N.  H.,  is  an  active,  pleasant 
village.  The  manufactures  of  this 
town  consist  of  leather,  palm-leaf 
hats,  boots,  shoes,  ploughs,  straw 
bonnets,  fish  barrels,  nail  kegs,  and 
dry  casks;  annual  value,  about 
$75,000.  This  town  was  incorpo- 
rated in  1732.  Population,  in  1830, 
1 ,506 ; 1S37, 1 ,749.  It  lies  38  miles 
N.  from  Boston,  and  22  N.  W.  from 
Concord. 

Townsliend,  Vt. 

Windham  co.  This  town  was 
first  settled  in  1761.  Among  the 
first  settlers,  was  Gen.  Samuel 
Fletcher,  who  was  a sergeant  at 
the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  in  1775, 
and  a captain  at  Ticonderoga,  in 
1777.  He  afterwards  rose  to  the 
rank  of  major  general  of  the  mili- 
tia ; was  high  sheriff  of  the  county 
18  years,  and  finally  became  judge 
of  the  court.  He  was  formerly  a 
blacksmith ; but  having  welded 
himself  to  a buxom  lass,  he  came  to 
this,  then  wilderness  spot,  and,  with 
his  axe  cut  his  way  to  fortune,  use- 
fulness and  renown. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


West  river  passes  through  the 
town  with  considerable  rapidity  : 
along  its  banks  are  some  tracts  of 
good  intervale  ; but  the  surface  of 
the  town  is  generally  hilly,  and  the 
soil  more  calculated  for  grazing 
than  tillage.  There  are  some  manu- 
factures in  the  town,  a high  school 
of  good  reputation,  and  two  pleas- 
ant villages.  Townshend  lies  12 
miles  N.  N.  W.  from  Brattlebo- 
rough,  23  N.  E.  from  Benning- 
ton, 95  S.  from  Montpelier,  and  is 
hounded  S.  by  Newfane.  Popula- 
tion, 1330,  1,336. 

Trenton,  Me. 

Hancock  co.  Trenton  is  situated 
on  a navigable  passage  between 
Frenchman’s  bay  on  the  E.,  Union 
river  on  the  W.,  and  N.  of  the  island 
town  of  Eden.  It  possesses  great 
advantages  for  navigation,  and  a 
large  portion  of  its  people  is  en- 
gaged in  ship  building,  the  coasting 
trade  and  fishery.  Incorporated  in 
1789.  Population,  in  1837,  924. 
Trenton  is  7 miles  S.  by  E.  from 
Ellsworth. 

Trescott,  Me. 

Washington  co.  This  is  an  At- 
lantic town,  and  bounded  N.  E.  by 
Lubec.  It  comprises  Moose  cove, 
Bailey’s  mistake  and  Haycock  har- 
bors, and  is  flourishing  in  its  trade 
and  navigation.  It  was  incorpora- 
ted in  1827.  Population,  in  1S30, 
430;  1837,713. 

Trout  River,  Vt. 

Franklin  co.  This  river  is  form- 
ed in  Montgomery,  by  several 
branches ; it  runs  in  a N.  W.  di- 
rection and  falls  into  the  Missisque 
on  the  border  of  Enosburgh  and 
Berkshire.  This  is  a good  mill 
stream,  and  with  its  tributaries,  fer- 
tilizes considerable  tracts  of  coun- 
try. 

Troy,  Me. 

Waldo  co.  This  territory  was 
called  Joy  from  1812  to  1826  : it 


was  then  called  Montgomery,  and 
changed  again  in  1827,  to  its  pres- 
ent name.  If  these  Trojans  are 
fickle  about  the  name  of  their  town, 
they  are  good  farmers,  and  produc- 
ed in  1837,  9,194  bushels  of  wheat. 
The  surface  of  the  town  is  undula- 
ting and  fertile  ; a large  part  of  it  is 
covered  with  heavy  timber.  It  is 
watered  by  a branch  of  the  Sebas- 
ticook,  from  which  river  it  lies 
about  6 miles  S.  E.  It  is  39  miles 
N.  E.  from  Augusta,  and  25  N.  W. 
from  Belfast.  Population,  in  1830, 
803;  1837,  1,140. 

Troy,  X.  H. 

Cheshire  co.  This  town  is  bound- 
ed N.  by  Marlborough,  E.  by  Jaf- 
frey,  S.  by  Fitz william,  and  W.  by 
Richmond  and  Swanzey.  It  is 
about  60  miles  S.  W.  from  Concord, 
and  12  S.  E.  from  Keene.  The  in- 
habitants are  principally  agricultu- 
ralists. This  town  was  taken  from 
Marlborough  and  Fitzwilliam,  and 
incorporated  in  1315.  Population, 
in  1830,  676. 

Troy,  Vt. 

Orleans  co.  Troy  lies  47  miles 
N.  from  Montpelier,  51  N.  E.  from 
Burlington,  11  N.  N.  W.  from 
Irasburgh,  and  is  bounded  N.  by 
Canada.  First  settled  in  1800„ 
Population,  1S30,  608.  During  the 
war  for  “sailors’  rights,”  most  of 
the  inhabitants  left  the  town,  which 
greatly  retarded  its  growth.  It  is 
finely  watered  by  Missisque  river, 
and  its  tributaries  : the  surface  is 
generally  level,  and  the  soil  pro- 
ductive, particularly  on  the  sides  of 
the  streams. 

The  Falls  on  the  Missisque,  pro- 
duce a great  water  power,  and  pro- 
pel some  machinery.  These  falls 
pass  down  a ledge  of  rocks  about 
70  feet.  A rock  projects  over  them , 
120  feet  in  perpendicular  height. 
From  this  rock,  the  falls,  the  deep 
still  water  in  the  gulph  below,  with 
the  romantic  scenery  around  the 
place,  present  a spectacle  of  great 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


interest  to  the  curious  traveller. 
The  rocks  here  are  chlorite,  ser- 
pentine, " limestone,  soapstone  and 
mica  slate. 

Trumbull,  Ct. 

Fairfield  co.  This  territory  was 
formerly  called  North  Stratford,  and 
was  taken  from  Stratford  and  incor- 
porated as  a town,  in  1798.  This 
is  a small  town  of  about  5 by  4 1-2 
miles.  It  lies  5 miles  N.  from  the 
city  of  Bridgeport.  It  is  watered 
by  the  Pequannock  which  empties 
into  Bridgeport  harbor.  The  sur- 
face is  varied  by  hills  and  valleys  : 
the  soil  is  a gravelly  loam,  produc- 
tive of  good  crops  of  grain  and  hay. 
Population,  1830,  1,242.  Tatn- 
tashua  hill , in  the  north  part  of  the 
town,  is  the  first  land  seen,  in  this 
direction,  from  the  ocean. 

Truro,  Mass. 

Barnstable  co.  Truro  lies  on 
Cape  Cod  bay,  between  Welfleet 
and  Provincetown ; it  is  nearly  sur- 
rounded by  water; — by  Pamet  riv- 
er,which  sets  in  from  Cape  Cod  bay 
on  the  south,  and  by  Cape  Cod  har- 
bor in  Provincetown.  Truro  was 
the  Pamet  of  the  Indians,  and  after 
its  settlement,  in  1700,  was  called 
JDangerJield  for  some  years.  Pam- 
et river  affords  a good  harbor  for 
fishermen  ; it  lies  about  5 miles  S. 
E.from  Provincetown  harbor.  There 
is  in  this  town,  near  the  lighthouse, 
a vast  body  of  clay,  called  the  “ Clay 
Pounds,”  which  seems  providen- 
tially placed,  in  the  midst  of  sand 
hills,  for  the  preservation  of  this 
part  of  the  cape.  Although  there 
is  but  little  vegetation  at  Truro,  and 
the  people  are  dependent  almost  en- 
tirely for  their  fuel,  and  most  of 
their  food  on  other  places ; yet  there 
are  but  few  towns  in  the  state 
where  the  people  are  more  flour- 
ishing, and  independent  in  their 
circumstances.  To  such  towns  as 
this  old  Massachusetts  looks  with 
pride  for  one  of  her  chief  resourc- 
es of  wealth — the  fishery ; and  for 


men  of  noble  daring  in  all  her  en- 
terprises on  the  ocean.  In  1837, 
there  were  63  vessels  owned  at 
Truro,  employed  in  the  cod  and 
mackerel  fishery,  measuring  3,437 
tons;  the  product  of  which,  in  one 
year,  was  16,950  quintals  of  cod 
fish,  and  15,750  barrels  of  mack- 
erel, valued  at  $145,350.  The 
number  of  hands  employed  was 
512.  The  value  of  salt  manufac- 
tured, annually,  is  about  $20,000. 
There  are  also,  manufactures  of 
palm-leaf  hats,  boots,  shoes,  &c. 

No  one  would  suppose  that  this 
was  much  of  a wool  growing  place ; 
and  it  is  not  so  in  regard  to  the 
quantity  grown,  but  much  so  as  it 
regards  its  means.  In  1837,  the 
people  of  Truro  sheared  400  sheep 
of  their  own  rearing.  If  the  sin- 
gle county  of  Penobscot,  in  Maine, 
would  produce  as  much  wool,  in 
proportion  to  its  territory  and  the 
quality  of  its  soil,  as  the  town  of 
Truro,  there  would  be  no  cause  of 
strife  about  the  tariff  on  wool  or 
woolen  cloths;  for  the  quantity 
would  be  sufficient  to  clothe  all  the 
inhabitants  on  the  globe. 

Truro  was  incorporated  in  1709. 
It  lies  41  miles  below  Barnstable, 
and  106  from  Boston,  by  land.  Pop- 
ulation,1830,  1,549;  1837,1,806. 

Tuftonborougli,  N.  II., 

Strafford  co.,  is  about  50  miles  E. 
by  N.  from  Concord,  situated  on 
the  N.  E.  shore  of  Winnepisiogee 
lake ; bounded  N.  E.  by  Ossipee, 
S.  E.  by  Wolfeborough,  S.  \V.  and 
W.  by  the  lake,  and  N.  W.  by  Moul- 
tonborough. 

There  are  several  ponds  in  this 
town,  together  with  many  small 
streams  running  into  the  lake. — 
There  are  several  arms  of  the  lake 
stretching  far  into  the  town,  and 
presenting  to  the  spectator,  from  the 
elevated  parts  of  the  town,  a suc- 
cession of  beautiful  views. 

Tuftonborough  was  originally 
granted  to  J.  Tufton  Mason,  and 
took  its  name  from  him.  It  was 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


settled  about  1730,  and  incorporated 
in  1795.  Population,  1830,  1,375. 

Tunbridge,  Vt. 

Orange  co.  A branch  of  White 
river  passes  through  this  town,  on 
which  are  mills  of  various  kinds. 
The  soil  is  generally  a rich  loam  : 
on  the  stream  the  intervale  land  is 
extensive  and  valuable.  In  some 
parts  of  the  town  the  surface  is  el- 
evated. 

Tunbridge  contains  a medicinal 
spring  of  some  notoriety  in  cutane- 
ous diseases.  Considerable  quan- 
tities of  the  products  of  the  farms 
are  sent  to  market.  Many  sheep 
are  reared  ; in  1837,  the  number  in 
the  town  was  8,260. 

Tunbridge  was  first  settled  in 
1776.  It  is  26  miles  &.  by  E.  from 
Montpelier,  7 S.  from  Chelsea,  and 
30  N.  by  W.  from  Windsor.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  1,920. 

Turner,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  A tributary  of  the 
Androscoggin  meets  that  river  in 
this  town,  and  finely  waters  it.  The 
soil  of  Turner  is  good,  and  its  sur- 
face pleasant.  There  are  a num- 
ber of  thriving  villages  in  the 
town:  there  is  considerable  trade, 
and  some  manufactures;  but  the 
business  of  the  people  is  generally 
agricultural. 

Turner  was  incorporated  in  1788. 
It  is  38  miles  W.  S.  W.  from  Au- 
gusta, and  14  E.  from  Paris.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  2,213;  1837,  2,435. 
Wheat  crop,  in  1837,  7,081  bush- 
els. 

Turtle  River,  Me., 

Or  the  Meriumpticook , a branch 
of  St.  John’s  river,  which  empties 
about  7 miles  S.  W.  from  the  mouth 
of  the  Madawaska. 

Tyngsborougli,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  This  is  a pleas- 
ant town  on  both  sides  of  Merri- 
mack river,  8 miles  N.  W.  by  W. 


from  Lowell,  and  29  N.  W.  from 
Boston.  Incorporated,  1789.  Pop- 
ulation, 1S37,  870. 

The  river  here  is  wide,  placid, 
and  majestic,  and  adds  much  to  the 
beauty  of  the  place.  There  is  not 
much  water  power  in  the  town,  and 
the  soil  is  light  and  sandy.  Large 
quantities  of  granite  are  quarried 
here,  hammered  and  fitted  for  vari- 
ous uses,  and  taken  down  the  river. 
Here  are  also  manufactures  of 
brushes,  barrels,  boots  and  shoes. 

Tyringliam,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  There  are  several 
ponds  in  this  town,  from  which  is- 
sues a branch  of  Housatonick  river. 

Tyringham  lies  125  miles  W. 
from  Boston,  14  S.  E.  from  Lenox, 
and  35  E.  from  Hudson,  N.  Y.  In- 
corporated, 1762.  Population,  in 
1837,  1,288. 

The  manufactures  of  the  town 
consist  of  paper,  iron  castings, 
boots,  shoes,  leather,  forks,  rakes, 
palm-leaf  hats,  chair  stuff,  and 
wooden  ware  : annual  value,  about 
§35,000. 

The  surface  of  the  town  is  un- 
| even,  and  in  some  parts  mountain- 
ous. “Hop  Brook  Valley, ” is  a 
beautiful  and  romantic  spot.  There 
is  a society  of  “Shakers”  In  Ty- 
ringham. See  Canterbury,  N.  H. 

Embagog  Lake, 

Is  a large  body  of  water,  situa- 
| ted  mostly  in  the  state  of  Maine, 
and  extending  about  300  rods  in 
width  along  the  east  of  the  town- 
ships of  Errol  and  Cambridge,  in 
New  Hampshire.  This  lake  is  very 
imperfectly  known ; is  said  to  be 
about  18  miles  long,  and  in  some 
parts  10  wide  ; being  but  little  in- 
ferior to  the  Winnepisiogee,  in  ex- 
tent and  beauty.  Its  outlet  is  on 
the  west  side,  in  Errol,  its  waters 
flowing  into  the  Androscoggin. 

Unconoonook  Mountain,  H. 

See  Goffstown. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Underbill,  Vt. 

Chittenden  co.  The  head  branch- 
es of  Brown’s  river  water  this  town. 
The  surface  is  hilly  and  broken, 
and  the  soil  hard  ; but  tolerable  for 
sheep,  of  which  a considerable 
number  are  reare-d. 

Underhill  was  first  settled  in 
1786.  It  lies  15  miles  N.  E.  from 
Burlington,  and  26  N.  W.  from 
Montpelier.  Population,  in  1830, 
1,052. 

Union  River,  Me* 

Hancock  co.  The  head  waters 
of  this  river  proceed  within  a few 
miles  from  the  Passadumkeag.  It 
flows  south  through  the  towns  of 
Hampton,  Amherst,  and  Maria- 
ville : it  meets  the  tide  water  at 
Ellsworth,  and  passes  to  the  ocean 
by  Blue  Hill  bay.  This  stream 
has  numerous  tributaries,  the  recip- 
ients of  a great  number  of  ponds, 
which  are  scattered  over  the  inte- 
rior parts  of  the  county.  This 
beautiful  river  is  in  some  parts 
gentle  and  fertilizing,  in  other  parts 
rapid,  producing  a valuable  water 
power  for  mills.  Its  length,  from 
Ellsworth,  is  between  forty  and  fifty 
miles. 

Union,  3Ie. 

Lincoln  co.  This  pleasant *"and 
flourishing  town  is  watered  by 
Muscongus  and  St.  George  rivers, 
and  by  several  beautiful  ponds. 
The  soil  is  fertile,  and  the  surface 
generally  swelling. 

Union  was  incorporated  in  1786. 
It  is  28  miles  S.  E.  from  Augusta, 
and  7 N.  by  W.  from  Warren.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  1,750.  Wheat  crop, 
same  year,  4,249  bushels. 

Union,  Ct. 

Tolland  co.  The  surface  of 
Union  is  hilly,  with  a hard  and  un- 
productive soil.  Mashapaug  and 
Breakneck  ponds,  lying  in  this 
town,  are  the  principal  sources  of 

36* 


Quinnebaug  river.  A branch  of 
the  Natchaug  also  rises  here. 

The  town  was  incorporated  in 
1734.  First  settled,  1727.  It  is 
bounded  W.  by  Stafford,  and  is  33 
miles  N.  E.  from  Hartford,  and  14 
, N.  E.  from  Tolland.  Population, 
1830,  711. 

Unity,  3Ie. 

Waldo  co.  This  is  a flourishing 
farming  town,  33  miles  N.  E.  from 
Augusta,  22  W.  S.  W.  from  Bel- 
fast, and  bounded  S.  W.  by  Albion. 
It  is  well  watered  by  a branch  of 
Sebasticook  river,  which  passes  N. 
W.,  about  9 miles  distant. 

Unity  was  incorporated  in  1804. 
Population,  1837,  1,520.  Wheat 
crop,  same  year,  11,099  bushels. 


Unity,  3f.  II. 


i 


Sullivan  co.  This  town  is  bound- 
ed N.  by  Claremont  and  Newport, 
E.  by  Goshen,  S.  by  Lempster  and 
Ac  worth,  and  W.  by  Charlestown. 
It  is  43  miles  W.  by  N.  from  Con- 
cord, and  9 S.  from  Newport. 

Little  Sugar  river  has  its  source 
in  Whortleberry  pond  and  Beaver 
meadow,  in  the  N.  part  of  the 
town',  passes  through  its  centre, 
and  empties  itself  into  the  Connec- 
ticut at  Charlestown.  Cold  pond, 
the  head  of  Cold  river,  is  partly  in 
this  town.  From  Gilman’s  pond, 
in  the  E.  part  of  Unity,  proceeds 
a branch  of  Sugar  river,  flowing 
through  Newport.  Perry’s  moun- 
tain is  in  the  S.  W.  part,  and  partly 
in  Charlestown. 

Unity  is  an  uneven  township,  but 
the  soil  is  highly  favorable  for 
grazing.  It  is  excellent  for  flax, 
few  towns  in  the  state  producing 
a greater  quantity. 

Unity  was  granted  in  1764.  It 
was  called  Unity,  from  the  happy 
termination  of  a dispute  which  had 
long  subsisted  between  certain  of 
the  inhabitants  of  Kingston  and 
Hampstead,  claiming  the  same  tract 
of  land  under  two  different  graot*. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


The  first  settlement  was  made  in 
1769.  Population,  1830,  1,258. 

Upton,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  Upton  was  taken 
from  Mendon,  Sutton  and  Hopkin- 
ton,  in  1735.  The  surface  of  the 
town  is  plain  land,  and  partly  rough 
and  hilly,  with  a strong  soil  capable 
of  yielding  good  crops  of  grain  and 
hay.  Much  attention  has  been 
paid  to  fruit  trees  in  this  town,  and 
many  fine  orchards  of  various  kinds 
of  fruit  have  been  the  result.  West 
river,  a branch  of  the  Blackstone, 
rises  from  a pond  in  Upton,  and 
furnishes  a power  for  a number  of 
mills.  The  manufactures  consist 
of  woolen  goods,  boots,  shoes,  leath- 
er, straw  bonnets,  sashes  and  blinds : 
annual  value,  about  $175,000. 

This  pleasant  town  lies  35  miles 
W.  S.  W.  from  Boston,  and  15  S.  E. 
from  Worcester.  Population,  in 
1830,  1,155;  1837,  1,451. 

UxTbridge,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  very  hand- 
some and  flourishing  town  lies  40 
miles  S.  W.  from  Boston,  17  S.  by 
E.  from  Worcester,  and  24  N.  N. 
W.  from  Providence,  R.  I.  It  re- 
ceives an  excellent  water  power 
from  Mumford  and  West  rivers, 
and  the  Blackstone  canal  passes 
through  it. 

The  manufacturing  villages  are 
delightfully  situated,  in  valleys  sur- 
rounded by  picturesque  elevations. 
There  are  5 woolen  and  3 cotton 
mills  in  the  town,  and  manufactures 
gf  yarn,  straw  bonnets,  boots,  shoes, 
leather,  chairs,  cabinet  and  tin 
wares:  total  value,  the  year  ending 
April  1,  1837,  $402,450. 

Uxbridge  was  formerly  a part  of 
Mendon.  It  was  incorporated  in 
1727.  Population,  1830,  2,086  ; 
1837,  2,246.  Iron  ore  is  found 
here,  and  an  abundance  of  beauti- 
ful granite. 

Vassalborough,  Me. 

Kennebec  co.  This  is  a large 


and  flourishing  town  on  the  east 
side  of  Kennebec  river,  12  miles 
N.  by  E.  from  Augusta.  There 
are  several  large  and  beautiful 
ponds  in  the  town,  from  which  is- 
sue two  excellent  mill  streams : 
one  a branch  of  the  Sebasticook, 
the  other  of  the  Kennebec. 

This  is  a place  of  considerable 
interior  trade,  and  business  on  the 
river.  Vessels  of  considerable  bur- 
then pass  to  the  ocean  from  Vas- 
salborougli,  by  means  of  the  Ken- 
nebec Dam. 

The  valleys  are  very  pleasant ; 
and  the  surface  and  soil  of  the  town 
varied  and  fertile.  Vassalborough 
was  incorporated  in  1771.  Popula- 
tion, 1837,  2,929.  Wheat  crop, 
same  year,  10,272  bushels. 

Vergennes,  Vt. 

Addison  co.  V ergennes  was  first 
settled  in  1766.  The  territory, 
which  comprises  an  area  of  480  by 
400  rods,  was  invested  with  city 
privileges  in  1788.  It  lies  12  miles 
N.  W.  from  Middlebury  and  21  S. 
by  E.  from  Burlington.  Population, 
1330,  999.  Vergennes  is  beauti- 
fully located  on  Otter  creek,  at  the 
falls  on  that  stream,  and  is  7 miles 
from  Lake  Champlain.  Otter  creek, 
at  this  place,  is  about  500  feet  wide, 
and,  at  the  falls,  is  separated  by  two 
islands,  which  form  3 distinct  falls, 
of  37  feet.  These  falls  produce  a 
great  hydraulic  power,  rendered 
more  valuable  by  being  situated  in 
the  heart  of  a fertile  country,  and 
on  the  navigable  waters  of  the  lake. 

The  creek  or  river,  between  the 
city  and  the  lake,  is  crooked,  but 
navigable  for  the  largest  lake  ves- 
sels. During  the  late  war,  this  was 
an  important  depot  on  the  lake. 
Here  was  fitted  out  the  squadron 
commanded  by  the  gallant  McDo- 
nough, who  met  the  British  fleet 
off  Plattsburgh,  N.  Y.  on  the  11th 
of  September,  1814,  and  made  it 
his. 

This  is  a very  favorable  position 
for  ship  building  : it  now  possesses 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


important  manufactories  and  consid- 
erable trade.  Although  the  terri- 
tory of  this  city  is  quite  small,  its 


peculiarly  favorable  location,  and 
the  enterprise  of  its  people,  warrant 
it  a great  degree  of  prosperity. 


VERMONT. 


The  people  of  the  territory  now  called  the  state  of  Vermont,  having 
been  connected  with  New  York,  and  having  experienced  great  dissatis- 
faction with  their  connexion  with  that  state,  assembled  in  convention  and 
on  the  15th  of  January,  1777,  declared  themselves  independent,  and  or- 
ganized a government  for  themselves. 

The  hardy  mountaineers,  who  had  become  impatient  under  their  con- 
nexion with  and  dependence  on  the  great  state  of  New  York,  in  pursu- 
ance of  their  own  peculiar  views  of  the  rights  and  duties  of  a free  and 
Independent  people,  adopted  many  singular  and  peculiar  provisions  in  their 
constitution.  Some  of  them  are  herein  stated. 

Their  government  consists  of  three  parts  ; the  legislative,  the  execu- 
tive, and  the  judicial. 

The  Supreme  Legislature  consists  of  a Senate  and  House  of  Represen- 
tatives, chosen  annually  by  the-freemen  of  the  state,  on  the  first  Tues- 
day of  September.  The  Senate  consists  of  30  members ; each  county 
being  entitled  to  at  least  one,  and  the  remainder  to  be  apportioned  accord- 
ing to  population.  The  House  of  Representatives  is  composed  of 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


one  member  from  each  town.  The  Senators  are  to  be  thirty  years  of 
age  ; and  the  Lieutenant  Governor  is  ex-officio  President  of  the  Senate. 

The  body  so  chosen  is  called  The  General  Assembly  of  the 
State  of  Vermont.  The  General  Assembly  meets  annually  on  the 
second  Tuesday  of  October.  They  have  power  to  choose  their  own  offi- 
cers, to  meet  on  their  own  adjournments,  to  terminate  their  sessions  at 
pleasure  ; to  enact  laws,  grant  charters,  to  impeach  state  criminals,  &c. 
And,  in  conjunction  with  the  council,  they  annually  elect  the  Justices  of 
the  Supreme,  County  and  Probate  Courts  ; also  the  Sheriffs,  High  Bailiffs, 
Justices  of  the  Peace,  &c.;  and,  when  occasion  requires,  .they  elect  Ma- 
jors and  Brigadiers  General.  The  General  Assembly  have  full  and  am- 
ple legislative  powers,  but  they  cannot  change  the  constitution. 

The  supreme  executive  power  is  vested  in  a Governor,  Lieutenant 
Governor,  and  twelve  Counsellors,  chosen  annually  by  the  people  on  the 
first  Tuesday  of  September.  They  meet  at  the  same  time  with  the 
General  Assembly,  prepare  and  lay  before  them  the  business  apparently 
necessary ; examine  the  laws  in  the  progress  of  legislation,  and  approve 
or  disapprove  of  them,  and  propose  amendments.  They  cannot  negative 
any  act  of  the  General  Assembly,  but  can  suspend  the  operation  of  any 
act  till  the  next  annual  meeting  of  the  Assembly.  They  commission  all 
officers;  sit  as  judges  in  all  cases  of  impeachment;  have  power  to  grant 
pardons  and  remit  fines  in  all  cases,  excepting  in  cases  of  murder  and 
treason,  in  which  cases  they  can  grant  reprieves  till  the  next  legislative 
session,  and  excepting  also  cases  of  impeachment.  They  may  lay  em- 
bargoes for  thirty  days,  when  the  assembly  is  not  in  session. 

The  General  Assembly,  in  joint  meeting  with  the  Governor  and  Coun- 
cil, annually  elect  the  Judges,  Justices  of  the  Peace,  Sheriffs,  High  Bai- 
liffs, &c. 

The  Governor  is  Captain-General,  but  he  cannot  command  in  person, 
unless  by  advice  of  his  council.  The  Lieutenant  Governor  is  Lieuten- 
ant General  of  the  forces. 

The  judicial  power  is  vested  in  a Supreme  Court  and  Court  of  Chance- 
ry, a County  Court  in  each  county,  consisting  of  one  of  the  Justices 
of  the  Supreme  Court,  and  two  Assistant  Justices;  a Probate  Court  in 
each  District;  and  Justices  of  the  Peace,  who  have  a limited  criminal 
and  civil  jurisdiction. 

The  Judges  of  Probate  appoint  their  own  Registers,  and  the  Sheriffs 
and  High  Bailiffs  appoint  their  own  deputies. 

The  several  Town  Clerks  are  Registers  of  deeds  of  conveyance  of  lands 
in  their  respective  towns ; and  if  there  be  no  town  clerk,  the  deeds  shall 
be  recorded  in  the  County  Clerk’s  office. 

A council  of  13  Censors  is  chosen  by  the  people  once  in  7 years,  on  the 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


last  Wednesday  of  March,  and  meet  on  the  first  Wednesday  of  June  fol- 
lowing. Their  duties  are,  to  inquire  if  the  constitution  has  been  viola- 
ted ; if  the  legislature,  &c.  have  performed  their  duty;  if  the  taxes  have 
been  justly  levied  and  collected  ; and  if  the  laws  have  been  obeyed. 
They  may  pass  public  censures ; order  impeachments  ; recommend  the  re- 
peal of  laws  ; propose  amendments  in  the  constitution,  and  call  conven- 
tions to  act  on  them.  Their  power  expires  in  one  year  after  their  election. 

Succession  of  Governors. 

Thomas  Chittenden,  1791 — 1796.  Isaac  Tichenor,  1797 — 1806.  Isra- 
el  Smith,  1807.  Isaac  Tichenor,  1S08.  Jonas  Galusha,  1809 — 1812.  M. 
Chittenden,  1813,  1814.  Jonas  Galusha,  1815 — 1819.  Richard  Skinner, 
1820—1822.  C.  P.  Van  Ness,  1823—1825.  Ezra  Butler,  1826,  1827. 
Samuel  C.  Crafts,  1828 — 1830,  William  A.  Palmer,  1831 — 1835.  Si- 
las H.  Jenison,  1836 — 

Succession  of  Chief  Justices. 

Samuel  Knight,  1791 — 1793.  Isaac  Tichenor  1794,  1795.  Nathaniel 
Chipman,  1796.  Israel  Smith,  1797.  Enoch  Woodbridge,  1798 — 1800. 
Jonathan  Robinson,  1801 — 1806.  Royal  Tyler,  1807 — 1812.  Nathaniel 
Chipman,  1813,  1814.  Asa  Aldis,  1815.  Richard  Skinner,  1816.  Dud- 
ley Chase,  1817 — 1820.  C.  P.  Van  Ness,  1821,  1822.  Richard  Skinner, 
1823 — 1S28.  Samuel  Prentiss,  1829.  Titus  Hutchinson,  1830 — 1833, 
Charles  K.  Williams,  1S34 — 

The  state  is  bounded  N.  by  Lower  Canada,  E.  by  Connecticut  river,  S. 
by  Massachusetts,  and  W.  by  New  York.  Situated  between  42°  44'  and 
45  °N . Latituderand  73°  16'  and  71°  20'  W.  Longitude. 

Vermont  is  divided  into  14  counties,  to  wit : Bennington,  Windham, 
Rutland,  Windsor,  Addison,  Orange,  Chittenden,  Washington,  Caledonia, 
Franklin,  Orleans,  Lamoille,  Essex  and  Grand  Isle.  The  population  of 
the  state  in  1790,  was  85,539  ; 1800,  154,465  ; 1810,  217,895  ; 1820,  235,- 
764;  1830,  280,657.  This  state  contains  an  area  of  about  10,212  square 
miles.  Population  to  a square  mile,  in  1830,  was  27-A.  The  number 
of  sheep  in  the  state,  in  1S37,  was  1,099, OIL 

The  important  enterprise  of  a rail  road  from  Boston  to  the  outlet  of  the 
great  lakes,  on  St.  Lawrence  river,  will  doubtless  be  accomplished.  An 
enterprise  of  this  kind,  well  worthy  the  consideration  of  the  intelligent 
citizens  and  capitalists  of  Massachusetts,  New  Hampshire  and  Vermont, 
will  greatly  benefit  those  states,  and  make  the  capital  of  New  England  a 
powerful  competitor  with  New  York,  fora  large  portion  of  the  immense 
northern  and  western  trade. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Although  this  fourteenth  state  was  not  admitted  into  the  union  until  af- 
ter the  revolutionary  contest  was  over,  yet  she  vigorously  resisted  British 
oppression.  A range  of  mountains  covered  with  spruce,  hemlock  and 
other  evergreens  divides  this  state  nearly  in  its  centre;  hence  its  name  ; 
and  hence  the  epithet  “ Green  Mountain  Boys,”  celebrated  for  their 
bravery  in  the  war  of  independence. 

From  these  mountains  many  rivers  take  their  rise  ; the  most  important 
are.  Otter  Creek,  Onion,  Lamoille  and  Missisque,  which  empty  into  Lake 
Champlain,  on  the  west;  and  West,  White  and  Passumpsic,  which  pass  to 
the  Connecticut  on  the  east.  This  state  is  very  fertile  and  produces  all 
sorts  of  grain  in  great  abundance.  Cattle  of  various  kinds  are  raised  here 
with  great  facility.  Wool  is  an  important  staple.  Manufactures  flourish 
on  many  of  the  delightful  streams  of  Vermont,  and  its  hills  produce  mar- 
ble, granite  and  iron  ore  of  superior  excellence.  The  scenery  of  this 
state  is  very  romantic  and  beautiful ; the  air  is  pure  and  healthful ; the 
people  industrious,  intelligent,  hospitable. 

The  trade  of  this  state,  on  the  west,  passes  to  New  York  by  lake  Cham- 
plain, the  northern  canal  and  Hudson  river;  that  on-the  east,  to  Connecti- 
icut  river.  Some  of  the  trade  of  this  state  reaches  Boston,  and  some 
goes  to  Montreal.  See  Register. 


Vernon,  Vt. 

Windham  co.  Vernon  lies  on  the 
west  side  of  Connecticut  river,  op- 
posite to  Winchester,  N.  H.  That 
river  bends  abruptly  at  this  place, 
but  in  consequence  of  its  elevated 
and  rocky  shore,  affords  this  town 
but  litle  intervale  land.  The  sur- 
face is  generally  mountainous,  rocky 
and  unproductive.  There  are  in 
the  town,  fine  forests  of  oak  and 
chesnut  timber,  and  quarries  of 
slate.  Vernon  was  settled  at  an  ear- 
ly period,  and  for  many  years  was 
subject  to  Indian  depredations.  The 
remains  of  an  old  fort  built  in  1740, 
are  now  seen  : many  persons  were 
killed  and  carried  into  captivity  ; 
among  the  latter  was  the  celebrated 
Mrs.  Howe.  From  its  settlement 


until  1S02,  Vernon  was  called  Hins- 
dale. 

Vernon  is  18  miles  S.  E.  from 
Newfane,  and  is  bounded  S.  by 
Brattleborough.  Population,  1830, 
681. 

Vernon,  Ct. 

Tolland  co.  This  town  lies  12 
miles  E.  N.  E.  from  Hartford,  and 
7 S.  W.  from  Tolland.  Rock  vil- 
lage, and  Tankerooson  are  pleasant 
and  flourishing  manufacturing  vil- 
lages, containing  18  cotton  and 
woolen  mills.  The  former  is  14, 
the  latter  10  miles  from  Hartford. 
The  Hockanum,  and  a branch  of 
that  river,  the  Tankerooson,  are  the 
principal  streams. 

Vernon  was  first  settled  in  1716. 
It  was  a part  of  East  Windsor  and 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Bolton  until  1808.  The  surface  of 
the  town  is  varied  by  hills  and  val- 
leys ; the  soil  is  a gravelly  loam  and 
sandy,  but  good  for  grain  and  grass. 
Population,  1830,  1,164. 

Vershire,  Vt. 

Orange  co.  The  surface  of  this 
town  is  uneven  and  stony,  but  fur- 
nishes pasturage  for  a large  number 
of  sheep,  horses  and  neat  cattle. 
Branches  of  Omporuponoosuc  river 
rise  here,  but  give  the  town  no  val- 
uable water  power.  Vershire  was 
first  settled  in  17S0.  It  lies  25  miles 
S.  E.  from  Montpelier,  35  N.  from 
Windsor,  and  6 E.  by  S.  from  Chel- 
sea. Population,  1830,  1,260. 

Victory,  Vt. 

Essex  co.  This  township  was 
chartered  in  1781.  Moose  river,  a 
branch  of  the  Passumpsic,  passes 
through  it.  It  lies  10  miles  W. 
from  Guildhall,  and,  in  1830,  had 
53  inhabitants. 

Vienna,  Me. 

Franklin  co.  A branch  of  Sandy 
river  and  several  ponds  water  this 
fertile  and  pleasant  town.  It  lies 
25  miles  N.  W.  from  Augusta,  and 
10  S.  E.  from  Farmington.  Incor- 
porated, 1802.  Population,  1837, 
793.  Wheat  crop,  same  year*  4,Gfi3 
bushels. 

Vinalhaven,  Me. 

Waldo  co.  Previous  to  1838, 
this  town  was  attached  to  the  coun- 
ty of  Hancock.  It  is  situated  12 
miles  S.  E.  from  Camden,  6 E.  from 
Owl’s  Head,  and  is  formed  of  the 
Fox  Islands , at  the  mouth  of  Pe- 
nobscot bay,  about  fifty  miles  be- 
low Bangor.  There  are  three 
islands  of  considerable  size,  belong- 
ing to  this  group,  besides  several 
smaller  islands  on  their  coast.  This 
island  town  possesses  in  an  eminent 
degree  all  those  advantages  to  be 
derived  from  a bold  shore  and  good 
harbors,  in  the  centre  of  an  exten- 
sive maritime  commerce,  and  of 


the  domestic  fishery.  These  privi- 
leges are  well  improved  by  the  in- 
habitants of  Fox  Islands  : they  also 
make  their  soil  tributary  to  their 
wants.  In  1837,  their  crop  of  wheat 
was  1,611  bushels.  So  long  as  the 
sea  island  towns  of  Mount  Desert, 
Eden  and  Vinalhaven,  afford  wheat, 
and  Truro,  wool,  in  such  abun- 
dance ; there  seems,  at  present,  no  „ 
great  cause  for  the  Yankees  going 
west  to  escape  either  nakedness  or 
starvation.  These  islands  are  fine- 
ly located  for  summer  excursions, 
either  for  health  or  pleasure.  The 
passages  between  the  principal 
islands,  are  delightful ; and  the 
scenery  around  them  beautiful. 
Population,  1837,  1,768. 

Vineyard,  Vt. 

Grand  Isle  co.  This  town,  com- 
prising an  island  in  Champlain  Lake, 
covering  an  area  of  4,620  acres,  was 
chartered  in  1799,  by  the  name  of 
Isle  La  Motte.  Its  name  was 
changed  to  Vineyard  in  1802.  It 
lies  about  4 miles  W.  from  North 
Hero,  and  was  first  settled  in  1785. 

It  is  a very  pleasant  island,  fertile 
and  abounding  in  excellent  cedar 
and  limestone.  Pop.  1830,  459. 

Vineyard  Sound,  Mass. 

This  is  a great  thoroughfare  for 
vessels  bound  along  the  coast  be- 
tween Cape  Cod  and  the  mouth  of 
Buzzard’s  bay.  It  lies  between 
the  island  of  Martha’s  Vineyard 
and  the  islands  of  Nashawn  and 
Nashawenna.  The  tides  in  this 
Sound  are  rapid,  and  the  passage 
dangerous,  without  a good  pilot. 

Voluntown,  Ct. 

Windham  co.  This  town  was 
incorporated  in  1719.  It  derived 
its  name  from  the  circumstance 
that  most  of  its  territory  was  grant- 
ed, in  1696,  to  Volunteers  in  the 
Narraganset  wTar.  The  surface  is, 
in  some  parts,  hilly;  but  the  pre- 
vailing character  of  the  surface  and 
soil  is  a sandy  and  gravelly  loam. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Voluntown  is  14  miles  E.  from 
Norwich,  and  is  bounded  by  Rhode 
Island  on  the  east,  and  North  Ston- 
ington  on  the  south.  Population,  in 
1830,  1,304.  The  town  is  watered 
by  Wood  river,  a branch  of  the 
Pawcatuck,  on  which  are  one  wool- 
en and  two  cotton  mills. 

Wacliwsctt  Mountain,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  See  Princeton. 

Watt’s  River,  Vt. 

Orange  co.  Branches  of  this 
river  rise  in  Orange,  Topsham,  and 
Washington  ; they  meet  at  Brad- 
ford, and  fall  into  the  Connecticut. 
This  river,  and  the  streams  that 
compose  it,  are  rather  rapid  in  their 
course,  and  furnish  many  valuable 
mill  privileges.  Below  the  falls, 
in  Bradford,  this  river  is  more  gen- 
tle, and  in  its  course  it  fertilizes 
a tract  of  intervale.  Its  longest 
branch  is  about  20  miles.  Its 
mouth,  on  the  Connecticut,  is  about 
100  feet  in  width. 

Waitsfield,  Vt. 

Washington  co.  Mad  river,  a 
small,  rapid  stream,  passes  circui- 
tously through  this  town,  fertilizing 
the  soil,  and  affording  it  good  mill 
seats.  The  uplands  are  a deep 
loam,  fertile,  and  productive  of  all 
the  varieties  of  a northern  climate. 
Here  are  fine  pastures,  and  between 
5,000  and  6,000  sheep. 

There  are  some  manufactures  in 
the  town,  but  the  people  are  gener- 
ally farmers,  and  make  a good 
business  of  it.  Good  clay  for  mak- 
ing earth ern  ware,  iron  ore,  and 
rock  crystal  are  found-  here.  This 
town  lies  11  miles  S.  W.  from  Mont- 
pelier, and  30  S.  E.  from  Burling- 
ton. Population,  1830,  985. 

The  settlement  of  W aitsfield  was 
commenced  in  17S9,  by  General 
Benjamin  Wait,  from  Sudbu- 
ry, Massachusetts.  General  Wait 
entered  the  service  of  his  country 
at  the  age  of  18,  and  performed 


much  difficult  service  with  grea' 
bravery  and  success.  At  the  age 
of  25  he  had  been  engaged  in  forty 
battles  and  skirmishes  : his  clothes 
were  several  times  perforated  with 
musket  balls,  but  he  never  received 
a wound.  In  1776,  he  entered  the 
revolutionary  army  as  captain,  and 
acquired  the  rank  of  colonel.  Af- 
ter the  war,  he  was  made  a briga- 
dier general  of  militia,  and  was 
high  sheriff  of  the  county  of  Wind- 
sor seven  years.  General  Wait, 
having  lived  to  see  the  town  he 
had  planted  in  its  wilderness  state, 
covered  with  fruitful  fields,  and 
peopled  by  independent  yeomen, 
died  in  1822^ -aged  89  years. 

Wakefield,  Hf.  H. 

Strafford  co.  This  town  lies  50 
miles  N.  E.  from  Concord,  and  30 
N.  by  W.  from  Dover;  bounded 
N.  W.  by  Ossipee  and  Effingham, 
E.  by  Maine,  S.  E.  by  Milton,  W. 
by  Middleton  and  Brookfield. 

Love  well’s  pond,  in  the  S.  part  of 
the  town,  is  about  700  rods  long,  275 
wide.  Province  pond  lies  between 
Wakefield  and  Effingham,  and  is 
450  rods  long,  400  wide.  Pine 
river  pond  is  the  source  of  the  river 
of  that  name  flowing  N.  W.  into  Os- 
sipee lake.  The  principal  branch 
of  the  Piscataqua  has  its  rise  in 
East  pond,  between  Wakefield  and 
Newfield,  Maine.  The  soil  of 
this  town  is  generally  good. 

The  town  was  formerly  called 
East-town , and  was  incorporated 
in  1774,  by  its  present  name. 

There  are  several  cotton  mills  in 
this  town,  and  various  other  manu- 
factures. 

Lovewell’s  pond,  in  this  town, 
derived  its  name  from  Captain  John 
Lo'vewell,  of  Dunstable,  who,  on 
the  20th  February,  1725,  surprised 
and  destroyed  a party  of  Indians 
encamped  on  the  side  of  the  pond. 
Robert  Macklin,  distinguished  for 
longevity,  died  here  in  1787,  at  the 
age  of  115.  He  was  born  in  Scot- 
land. Population,  1830,  1,470. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Walden,  Vt. 

Caledonia  co.  This  is  an  eleva- 
ted township  between  the  head  wa- 
ters of  Onion  and  Lamoille  rivers. 
Cole’s  pond,  a large  sheet  of  water, 
lying  in  the  town,  produces  a small 
mill  stream,  called  “Joe’s  Brook.” 
The  surface  is  generally  rough,  but 
the  soil  in  some  parts  of  the  town 
produces  good  crops.  Walden  was 
first  settled  in  1789.  It  lies  22  miles 
N.  N.  E.  from  Montpelier,  and  is 
bounded  S.  E.  by  Danville.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  827. 

Waldo  County,  Me. 

Belfast  is  the  shire  town.  This 
maritime  and  agricultural  county 
is  bounded  N.  by  Penobscot  and 
Piscataquis  counties ; E.  by  Pe- 
nobscot bay  and  river;  S',  by  Lin- 
coln county,  and  W.  by  the  county 
of  Kennebec.  It  contains  an  area 
of  about  812  square  miles.  Its 
population  in  1830,  was  29,290  ; and 
in  1337,  36,817. 

On  the  eastern  side  of  the  coun- 
ty, the  noble  Penobscot  spreads  its 
broad  bay  and  river,  embosoming 
Belfast  and  other  beautiful  bays, 
and  indented  with  numerous  capa- 
cious harbors,  affording  this  county 
every  desirable  facility  for  naviga- 
tion and  the  fisheries.  The  relative 
position  of  this  county  with  the 
great  basin  of  the  Penobscot,  is 
such  as  to  give  to  it  a large  share  of 
the  commerce  of  that  fertile  and 
rapidly  increasing  section  of  New 
England. 

Waldo  county  possesses  within 
itself  great  resources  of  agricultur- 
al wealth.  The  surface  is  gener- 
ally undulating : no  portion  of  the 
county  is  too  elevated  or  too  low 
for  cultivation.  It  is  heavily  tim- 
bered and  abouuds  in  limestone,  of 
which  large  quantities  are  annually 
manufactured  and  transported.  The 
soil  is  fertile,  and  congenial  to  the 
growth  of  every  northern  staple 
commodity.  This  county  is  inter- 
spersed with  excellent  mill  streams, 

37 


and  its  numerous  ponds  give  it  a 
varied  and  picturesque  appearance. 

Waldo  county  was,  as  it  were 
but  yesterday,  a desert;  at  present 
not  more  than  two-thirds  of  its  ter- 
ritory may  be  said  to  be  settled. 
In  1837,  it  produced  109,140  bush- 
els of  wheat,  and  contained  55,000 
sheep,  with  a population  of  45  to  a 
square  mile. 

Waldo,  Me. 

Waldo  co.  This  is  a Plantation, 
but  it  is  high  time  it  was  incorpo- 
rated with  town  privileges,  for  its 
surface  is  pleasant,  and  its  soil  fer- 
tile : it  abounds  with  mill  sites,  and 
its  increase  of  population,  for  the 
last  seven  years,  was  35  per  cent. 

Waldo  is  44  miles  E.  N.  E.  from 
Augusta,  and  7 W.  N.  W.  from 
Belfast.  Population,  1837,  713. 
Wheat  crop,  same  year,  1,903 
bushels. 

Wnldoborougli,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  This  is  a large, 
pleasant,  and  flourishing  commercial 
town;  a port  of  entry,  situated  on 
both  sides  of  Muscongus  river,  and 
at  the  head  of  navigation  on  Mus- 
congus bay. 

This  town,  surrounded  by  a fertile 
country,  enjoying  navigable  accom- 
modations, a great  water  power, 
and  peopled  by  an  enterprising  and 
industrious  class  of  agriculturalists, 
mechanics  and  sailors,  cannot  fail 
of  advancing  in  wealth  and  popula- 
tion. The  tonnage  of  this  district, 
in  1837,  was  39,960  tons. 

The  surface  of  the  town  is  agree- 
ably diversified  ; the  soil  of  a qual- 
ity just  hard  enough  to  promote  a 
proper  circulation  of  the  blood  of 
its  cultivators,  with  air  and  water 
as  pleasant,  as  pure,  and  as  favora- 
able  to  health  and  longevity,  as 
those  of  any  prairie,  of  which  we 
have  any  account,  west  of  the  Al- 
leghany mountains.  It  is  true  that 
these  people  have  to  encounter  the 
dangers  of  the  seas,  in  the  naviga- 
tion of  their  numerous  vessels  en- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


feet.  A canal,  with  9 locks,  passes 
round  these  falls  on  the  west  side. 

Col.  Benjamin  Bellows  was  one  of 
the  first  settlers  of  this  town,  in 
1749.  He  was  a man  of  great  en- 
terprise and  bravery.  His  descen- 
dants are  numerous  and  highly  re- 
spectable. 

Bellows’  Falls  village,  is  in 
Rockingham,  Vt.,  opposite  toDrews- 
ville. 

Walpole,  Mass. 

Norfolk  co.  This  town  is  finely 
watered  by  three  branches  of  the 
Neponset  which  meet  at  this  place. 
The  face  of  the  town  is  rough,  but 
capable  of  producing  good  crops. 

There  are  three  cotton,  two  wool- 
en and  two  paper  mills  in  the  town, 
and  manufactures  of  iron  castings, 
hoes,  hats,  leather,  straw  bonnets, 
and  twine  : total  value,  the  year 
ending  April  1,  1837,  $240,364. 
This  pleasant  and  flourishing  town 
was  taken  from  Dedham  in  1724. 
Population,  1837,1,592.  It  is  20 
miles  S.  W.  from  Boston,  10  S.  W. 
from  Dedham,  and  21  N.  by  W. 
from  Providence,  R.  I. 

Waltham,  Me. 

Hancock  co.  Population,  1837, 
207.  Wheat  crop,  same  year,  356 
bushels.  See  “ Down  East.” 

Waltham,  Vt. 

Addison  co.  Buck  mountain  lies 
near  the  centre  of  this  town,  and  as 
it  is  the  highest  land  in  the  county, 
west  of  the  Green  mountains,  its 
summit  exhibits  a good  view  of  a 
delightful  section  of  country. 

Waltham  lies  on  the  east  side  of 
Otter  Creek,  which  separates  it  from 
Panton.  Otter  Creek,  at  this  place, 
is  sluggish  in  its  course,  and  affords 
no  mill  privileges.  The  soil  is  gen- 
erally good ; that  along  the  stream 
is  excellent.  The  number  of  sheep 
in  Waltham,  in  1S37,  was  3,890. 
Population,  1830,  330.  It  is  9 miles 
N.  W.  from  Middlebury,  and  24  S. 
from  Burlington. 


Waltham,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  This  is  one  of  the 
many  beautiful  towns  which  environ 
the  capitol  of  New  England.  It  is 
10  miles  W.  by  N.  from  Boston,  and 
9 S E.  from  Concord.  It  was  in- 
corporated in  1737.  Population, 
1830,  1,859;  1837,  2,287. 

The  surface  is  moderately  level, 
with  some  elevations.  “ Prospect 
Hill,”  470  feet  above  the  level  of 
the  sea,  presents  a delightful  view 
of  Boston,  its  harbor,  and  the  adja- 
cent towns  and  country.  The  soil 
is  generally  not  very  fertile,  but  is 
rendered  productive  by  industry. 
“Waltham  Plain”  is  a beautiful 
tract  of  land,  under  a high  state  of 
cultivation.  It  is  about  two  and  a 
half  miles  in  length,  and  a mile  in 
width.  On  the  road  over  this  plain 
is  a continuous  village,  containing 
many  handsome  dwellings  and  beau- 
tiful gardens  ; among  the  number, 
that  of  the  Hon.  Theodore  Lyman 
is  pre-eminently  beautiful.  Mr. 
Lyman’s  garden,  of  many  acres  in 
extent,  decorated  with  almost  every 
variety  of  fruit  tree,  shrub  and 
flower,  both  native  and  exotic,  is 
probably  unsurpassed,  in  costliness 
and  splendor,  by  any  private  estab- 
lishment of  the  kind  in  the  United 
States. 

In  this  town  the  first  cotton  mill, 
on  an  extensive  scale, was  erected, 
in  1814.  The  capital  of  the  compa- 
ny was  $600,000.  By  extraordinary 
skill  and  good  management,  through 
all  the  various  commercial  changes, 
this  establishment  proved  lucrative 
to  the  proprietors  and  highly  bene- 
ficial to  the  public.  The  waters  of 
Charles  river,  which  glide  through 
the  town,  being  fully  improved, 
the  proprietors  extended  their  man- 
ufacturing operations  at  Lowell. 

There  are  in  Waltham  three  cot- 
ton mills,  a bleachery,  a machine 
shop,  a paper  mill,  and  manufac- 
tures of  boots,  shoes,  hats,  carria- 
gesi  wagons,  chairs,  cabinet  and  tin 
wares : total  value,  the  year  end- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ing  April  1,  1837,  $348,067.  The 
roads  in  this  and  the  neighboring 
towns,  are  uncommonly  excellent. 
Perhaps  in  no  section  of  country 
in  the  world,  are  the  roads  better 
than  within  10  miles  of  Boston. 

WardsDorougli,  Vfc. 

Windham  co.  This  town  is  15 
miles  N.  W.  from  Brattleborough, 
20  N.  E.  from  Bennington,  and  10 
N.  W.  fromNewfane.  It  was  first 
settled  in  1780.  Population,  1830, 
1,148. 

The  surface  of  the  town  is  hilly, 
and  in  some  parts  rocky  : the  soil  is 
hard,  but  rendered  productive  by 
the  industry  of  its  people.  Wards- 
borough  is  watered  by  West  river, 
and  contains  a number  of  minerals, 
of  which  tremolite  and  zoisite  are 
the  most  important,  and  of  which 
fine  specimens  are  found.  There 
are  some  mills  in  the  town,  but  the 
water  power  is  not  extensive. 

Ware  River,  Mass* 

Branches  of  this  large  and  pow- 
erful mill  stream  rise  in  Hubbards- 
ton,  Barre  and  Oakham.  It  passes 
through  Hardwick,  New  Braintree 
and  Ware,  and  joins  the  Chickopee 
at  Palmer. 

Ware,  Mass. 

Hampshire  co.  Ware  possesses 
an  admirable  water  power  by  Ware 
and  Swift  rivers.  The  surface  of 
the  town  is  rough  and  hilly,  and  the 
soil  more  fit  for  grazing  than  tillage. 
In  1837,  there  were  1,380  sheep  in 
the  town:  value  of  wool,  $1,667. 

Ware  i3  66  miles  W.  by  S.  from 
Boston,  22  E.  by  S.  from  Northamp- 
ton, and  23  N.  E.  from  Springfield. 
Incorporated,  1761.  Population, 
1830,  2,045;  1837,2,403. 

Ware  contains  a beautiful  village 
which  commands  an  active  and 
flourishing  trade.  There  are  two 
cotton  and  two  woolen  mills  in  the 
town,  and  manufactures  of  boots, 
shoes,  leather,  hats,  tin  ware,  straw 
bonnets,  palm-leaf  hats,  augers, 

37* 


sheet  iron,  starch,  carriages,  har- 
nesses, and  boxes  : total  value,  the 
year  ending  April  1, 1837, $645, 121. 

Wareham,  Mass. 

Plymouth  co.  The  surface  of 
this  town  is  generally  level,  with 
a light,  sandy  soil,  not  very  produc- 
tive. It  is  favorably  situated  for 
manufacturing  purposes,  being  wa- 
tered by  two  fine  mill  streams,  and 
for  ship  building,  the  fishery,  and 
foreign  and  domestic  commerce, 
having  a number  of  good  harbors 
at  the  head  of  Buzzard’s  bay. 

Wareham  lies  50  miles  S.  S.  E. 
from  Boston,  16  S.  from  Plymouth, 
and  15  E.  N.  E.  from  New  Bedford. 
It  was  incorporated  in  1739.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  1,885;  1837,  2,166. 

There  are  in  this  town  six  nail  fac- 
tories, six  air  and  cupola  furnaces, 
two  rolling  mills,  2 cotton  mills, 
a paper  mill,  and  manufactures  of 
vessels,  salt,  nail  casks,  chairs, 
cabinet  ware,  leather,  boots,  shoes, 
&c. : the  total  value  of  these  man- 
ufactures, the  year  ending  April  1, 
1837,  was  $1,260,637.  The  num- 
ber of  hands  employed  in  these  man- 
ufactures, was  632.  One  whale 
ship,  of  374  tons,  belongs  to  this 
place  : the  cargo  of  oil,  in  1837, 
amounted  to  $78,286. 

In  1836,  there  arrived  and  clear- 
ed at  Wareham,  2 ships,  7 brigs,  86 
schooners,  and  193  sloops  : aggre* 
gate  tonnage,  20,140  tons.  During 
that  year  there  were  exported  from 
this  place  7,107  tons  of  nails,  421 
tons  of  iron  hoops,  1,969  tons  of 
hollow  ware,  144  tons  of  iron  cast- 
ings, 98  tons  of  nail  rods,  386  doz- 
en of  shovels,  and  4,180  bushels 
of  salt.  The  number  of  tons  of 
manufactured  iron,  exported  that 
year,  was  9,765. 

Warner,  N.  II. 

Merrimack  co.  This  town  is 
bound  N.  by  Sutton  and  Salisbury, 
E.  by  Boscawen,  S.  by  Hopkinton 
and  Hennikeh,  and  W.  by  Brad- 
ford. The  distance  of  Warner 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


from  Hopkinton  is  8 miles,  and  from 
Concord,  15.  It  is  watered  by  War- 
ner river,  a handsome  stream,  which 
rises  in  the  Sunapee  mountain  in 
Newbury.  It  passes  through  Brad- 
ford, enters  Warner  at  the  N.  W. 
corner,  and  running,  in  an  E.  and 
S.  E.  direction,  divides  the  town 
into  nearly  two  equal  parts,  and 
falls  into  Contoocook  river  in  Hop- 
kinton. The  lands,  though  broken, 
have,  in  general  a good  soil.  Mink 
hills  lie  in  the  W.  part,  and  furnish 
fine  orchards  and  good  pasturage. 
There  are  four  ponds,  viz : Tom, 
Bear,  Bagley  and  Pleasant  ponds. 
Pleasant  pond,  the  waters  of  which 
are  clear  and  cold,  deep,  and  of  a 
greenish  cast,  has  no  visible  outlet 
or  inlet,  and  overflows  its  banks  in 
the  driest  seasons. 

This  town  was  granted  in  1735, 
by  the  general  court  of  Massachu- 
setts, to  Dea.  Thomas  Stevens  and 
others.  It  was  incorporated  in  ,1774, 
by  the  name  of  Warner.  The  first 
settlement  was  made  in  1762,  by 
David  Annis  and  his  son-in-law, 
Reuben  Kimball,  whose  son  Daniel 
was  the  first  child  born  in  town. 
Population,  1830,  2,221. 

The  following  account  of  a terri- 
ble tornado,  in  this  section  of  coun- 
try, is  by  the  Rev.  John  Woods, 
published  in  Professor  Silliman’s 
Journal,  Yol.  XXXV.— No.  2.— 
January,  1839. 

Mr.  Woods  says,  “ The  event 
occurred  about  half  past  5 o’clock, 
Sunday  evening,  September  9th, 
1821.  The  wind,  I suppose,  was  a 
proper  whirlwind,  precisely  such 
as  occasion  water-spouts  at  sea. 
A very  intelligent  woman  in  War- 
ner, who,  at  a distance  of  two  or 
three  miles,  observed  its  progress, 
compared  its  appearance  to  a tin 
trumpet,  the  small  end  downward, 
also  to  a great  elephant’s  trunk  let 
down  out  of  heaven,  and  moving 
majestically  along.  She  remarked, 
that  its  appearance  and  motion  gave 
her  a strong  impression  of  life. 


When  it  had  reached  the  easterly 
part  of  the  town,  she  said  the  low- 
er end  appeared  to  be  taken  up  from 
the  earth,  and  to  bend  around  in  a 
serpentine  form,  until  it  passed  be- 
hind a black  cloud  and  disappeared. 
Its  course  was  southeasterly.  It 
was  attended  with  but  little  rain  in 
some  parts  of  its  course,  more  in 
others.  The  rain,  or  what  appear- 
ed like  it,  was  in  my  opinion  taken 
from  bodies  of  water  which  it  pass- 
ed over.  It  was  said,  that  it  low- 
ered the  water  in  a small  pond  in 
Warner,  about  three  .feet.  To  peo- 
ple near  Sunapee  lake,  in  New 
London,  I was  told,  it  appeared  as 
if  the  lake  was  rushing  up  towards 
heaven.  The  appearance  of  the 
cloud  to  beholders  at  a little  dis- 
tance, was  awfully  terrific.  It 
commenced  its  desolating  progress 
east  of  Grantham  mountain,  in 
Croydon.  In  Wendell,  beside  oth- 
er buildings,  it  demolished  a dwell- 
ing house,  and  carried  a child  who 
was  asleep  upon  a bed,  into  Suna- 
pee lake.  In  New  London  and 
Suttomit  did  considerable  damage, 
but  met  with  few  dwelling  houses 
and  destroyed  no  lives.  From  Sut- 
ton it  passed  over  the  southwest 
branch  or  spur  of  Kearsarge  moun- 
tain, with  a gore  of  land  belonging 
to  Warner,  called  Kearsarge  gore. 
At  the  foot  of  this  mountain,  it  en- 
tirely demolished  five  barns,  un- 
roofed another,  and  utterly  destroy- 
ed two  dwelling  houses  and  so  rent 
another  as  to  render  it  irrepara- 
ble. 

“ The  houses  wholly  destroyed 
belonged  to  two  brothers,  Robert 
and  Daniel  Savary.  They  contain- 
ed fourteen  persons.  In  the  house 
of  the  latter  were  their  aged  par- 
ents, seventy  years  old,  I should 
think,  or  upwards.  The  old  gen- 
tlemen, as  he  saw  the  cloud  com- 
ing, went  into  a chamber  to  close 
a window,  and  was  there  when  the 
wind  struck  the  house.  He  was 
carried  four  or  five  rods,  dashed 
upon  the  rock,  and  instantly  killed. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


A part  of  his  brain  was  left  upon 
the  rock  where  he  fell.  His  wife 
was  very  badly  wounded,  and  it  was 
thought  would  not  recover.  A 
child  of  Daniel  Savary,  in  the  same 
house,  was  also  killed.  In  the 
house  of  Robert  Savary,  several 
were  much  wounded  and  bruised, 
but  no  lives  lost.  The  houses  and 
barns  and  other  buildings  at  this 
place  were  not  only  levelled  with 
the  foundation,  but  the  materials 
and  contents  were  dashed  in  ten 
thousand  pieces,  and  scattered  in 
every  direction.  Carts,  wagons, 
sleighs,  ploughs,  and  sleds  which 
were  new  and  strong,  (one  ox-sled, 
I recollect,  was  entirely  new,) 
were  carried  to  a considerable  dis- 
tance— from  twenty  to  sixty  rods — 
and  so  broken  and  shattered  as  to  be 
fit  only  for  fuel.  Stone  walls  were 
levelled,  and  rocks,  weighing  two, 
three,  or  four  hundred  pounds,  were 
turned  out  of  their  beds,  apparent- 
ly by  the  bare  force  of  the  wind. 
Large  logs,  also,  two  feet  or  more 
in  diameter,  which  were  bedded  in- 
to the  ground, and  were  fifty  or  sixty 
feet  long,  were  not  sufficiently 
weighty  to  retain  their  location. 
In  one  instance  I recollect  to  have 
seen  one  large  log  lying  upon  an- 
other in  such  a condition,  that  it 
was  thought  by  good  judges,  that 
ten  yoke  of  oxen  could  not  have 
moved  the  lower  one  from  its  bed ; 
but  both  were  removed  by  the 
wind  several  feet.  An  elm  tree 
near  where  old  Mr.  Savary  fell, 
which  was  one  foot  at  least  in  di- 
ameter, and  too  strongly  rooted  to 
yield,  was  twisted  like  a withe  to 
the  ground,  and  lay  prostrate  across 
the  path  like  a wilted  weed.  Not 
an  apple  or  forest  tree  was  left 
standing.  One  barn  was  seen  to  be 
taken  up  whole,  with  its  contents 
of  hay,  grain,  &c.  After  being 
carried  several  rods,  it  came  to 
pieces,  and  flew  like  feathers  in 
every  direction. 

From  the  neighborhood  of  the 
Savarys,  it  passed  over  another  spur 


of  the  mountain,  and  fell  with  great 
violence  on  the  buildings  of  Peter 
Flanders  and  Joseph  True.  Their 
houses,  which  were  but  a few  rods 
distant,  one  in  Warner,  the  other  in 
Salisbury,  were  utterly  demolished. 
In  Mr.  F.’s  house  were  nine  per- 
sons, two  of  whom  were  instantly 
killed.  Mr.  F.  and  wife  were  very 
badly  wounded,  but  at  length  re- 
covered. In  Mr.  T.’s  house  were 
7,  all  of  whom  were  most  wonder- 
fully preserved,  except  that  2 chil- 
dren, 10  or  12  years  old,  were  bad- 
ly burnt  by  hot  bricks,  the  oven 
having  been  heated  and  the  bread 
then  in  it ; one  of  whom  lingered 
several  weeks  in  extreme  suffer- 
ing and  then  died.  The  father  and 
mother  of  Mrs.  T.,  who  lived  about 
half  a mile  distant,  were  visiting 
there.  They  had  just  left  the  tea 
table.  Mr.  T.  and  his  father-in-law 
went  out  at  the  door  and  saw  the 
cloud,  but  thought  at  first  they 
were  so  under  the  hill  it  would  pass 
harmless  over  them.  But  they 
were  soon  convinced  that  its  track 
was  marked  with  desolation.  Mr. 
T.  just  gave  an  alarm  to  his  family, 
then  ran  under  the  end  of  his  shop, 
which  happened  to  stand  beyond 
the  violence  of  the  wind  so  as  not 
to  be  demolished.  His  father-in- 
law,  (Jones,)  stood  his  ground  un- 
til the  wind  struck  the  barn,  a few 
rods  to  the  northwest  of  him,  and 
he  saw  the  fragments  of  it  flying 
thick  in  the  air  over  his  head.  He 
then  threw  himself  flat  upon  the 
ground  by  a heavy  pile  of  wood. 
Instantly  a rafter  fell  endwise  close 
by  him,  entering  the  ground  a foot 
or  two  in  depth,  and  immediately 
a beam  grazed  down  upon  the  raf- 
ter and  lay  at  his  feet.  He  and 
Mr.  T.  were  entirely  unharmed. 
In  a moment  they  saw,  instead  of  a 
new  and  strong  and  very  comforta- 
ble dwelling  house,  a perfect  desola- 
tion. Not  even  a sill  remained  up- 
on its  foundation.  Even  the  cellar 
stairs,  and  the  hearths,  which  were 
of  tile  or  brick  eight  inches  square, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


were  taken  up  and  removed.  The 
bricks  of  the  chimney  lay  scattered 
along,  partly  covering  Mrs.  T.,  and 
covering  to  a considerable  depth 
two  of  the  children.  Mrs.  T.  was 
soon  taken  up  with  but  little  inju- 
ry. The  shrieks  and  cries  of  the 
two  children,  under  a weight  of 
hot  bricks,  next  pierced  the  heart 
of  their  father.  In  removing  them, 
he  burnt  his  hands  to  the  bone. 
They  were  at  length  taken  out 
alive,  but  in  a state  of  great  suffer- 
ing, one  of  whom,  as  I have  men- 
tioned, after  a few  weeks,  died. 
All  were  now  found  but  the  babe, 
about  one  year  old.  Supposing  it 
to  be  under  the  bricks,  Mr.  T.  re- 
newed his  labor  ; but  soon  it  was 
heard  to  cry  in  the  direction  of  the 
wind.  Such  as  could  run,  ran  in 
search  of  it,  and  soon  found  it  ly- 
ing safe  upon  the  ground  beneath 
a sleigh  bottom,  10  or  15  rods  from 
where  the  house  had  stood.  When 
the  wind  came,  the  sleigh  was  in 
the  barn,  six  or  eight  rods  north  or 
northwesterly  from  the  house.  The 
‘two  last  mentioned  houses  were 
one  story,  well  built,  and  well  fur- 
nished dwellings.  Their  materials 
were  not  merely  separated,  but 
broken,  splintered,  reduced  to  kind- 
ling wood,  and  scattered  like  the 
chaff  of  the  summer  thrashing 
floors.  It  was  the  same  with  fur- 
niture, beds,  bedding,  bureaus, 
chairs,  tables,  and  the  like.  A loom 
was,  to  appearance,  carried  whole 
about  forty  rods,  and  then  dashed 
in  pieces.  The  width  of  the  deso- 
lation here  was  about  twenty  or 
twenty-five  rods.  On  the  higher 
grounds  over  which  it  passed  it 
was  forty,  fifty,  or  sixty  rods.  The 
deeper  the  valley,  the  narrower 
and  more  violent  was  the  current. 
From  the  last  mentioned  neighbor- 
hood it  passed  on  to  the  east  part 
of  Warner,  but  met  with  no  other 
dwelling  houses,  and  did  but  little 
damage,  except  to  fences  and  for- 
ests. The  appearance  of  the  ground 
where  it  passed,  was  as  if  a migh- 


ty torrent  had  swept  over  it,  up 
hill  as  well  as  down.  Near 
the  boundary,  between  Warner 
and  Boscawen,  the  desolation  ceas- 
ed. It  was  taken  up-from  the  earth, 
but  spruce  floor  boards,  which 
were  taken  from  New  London, 
were  borne  upon  its  bosom  and 
dropped  in  the  Shaker  village  in 
Canterbury,  a distance  of  about 
thirty  miles.  In  following  its  track 
in  Kearsarge  gore,  I came  to  a 
considerable  stream  of  water,  across 
which  had  been  a bridge,  covered 
with  large  oak  logs,  split  in  the 
middle,  instead  of  planks.  These 
half  logs  were  scattered  in  every 
direction,  some  carried,  I should 
think,  ten  rods  in  the  direction  from 
which  the  wind  came,  others  sixty 
rods  in  the  direction  it  went,  and 
others  were  dropped  near  the  mar- 
gin at  the  right  and  left. 

One  remarkable  fact  is,  that  the 
same  day,  and  about  the  same  time 
in  the  day,  two  other  similar  whirl- 
winds were  experienced,  which 
moved  in  nearly  parallel  lines,  one 
passing  through  Warwick,  Mass., 
and  the  other  about  the  same  dis- 
tance to  the  northeast.” 

Warren,  Me. 

One  of  the  county  towns  of  Lin- 
coln county.  This  town  is  situated 
on  both  sides  of.  St.  Georges’  river,  at 
the  head  of  the  tide  waters,  and  is 
bounded  N.  by  Union,  S.  by  Camp- 
den  and  Thomaston,  S.  by  Cushing, 
and  W.  by  Waldoborough.  Incor- 
porated, 1776.  Population,  1830, 
2,030  ; 1837,  2,143.  ' It  is  34  miles 
S.  E.  from  Augusta. 

The  location  of  this  town  is  very 
favorable  for  manufactures  and 
navigation.  The  lumber  business 
is  not  so  large  as  formerly,  yet  con- 
siderable quantities  are  now  sawed 
and  shipped.  Ship  building  is  an 
important  branch  of  business,  and 
the  manufacture  of  lime,  from  a 
superior  quality  of  limestone,  with 
which  this  section  of  country 
abounds,  is  carried  on  extensively. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


and  is  annually  increasing.  The 
village  is  well  located  and  pleasant : 
it  contains  a well  conducted  acade- 
my or  high  school,  for  youth  of 
both  sexes;  in  which  all  the  lan- 
guages and  other  branches  of  edu- 
cation may  be  obtained,  and  such 
as  are  necessary  to  prepare  them 
for  future  usefulness  in  society. 

Warren,  N.  II. 

Grafton  co.  This  town  is  10  miles 
S.  E.  from  Haverhill  corner,  and  63 
N.  by  W.  from  Concord.  It  is  wa- 
tered by  the  N.  branch  of  Baker’s 
river,  which  has  its  source  on  the 
E.  side  of  Moosehillock  mountain. 
It  passes  in  aN.  direction  to  Went- 
worth, and,  near  the  S.  line  of  War- 
ren, furnishes  several  valuable  mill 
seats.  The  S.  E.  part  presents  a 
mountainous  aspect,  having  a large 
portion  of  Carr’s  mountain  on  its 
southeastern  border.  Warren  was 
granted  by  charter,  in  1763.  Popu- 
lation, in  1830,  702. 

Warren,  Vt. 

Washington  co.  This  town  was 
first  settled  about  the  year  1797,  by 
Samuel  Lard  and  Seth  Leavitt.  It 
lies  16  miles  S.  W.  from  Montpe- 
lier, and  31  S.  E.  from  Burlington. 
Population,  1330,  766.  This  town 
is  watered  by  Mad  river,  and“al- 
though  between  the  two  Green 
mountain  ranges,  the  surface  is  not 
much  broken;  it  has  some  good  mill 
sites,  and  some  mechanical  opera- 
tions by  water.  Many  cattle  are 
reared  in  the  town,  and  about  4,000 
sheep  are  kept. 

Warren,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  town  was 
called  Western  from  1741  to  1834. 
It  lies  60  miles  W.  by  S.  from  Bos- 
ton, and  23  W.  S.W  from  Worcester. 
Population,  1837,  1,196.  It  is  wa- 
tered by  Chickopee  river,  and  con- 
tains one  cotton  and  two  woolen 
mills,  a scythe  factory  and  manu- 
factures of  palm-leaf  hats.  The 
value  of  goods  annually  made  in 


the  town,  is  about  $75,000.  A large 
portion  of  the  lands  in  Warren  are 
uneven  and  hilly,  but  the  soil  is 
warm,  and  favorable  to  the  growth 
of  grain,  and  the  support  of  sheep, 
of  which  1,110  were  kept  in  1837. 
The  village  is  quite  pleasant. 

Warren,  R.  I. 

Bristol  co.  This  small  town,  com- 
prising an  area  of  only  about  2,600 
acres,  is  situated  on  the  E.  side  of 
Narragansetbay,  and  is  bounded  N. 
and  W.  by  Palmer  or  Warren  river, 
E.  by  Massachusetts,  and  S.  by 
Bristol.  It  is  11  miles  S.  E.  from 
Providence,  and  19  N.  by  E.  from 
Newport.  Incorporated,  1746.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  1,800. 

The  surface  of  Warren  is  undu- 
lating, with  a soil  of  rich  mould, 
very  fertile  and  productive.  Great 
attention  is  paid  in  this  place  to  ag- 
riculture, and  particularly  to  horti- 
culture ; and  all  the  varieties  of 
fruits  and  culinary  vegetables  are 
produced  in  abundance  and  perfec- 
tion. Warren  has  a safe  and  com- 
modious harbor  for  vessels  of  300 
tons  burthen : a number  of  vessels 
are  owned  here,  engaged  in  foreign 
commerce,  the  coasting  trade  and 
fishery.  Ship  building  has  been 
pursued  here  to  a great  extent,  and 
some  vessels  are  now  built,  but  not 
so  many  as  formerly.  This  place 
has  produced  a great  number  of  ex- 
cellent sailors  and  ship  masters,  as 
well  as  ship  builders. 

The  village  is  delightfully  situa- 
ted on  a rise  of  ground  fronting  the 
harbor:  it  is  neatly  built,  and  is 
surrounded  by  a variety  of  interest- 
ing scenery.  This  town  is  noted 
for  the  healthiness  of  its  climate, 
and  the  longevity  of  its  inhabitants 
In  1834,  there  were  only  19  deaths 
in  the  town,  and  the  average  age 
of  7 of  those  was  85  years.  War- 
ren is  a fine  resort  in  summer,  and  is 
much  frequented. 

Warren,  Ct. 

Litchfield  co.  Warren  was  taken 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


from  Kent,  in  1786.  It  is  bounded 
on  the  E.  by  Litchfield,  and  is  38 
miles  W.  from  Hartford.  The  town 
is  watered  by  Shepaug  river,  a 
branch  of  the  Housatonick,  and  by 
a large  and  handsome  pond,  called 
Raumaug.  Warren  is  hilly  and 
rocky,  and  in  some  parts  mountain- 
ous. It  however  produces  butter, 
cheese,  beef,  pork,  some  grain,  and 
considerable  wool.  Population,  in 
1830,  986. 

Warwick,  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  This  town  is  ele- 
vated, and  contains  Mount  Grace, 
from  which  a delightful  prospect  is 
presented.  The  soil  is  strong,  warm, 
and  produces  excellent  pasturage. 
There  are  no  considerable  streams 
in  the  town,  and  its  manufactures 
consist  only  of  leather,  scythes  and 
palm-leaf  hats.  Moose  pond,  a 
pleasant  sheet  of  water,  furnishes 
an  abundance  of  fine  trout,  picker- 
el and  perch. 

Warwick  was  incorporated  in 
1763.  Population,  1837,  1,111.  It 
is  78  miles  W.  N W.  from  Boston, 
and  14  E.  by  N.  from  Greenfield. 

Warwick,  II.  I. 

Kent  co.  This  important  town, 
the  Indian  Shawomet,  is  situated 
©n  t'he  W.  side  of  Narraganset  bay, 
5 miles  S.  from  Providence.  Pop- 
ulation, 1820,  3,443  ; 1830,  5,529. 
It  contains  an  area  of  54  square 
miles.  The  surface  of  the  town, 
along  the  bay,  is  generally  level, 
but  the  westerly  part  is  hilly,  so 
much  so  that-  from  some  of  the  el- 
evations, a large  part  of  the  state 
may  be  seen  in  a clear  day.  The 
prevailing  soil  is  a gravelly  loam, 
strong,  and  productive  of  grain, 
grass,  fruits  and  vegetables.  The 
town  is  well  supplied  with  a great 
variety  of  fish,  and  forests  of  wal- 
nut, oak  and  chesnut. 

Pawtuxet  river  washes  the  north- 
ern part  of  the  town,  and  meets 
the  waters  of  the  Narraganset  at 
this  place,  separating  Warwick  from 


Cranston.  An  arm  of  the  bay  ex- 
tends westward,  giving  to  Warwick 
and  East  Greenwich  a number  of 
excellent  harbors.  Vessels  of  50 
tons  burthen  pass  to  the  flourishing 
village  of  Apponaug,  between  4 
and  5 miles  from  the  bay.  This  vil- 
lage is  pleasantly  located,  10  miles 
S.  from  Providence,  and  is  the  site 
of  considerable  enterprize  in  ship 
building,  the  fishery,  and  the  coast- 
ing trade. 

Pawtuxet  village  is  at  the  mouth 
of  Pawtuxet  river,  a port  of  entry, 
and  lays  partly  in  Warwick,  and 
partly  in  Cranston.  This  beautiful 
village,  5 miles  S.  from  Providence, 
is  celebrated  for  its  great  hydraul- 
ic power  on  navigable  waters.  War- 
wick is  eminently  distinguished  as 
a manufacturing  town  ; but  all  we 
can  at  present  state  is,  that  but  ve- 
ry few  villages  in  our  country  can 
boast  of  a more  valuable  manufac- 
turing interest,  particularly  in  cot- 
ton goods.  As  early  as  1822,  there 
were  15  cotton  and  2 woolen  mills 
in  Warwick. 

Warwick  is  the  birth  place  of  two 
distinguished  patriots  and  warriors. 

Col.  Christopher  Green  was 
born  in  1737.  He  was  in  the  ill- 
fated  attack  upon  Quebec,  in  which 
the  brave  Montgomery  fell.  He 
was  afterwards  selected  by  Wash- 
ington to  take  charge  of  Fort  Mer- 
cer, or  Red  Bank,  N.  J.  For  his 
gallant  defence  of  that  Fort  against 
a superior  force,  in  1777,  he  ac- 
quired the  reputation  of  a brave, 
judicious  and  faithful  officer.  He 
was  assassinated  in  the  most  bru 
tal  manner,  in  1781,  by  a party 
of  American  royalists,  while  sta- 
tioned on  the  border  of  Croton  river, 
New  York. 

Major  General  Nathaniel 
Green  was  born  in  1741.  He  died 
in  Georgia,  in  1786.  General  Green 
early  received  the  particular  favor 
of  Washington.  This  favor  was 
continued  throughout  the  war,  and 
was  strengthened  by  his  ardent 
patriotism;,  undaunted  courage,  pru- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


dence,  and  superior  military  know- 
ledge. 

“ Within  a mile  from  the  village 
of  Apponaug  may  be  seen  a huge 
rock,  so  completely  balanced  upon 
another,  and  its  equilibrium  so  ex- 
act, that  a boy  14  years  of  age  may 
set  it  in  such  motion  that  the  contact 
or  collision  caused  thereby,  produ- 
ces a sound  somewhat  like  that  of 
a drum,  but  more  sonorous,  which 
in  a still  evening  may  be  heard  a 
distance  of  6 or  8 miles.  Hence, 
from  time  immemorial,  it  has  gone 
by  the  name  of  the  Drum  Rock. 
From  the  ponderous  weight  of  that 
part  which  is  thus  nicely  balanced, 
it  is  generally  believed  that  no  oth- 
er than  the  hand  of  nature  ever 
could  have  done  it.  Yet  some  are 
inclined  to  believe,  that  it  was  thus 
placed  by  the  herculean  labor  of 
some  tribe  of  the  natives.  There 
remains  no  doubt,  but  that  this  was 
a place  of  their  resort  or  encamp- 
ment ; and  that  the  Drum  Rock 
served  them  either  to  give  an  alarm 
in  case  of  danger,  or  to  call  the  tribe 
together  from  their  daily  avocations. 
This  rock  is  considered  as  a great 
curiosity,  excites  much  attention, 
and  consequently  is  at  the  present 
day  a place  of  much  resort,  par- 
ticularly in  the  pleasant  season  of 
the  year.’  "" 

Washington  County,  Me. 

Machias  is  the  shire  town.  This 
county  is  of  a singular  form.  It 
extends  from  the  Atlantic  ocean  to 
the  border  of  Lower  Canada,  a dis- 
tance of  more  than  3 1-2  degrees 
of  latitude.  Its  interior  part,  for 
more  than  175  miles,  is  but  14  miles 
in  breadth  : that  part  near  the  sea 
is  about  50  miles  in  width.  This 
territory  is  bounded  N.w  by  Lower 
Canada,  E.  by  New  Brunswick,  S. 
by  the  ocean,  and  W.  by  the  coun- 
ties of  Hancock  and  Penobscot.  It 
contains  an  area  of  about  4,150 
square  miles.  About  a third  part 
of  this  county  may  be  said  to  be 
settled  ; the  residue  is  a densely 


wooded  wilderness.  The  charac- 
ter of  the  surface  and  soil  of  this 
county,  is  much  the  same  as  that 
of  the  adjacent  counties  of  Han- 
cock and  Penobscot.  In  common 
with  all  the  Atlantic  counties  in 
Maine,  Washington  county  possess- 
es its  numerous  bays,  inlets,  capa- 
cious harbors,  and  pleasant  islands, 
so  admirably  adapted  to  foreign  and 
domestic  commerce,  the  fisheries 
and  ship  building. 

The  St.  Croix  is  its  most  impor- 
tant river.  The  banks  of  this  no- 
ble stream  are  rapidly  settling,  by 
Yankees  on  one  side  and  English- 
men on  the  other;  and  long  may  it 
be  a channel,  not  only  of  individu- 
al and  national  wealth,  but  of  “ good 
nature  and  good  humor,  between 
people,  who,  though  under  different 
governments,  have  the  same  lan- 
guage, a similar  religion,  a kindred 
blood.” 

The  tonnage  of  the  two  districts 
in  this  county,  Machias  and  Passa- 
maquoddy,  in  1837,  was  19,072  tons. 
In  1837,  the  number  of  sheep  in 
the  county  was  19,008 : the  same 
year  it  produced  27,014  bushels  of 
wheat.  The  population  of  the  coun- 
ty in  1820,  was  12,744 ; in  1830, 
21,294;  and  in  1837,  28,495:  in- 
crease in  7 years, 34  pr.  ct.,  and  in  17 
years,  123  pr.  ct.  Pop.  to  sq.  m.,7. 

Washington,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  This  town  contains 
several  ponds,  and  some  branches 
of  the  Damariscotta  and  Mus- 
congus  rise  here.  It  lies  35  miles 
E.  from  Augusta,  and  25  N.  N.  E. 
from  Wiscasset.  Population  1837, 
1,378.  Wheat  crop,  same  year, 
2,269  bushels.  Incorporated,  1811. 
It  was  formerly  called  Putnam. 

Washington,  H.  H., 

Sullivan  co.,  lies,  22  miles  N. 
N.  E.  from  Keene,  20  E.  by  S.  from 
Charlestown,  and  35  W.  from  Con- 
cord. This  #town  is  hilly,  but  not 
mountainous.  Lovewell’s  moun- 
tain, so  called  from  Capt.  Love- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


well’s  killing  7 Indians  near  it,  is 
ol  a conical  shape,  about  3-4  of  a 
mile  in  diameter,  and  may  be  seen 
at  a considerable  distance.  Wash- 
ington abounds  with  springs,  rivu- 
lets, and  natural  ponds,  of  the  last 
of  which,  there  are  no  less  than  16, 
and  some  of  them  of  considerable 
magnitude.  Island  pond,  so  called 
from  its  being  full  of  islands,  is  2 ! 
miles  long,  and  1 1-2  wide.  Half 
moon  pond  is  1 1-2  miles  in  length. 
Ashuelot  pond  is  1 1-2  miles  long, 
and  1 mile  wide,  and  is  the  source 
of  one  of  the  principal  branches  of 
Ashuelot  river.  Brockway’s  pond, 
a beautiful  sheet  of  water,  lying  on 
a white  sand,  is  1 mile  long  and  1-2 
a mile  wide.  Long  pond,  lying  in 
this  town  and  Stoddard,  is  5 miles  in 
length.  These  ponds  abound  with 
a variety  of  fish.  A branch  of 
Contoocook  river  has  its  source  from 
several  small  ponds  in  the  E.  part 
of  the  town.  The  soil  is  generally 
deep  and  moist,  better  for  grass  than 
tillage.  Washington  was  settled 
in  1768.  It  was  first  called  Monad- 
nock , J\To.  8.  From  its  settlement, 
it  was  called  Camden,  till  Decem- 
ber 13,  1776,  when  it  was  incorpo- 
rated by  its  present  name.  The 
first  settlers  had  150  acres  of  land 
each  for  settling.  Population,  in 
1830,  1,135. 

Washington  County,  Vt. 

Montpelier  is  the  chief  town. 
This  county  is  nearly  in  the  centre 
of  the  state,  and  the  principal  part 
of  it  lies  between  the  two  ranges 
of  the  Green  Mountains.  It  is 
bounded  N.  by  Lamoille  and  parts 
of  Chittenden  and  Caledonia  coun- 
ties, E.  by  Caledonia  county,  S.  by 
Orange  and  Addison,  and  W.  by 
Addison,  and  Chittenden,  counties. 
It  was  incorporated  in  1810,  by  the 
name  of  Jefferson,  and  took  its  pres- 
ent name  in  1814.  The  county  is 
finely  wd^ered  by  its  chief  river, 
the  Winooski,  or  Onion,  and  many 
of  its  important  branches.  These 
streams  afford  the  county  an  abun- 


dant water  power,  and  manufac- 
turing establishments  increase  and 
flourish  in  this  mountainous  region. 

The  surface  of  the  county  is 
uneven,  hilly,  and  in  some  parts 
mountainous,  but  there  is  much 
valuable  land  along  the  streams, 
which  in  many  parts  are  sluggish, 
and  form  large  tracts  of  excellent 
i intervale.  The  agricultural  pro- 
ductions consist  of  neat  cattle,  hors- 
es, hogs,  wool,  and  of  the  produc- 
tions of  the  dairy.  In  1837,  there 
were  60,025  sheep  in  Washington 
county.  There  are  large  bodies  of 
beautiful  granite,  in  the  county, 
and  slate  of  various  kinds.  Popu- 
lation, 1820,  14,113  ; 1830,  21,378. 

Since  1830,  there  have  been  some 
small  changes  in  Washington  coun- 
ty, in  regard  to  territory.  We  will 
thank  any  of  our  Green  Mountain 
friends  to  give  us  all  the  necessary 
information  respecting  it,  for  future 
editions.  The  rail  road  from  Bos- 
ton to  Ogdensburgh  will  probably 
pass  through  this  county,  but  we 
beg  them  not  to  wait  for  that  event. 

Washington,  Vt. 

Orange  co.  Branches  of  Onion, 
Wait’s  and  White  rivers  rise  in  this 
town,  but  afford  no  considerable 
water  power.  The  two  former  are 
called  Jail  Branches,  from  the  cir- 
cumstance that  the  proprietors  were 
required  by  their  charter,  of  1781, 
to  erect  a jail  within  the  limits  of 
the  town,  at  an  early  period.  There 
is  some  excellent  land  along  the 
streams,  and  the  uplands  are  gener- 
ally arable,  and  afford  good  pastu- 
rage. There  is  a neat  village  in 
the  town,  some  trade  and  manufac- 
tures, and  between  3,000  and  4,000 
sheep  are  annually  sheared.  Wash- 
ington is  15  miles  S.'  by  E.  from 
Montpelier,  and  is  bounded  S.  by 
Chelsea.  Population,  1830,  1,374. 

Washington,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  This  mountainous 
town  is  watered  by  branches  of 
Westfield  and  Housatonick  rivers 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


The  soil  is  well  adapted  for  grazing,  j 
In  1837,  5,209  sheep  were  shear- 
ed in  the  town,  producing  15,627 
pounds  of  wool, principally  merino. 
There  is  found  in  this  town  a po- 
rous quartz,  which  is  used  as  buhr 
stones,  for  mill  stones  ; and  is  re- 
markable for  resisting  heat.  Wash- 
ington was  incorporated  in  1777.  It 
is  122  miles  W.  from  Boston,  and  8 
E.  from  Lenox.  Population,  1837, 
75S. 

Washington  County,  R.  I. 

South  Kingston  is  the  shire  town. 
This  is  a maritime  county  situated 
in  the  southwestern  section  of  the 
state ; bounded  on  the  north  by 
Kent  county,  on  the  east  by  Nar- 
raganset  bay,  on  the  south  by  the 
Atlantic  ocean,  and  on  the  west  by 
the  state  of  Connecticut.  The  av- 
erage length  of  the  county,  from 
east  to  west,  is  about  20  miles,  and 
it  has  a mean  breadth  of  more  than 
18  miles,  comprising  about  367 
square  miles.  The  geological  char- 
acter of  this  county  is  primitive  ; 
the  rocks  consist  of  granite  and  oth- 
er original  formations.  The  sur- 
face is  generally  diversified  with 
moderate  hills  and  narrow  dales; 
there  are,  however,  some  consider- 
able eminences  in  the  northwest 
section  of  the  county,  and  some 
flats  of  considerable  extent  in  the 
south  section,  bordering  upon  the 
Atlantic.  The  prevailing  soil  is  a 
primitive  gravelly  loam,  strong  and 
fertile ; there  are  some  considera- 
ble tracts  of  sandy  loam,  and  some 
of  alluvial.  A considerable  section 
of  this  county  was  formerly  called 
the  Narraganset  country,  and  was 
celebrated  for  an  excellent  breed 
of  pacing  horses ; the  other  section 
was  called  the  Shannock  country, 
and  was  equally  distinguished  for 
a valuable  breed  of  neat  cattle. 
This  county  still  maintains  a high 
reputation  as  a grazing  district,  and 
affords  many  extensive  and  valua- 
ble dairies.  But  the  agricultural 
interests  are  not  confined  exclu- 

38 


I sively  to  the  objects  of  the  grazing 
business;  in  some  sections  of  the 
county  considerable  attention  is  paid 
to  the  cultivation  of  grain,  particu- 
larly Indian  corn  and  barley  ; some 
rye  also  is  raised.  The  inhabitants 
are  distinguished  for  their  habits  of 
industry  and  frugality,  and  in  gen- 
eral enjoy  their  necessary  results, 
health  and  competence. 

The  waters  of  the  county  are  ex- 
tensive and  important,  possessing  a 
maritime  border  upon  the  Atlantic 
ocean  and  the  Narraganset  bay,  of 
more  than  50  miles  extent.  There 
are,  however,  but  2 or  3 harbors  ; 
the  principal  of  which  is  Wick  ford, 
in  the  northeastern  section  of  the 
county  ; the  next  most  important  is 
the  Pawcatuck.  The  principal  in- 
terior waters  of  the  county  are  em- 
bodied in  the  Pawcatuck  river, 
which  forms  part  of  the  western 
boundary  of  the  state.  The  prin- 
cipal branches  of  the  Pawcatuck 
are  the  Wood  and  Charles  rivers; 
which,  with  their  tributary  streams, 
water  a large  portion  of  the  west- 
ern section  of  the  county,  and  af- 
ford numerous  sites  for  mills,  and 
other  hydraulic  works. 

There  are,  in  the  county,  several 
salt  and  fresh  water  ponds,  which 
are  Avell  supplied  w ith  fish. 

The  fisheries  of  the  county  are 
extensive  and  valuable,  affording 
employment  to  considerable  indus- 
try, which  is  usually  well  reward- 
ed. The  fish  taken,  not  only  sup- 
ply the  home  consumption,  but  con- 
stitute an  article  of  exportation. 

Although  the  commercial  busi- 
ness carried  on  within  the  county 
is  not  very  considerable,  yet  its 
maritime  situation  has  had  its  nat- 
ural influence  upon  the  habits  of 
the  people  ; a considerable  portion 
of  whom  are  employed  in  seafaring 
business. 

The  manufacturing  interests  of 
the  county  are  considerable,  and 
consist  principally  of  the  woolen 
and  cotton  manufactures,  and  the 
business  of  ship  building.  Besides 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


these,  there  is  considerable  me- 
chanical industry  in  the  other  de- 
partments of  mechanical  business. 

In  1837,  there  were  81,619  sheep 
in  the  county.  Population,  in  1800, 
16,135;  1810,  14,933;  in  1820, 
15,687;  1830,  15,411.  Population 
to  a square  mile,  42.  From  this 
statement  of  the  population,  it  ap- 
pears that  this  county  must  have 
suffered  greatly  by  emigration. 

Washington,  Ct. 

Litchfield  co.  Judea,  the  first 
society  in  this  town,  was  a part  of 
Woodbury  until  1741.  It  was  first 
settled  in  1734.  It  was  incorpora- 
ted as  a town  in  1779. 

This  town  is  40  miles  S.  W.  from 
Hartford,  and  10  S.  W.  from  Litch- 
field. Population,  1830,  986. 

“A  large  part  of  this  town  is  el- 
evated and  mountainous.  Lime- 
stone abounds  in  many  of  the  val- 
leys. Several  quarries  of  marble 
have  been  worked,  from  which  con- 
siderable quantities  have  been  rais- 
ed. Iron  ore  has  been  found  in  va- 
rious places.  Ochre,  fuller’s  earth, 
and  white  clay,  have  also  been 
found.  The  town  is  watered  by 
the  Shepaug  river,  a branch  of  the 
Housatonick,  which  passes  through 
the  whole  length  of  the  town,  di- 
viding it  into  two  nearly  equal  parts. 
The  town  is  divided  into  two  so- 
cieties, Judea  and  New  Preston. 
There  is  in  Judea,  or  Washington 
as  it  is  called,  about  two  miles  S. 
W.  of  the  centre  of  the  town,  a 
place  called  “ Steep  Rock.”  From 
the  top  of  this  eminence,  which  is 
easy  of  access,  the  beholder  has 
one  of  the  most  interesting  and 
beautiful  prospects  in  the  state. 
The  scene  presents  an  area  in  the 
form  of  an  amphitheatre,  the  sides 
of  which  are  covered  with  a dense 
forest.  The  Shepaug  river  is  seen 
flowing  in  a beautiful  circle  at  the 
base  of  the  bluff*.  Within  the  cir- 
cle of  the  river,  there  are  several 
cultivated  fields,  affording  a beauti- 
ful landscape  to  the  beholder. 


“ This  town  has  been  the  theatre 
of  one  of  the  most  atrocious  mur- 
ders ever  committed  iu  New  Eng- 
land. The  murderer  was  a man  or 
rather  fiend, by  the  name  of  Barnett 
Davenport.  From  his  own  confes- 
sion, it  appears,  that  his  parentage 
and  early  education  were  exactly 
fitted  to  produce  his  wicked  life  and 
his  tragical  end.  Untutored  and 
unrestrained  by  parental  govern- 
ment, he  was  left  to  grow  up  at 
random.  In  the  morning  of  life, 
no  morality  was  inculcated  upon 
him,  and  no  sense  of  religion,  either 
by  precept  or  example.  On  the 
contrary,  he  was,  from  early  years, 
unprincipled,  profane,  and  impious. 
Before  he  was  9 years  old,  he  was 
expert  in  cursing  and  swearing,  and 
an  adept  in  mischief.  At  11  years 
he  began  to  pilfer.  At  13  he  stole 
money.  At  15  he  entertained 
thoughts  of  murder,  and  rapidly 
waxed  harder  and  bolder  in  wick- 
edness. At  19,  he  actually  mur- 
dered a family  in  cold  blood.  As  a 
friendless  wandering  stranger,  he 
was  taken  into  the  house  of  Mr. 
Caleb  Mallory,,  and  treated  with 
the  utmost  kindness,  in  December, 
1779.  Scarcely  two  months  had 
elapsed,  before  the  murder  was  de- 
termined on.  The  night  of  Febru- 
ary 3d,  1780,  was  fixed  on  to  exe- 
cute the  horrid  purpose.  With  a 
heart  hard  as  adamant,  he  lighted  a 
candle,  went  into  the  lodging  room 
of  his  benefactors,  and  beat  them  to 
death  with  a club.  A little  grand 
child  being  with  its  grand  parents 
shared  the  same  fate,  and  two  others 
were  left  in  a sound  sleep' to  perish 
in  the  flames.  Having  kindled  a 
fire  in  three  of  the  rooms,  he  fled, 
after  robbing  the  house  of  its  most 
valuable^  articles.  But  from  an  ac- 
cusing conscience,  and  from  the 
hand  of  justice*  which  followed 
hard  upon  his  steps,  he  was  unable 
to  flee.  He  was  taken,  and  execu- 
ted at  Litchfield  in  the  May  ensu- 
ing.” 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Waterborougli,  Me. 

York  co.  This  town  is  watered 
by  a large  and  pleasant  pond,  which 
empties  into  Little  Ossipee  river, 
a branch  of  the  Saco,  and  by  the 
head  branches  of  the  Mousum,  a 
stream  which  meets  the  ocean  at 
Kennebunk.  This  is  a flourishing 
town,  with- a pleasant  surface  and 
good  soil.  It  lies  81  miles  S.  W. 
from  Augusta,  24  W.  from  Portland, 
and  is  bounded  S.  by  Alfred.  Incor- 
porated, 1787.  Population,  1830, 
1,816  ; 1837,  1,953. 

Waterbury,  Vt. 

Washington  co.  The  surface  of 
Waterbury  is  generally  level,  with 
some  pleasant  swells.  The  soil  is 
warm  and  fertile  : the  meadow  lands 
on  the  rivers,  of  which  there  are 
large  tracts,  are  not  excelled,  in 
richness,  by  any  in  the  slate. 

This  town  is  separated  from 
Duxbury  by  Onion  river,  which, 
with  Waterbury  river  and  other 
streams,  afford  the  town  a good 
water  power.  It  was  first  settled 
in  1784.  Population,  1830,  1,650. 
It  lies  12  miles  N.  W.  from  Mont- 
pelier, and  24  E.  S.  E.  from  Bur- 
lington. 

In  the  southwest  corner  of  the 
township,  the  passage  of  Onion  riv* 
er  through  a considerable  hill,  is 
considered  a curiosity.  The  stream 
has  here  worn  a channel  through 
the  rocks,  which  in  times  past,  un- 
doubtedly, formed  a cataract  below 
of  no  ordinary  height,  and  a consid- 
erable lake  above.  The  chasm  is 
at  present  about  one  hundred  feet 
wide,  and  nearly  as  deep.  On  one 
side  the  rocks  arc  nearly  perpendic- 
ular, some  of  which  have  fallen 
across  the  bed  of  the  stream,  in  such 
a manner  as  to  form  a bridge,  'pas- 
sable, however,  only  at  low  water. 
On  the  same  side  the  rocks  which 
appear  to  have  been  loosened  and 
moved  by  the  undermining  of  the 
water,  have  again  rested,  and  be- 
come fixed  in  such  a posture  as  to 


form  several  caverns  or  caves,  some 
of  which  have  the  appearance  of 
rooms  fitted  for  the  convenience  of 
man.  Several  musket  balls  and 
flints  were  found  in  the  extreme 
part  of'  this  cavern,  a few  years 
since,  with  the  appearance  of  hav- 
ing lain  there  many  years,  which 
makes  it  evident  that  it  was  known 
to  the  early  hunters. 

JV aterbury  River,  rises  in  Mor- 
ristown, and  runs  kouth  through 
the  western  part  of  Stow  and  Wa- 
terbury into  Onion  river.  In  Stow, 
it  receives  one  considerable  tribu- 
tary from  the  east  which  rises  in 
Worcester,  and  two  from  the  west 
which  rise  in  Mansfield.  It  also 
receives  several  tributaries  from 
the  west,  in  Waterbury,  which 
originate  in  Bolton.  The  whole 
length  of  the  stream  is  about  16 
miles,  and  it  affords  a number  of 
good  mill  privileges. 

Waterbury,  Ct. 

New  Haven  co.  The  Indian 
Mattatuck,  a territory  comprising 
this  and  some  of  the  neighboring 
towns,  being  18  miles  in  length  and 
10  miles  in  width,  wras  sold  by  the 
red  men  to  the  whiteSj,  in  the  year 
16S4,  “ for  divers  good  causes  and 
thirty-nine  pounds.”  This  piece 
of  ground  was  supposed  by  the 
white  men,  to  afford  sufficient  room 
and  accommodations  for  thirty  fam- 
ilies. The  territory  now  contains 
8,,000  people  ; and  if  its  population 
was  as  dense  as  that  of  England,  iii 
1831,  it  would  contain  no  less  than 
20,610,  or  of  Belgium,  35,370  souls. 

There  are  some  good  lands  on 
the  borders  of  the  streams,  within 
the  present  limits  of  Wathrbury  ; 
but  the  surface  of  the  town  is  gen- 
erally rough,  and  the  soil  difficult 
of  cultivation. 

This  town  lies  28  miles  S.  W. 
from  Hartford,  and  20  N.  by  W. 
from  New  Haven.  Population, 
1830,  3,070. 

“ The  site  upon  which  the  bor- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ough  of  Waterbury  stands,  is  situa- 
ted in  a valley  which  is  washed  by 
Mad  river  on  tHe  east,  and  the  Nau- 
gatuck on  the  west ; and  in  its  cen- 
tral partis  about  a mile  in  breadth. 
The  main  street  runs  east  and  west; 
but  since  the  increase  of  the  manu- 
facturing establishments  within  the 
last  twelve  years,  a large  share  of 
the  new  buildings  have  been  erect- 
ed in  their  vicinity,  which  is  in  the 
southeast  part  of  the  village.  On 
either  side  of  the  village,  hills 
gradually  rise  to  a considerable 
elevation,  presenting  to  the  eye 
the  galleries  of  an  amphithea- 
tre, the  village  forming  the  area. 
The  number  of  houses  is  about  one 
hundred  and  fifty,  and  the  popula- 
tion fifteen  hundred  ; which  it  is 
calculated  has  doubled  itself  dur- 
ing the  last  twelve  years;  mostyof 
the  factories  having  been  established 
within  that  time.  Some  of  the 
private  dwellings  may  be  called 
splendid,  and  a majority  of  them 
neat,  convenient,  with  handsome 
court  yards  in  front. 

“ Of  the  articles  manufactured 
in  the  village,  those  of  gilt  buttons 
and  the  rolling  of  brass  and  copper 
metals  for  a great  variety  of  uses, 
constitute  the  greatest  business. 
There  are  three  factories  of  this 
kind  upon  an  extensive  scale,  two 
in  the  village,  and  one  about  two 
miles  north,  connected  with  which 
is  a gold  refinery.  There  are  like- 
wise two  factories  of  gilt  buttons 
upon  a considerable  scale,  uncon- 
nected with  rolling  mills.  One 
extensive  rolling  mill  connected 
with  the  brass  wire  and  tubing 
manufacture,  two  satinet  factories, 
one  woolen  factory,  besides  a great 
number  of  minor  establishments,  in 
which  buttons  of  various  kinds  and 
other  articles  are  manufactured  to  a 
considerable  extent.  The  number 
of  persons  in  the  village,  of  both 
sexes,  who  are  employed  in  the 
manufacturing  establishments,  is 
between  six  and  seven  hundred. 
It  is  not  precisely  known  what 


amount  is  manufactured  yearly, 
but  it  has  been  estimated  by  good 
judges  to  exceed  a million  of  dollars, 
and  is  upon  the  increase.  The 
route  has  been  surveyed  by  a prac- 
tical engineer,  for  constructing  a 
canal  to  bring  the  Naugatuck  on  to 
the  bank  at  the  west  end  of  the 
town,  which  will,  when  completed, 
afford  a supply  of  water  power,  ca- 
pable of  employing  as  much  or 
more  capital  than  has  been  already 
invested.” 

Samuel  Hopkins*  D.  D.,  the 
founder  of  a religious  sect,  denom- 
inated Hopkinsians,  was  born  in 
this  town,  in  1721.  He  died  at 
Newport,  R.  I.,  in  1803.  See  Reli- 
gious Creeds , and  Statistics. 

Dr.  Lemuel  Hopkins,  a poet, 
and  an  eminent  physician,  was  born 
in  Waterbury,  in  1750.  He  died 
at  Hartford,  in  1801. 

Waterford,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  This  town  is  water- 
ed by  a number  of  beautiful  ponds, 
and  Crooked  river  passes  through 
its  northeast  border.  The  surface 
is  generally  level  and  the  soil  good. 
It  produced  in  1837,  5,545  bushels 
of  wheat. 

Waterford  was  incorporated  in 
1797.  It  lies  57  miles  W.  by  S. 
from  Augusta,  and  10  W.  by  S. 
from  Paris.  Population,  in  1837, 
1,297. 

"Waterford,  Vt. 

Caledonia  co.  This  town  was 
chartered  in  1780.,  by  the  name  of 
Littleton,  which  nan^e  it  retained 
until  1797.  It  was  first  settled  in 
1787.  It  lies  on  the  west  side  of 
Connecticut  river,  32  miles  E.  N. 
E.  from  Montpelier,  and  12  E.  S.  E. 
from  Danville.  Population,  1830, 
1,358.  The  west  part  of  the  town 
is  watered  by  the  Passumpsic,  and 
the  north  border  by  Moose  river. 
Here  is  a water  power,  and  some 
manufactures.  A part  of  the  town 
borders  on  Fifteen  Mile  Falls,  in 
Connecticut  river.  The  banks  of 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


that  river  are  steep  at  this  place* 
and  form  but  little  intervale.  The 
uplands  are  rough  and  stony,  but 
good  for  sheep,  of  which  3,500‘ are 

kept. 

Waterford,  Ct. 

New  London  co.  Thfsk  town 
was  taken  from  New  London  in 
1801.  It  is  washed  on  the  east  side 
by  the  river  Thames ; and  on  the 
south  by  Long  Island  Sound,  from 
which  a bay  or  inlet  extends,  be- 
tween Millstone  and  Black  Points, 
quite  into  the  centre  of  the  town, 
affording  a harbor  for  small  vessels. 
This  is  a resort  for  fishermen  on  the 
Sound,  and  many,  species  of  the 
finny  tribe  are  taken  captive. 

There  are  a number  of  ponds  in 
the  town,  three  considerable  mill 
streams,  and  two  woolen  factories. 
The  surface  of  the  town  is  rocky  and 
uneven,  with  a gravelly  loam,  pro- 
ductive of  corn,  vegetables,  fruits, 
and  feed  for  cattle.  In  183.7,  it  con- 
tained 2,532  sheep. 

Waterford  lies  37  miles  S.  E.  from 
Hartford,  and  4 W.  from  New  Lon- 
don. Population,  1330;  2,433. 

AVaterqueecIiy  River,  Vt._ 

See  Queechy  River. 

Watertown,  Mass.  «^ 

Middlesex  co.  Charles  rivet- 
gives  thi}  town  a valuable  water 
power,  which  is  well  improved. 
The  river  is  navigable  to  the  centre 
of  the  town  for  vessels  of  6 or  7 
feet  draught  of  wateh 

The  surface  of  the  town  i=r  diver- 
sified by  hills  and  valleys,  which  is 
rendered  very  beautiful  by  a high 
state  of  cultivation,  and  by  the  nu- 
merous villas,  neat  farm  houses, 
cottages,  and  delightful  gardens 
which  meet  the  eye  in  every  direc- 
tion. A part  of  the  beautiful  sheet 
of  water,  called  “Fresh  Pond,” 
and  apart  of  the  celebrated  Mount 
Aubu'-n  Cemetery  lie  in  this  town. 

On  the  north  bank  of  the  river, 
a short  distance  below  the  priuci- 

as* 


pal  village,  the  United  States  Arse- 
nal, containing  a large  amount  of 
munitions  of  war,  occupies  a site 
of  40  acres  of  ground.  At  the 
commencement  of  the  revolution- 
ary war,  this  place  was  the  chosen 
seat  of  the  .continental  congress. 
That  body  of  patriots  was  in  session 
at  Watertown  on  the  day  of  the 
battle  of  “ Bunker  Hill.” 

There  are  two  paper  mills  in  the 
town,  a cotton  mill,  print  works,  an 
establishment  for  finishing  woolen 
goods,  and  manufactures  of  soap, 
candles,  boots,  shoes,  boxes,  &c. 
Large  quantities  of  beef,  pork, 
bacon,  & c.,  are  annually  packed  at 
this  place  for  the  Boston  market, 
and  for  transportation.  In  1837, 
three  soap  and  candle  nranufactories 
used  300  tons  of  tallow,  350  tons  of 
barilla,  50  tons  of  palm-oil,  1,759 
barrels  of  rosin,  2,000  clicks  of 
lime,  and  1,000  bushels  of  salt. 

Watertown  was  first  settled  in 
1630,  by  the  sons  of  Sir  Richard 
Saltonstall  and  others.  It  was  in- 
corporated the  same  year.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  1,641  ; 1837,  1,739. 
It  is  7 miles  W.  from  Bodon.  Its 
Indian  name  was  Pigsgusset. 

Watertown,  Ct. 

Litchfield  co.  This  town  lies 
30  miles  S.  S.  W.  from  Hartford, 
26  N.  by  W.  from  New  Haven,  and 
10  S.  £.  from  Litchfield.  Popu- 
lation, 1830,  1.500. 

Watertown  was  formerly  a parish 
in  Waterbary,  by  the  name  of  West- 
bury.  It  was  incorporated  as  a 
town  in  1730.  It  is  bounded  N.  by 
Litchfield,  E.  by  the  Naugatuck 
river,  separating  it  from  Plymouth, 
W.  by  Bethlem  and  Woodbury,  anil 
S.  by  Middlebury  and  Waterbury. 

1 1 is  about6  1-2  milesin  length,  and 
4 in  breadth.  The  township  is  gen- 
erally uneven,  or  rather  hilly  ; hut 
some  sections  are  level.  The  pre- 
vailing soil  is  a dry  gravelly  loam, 
anil  best  adapted  to  grazing,  but 
the  different  grains  common  to  this 
part  of  the  country  are  cultivated 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER, 


Steel’s  brook,  a sprightly  stream, 
passes  through  the  central  part  of 
the  town,  and  for  a mile  below  and 
some  distance  above  the  centre  of 
the  town,  a chain  of  rich  meadows, 
though  small  in  extent,  border  the 
sides  of  this  stream. 

This  is  the  bitth  place  of  John- 
Trumbull,  the  celebrated  author 
of  “ McFingal.”  He  graduated 
at  Yale  College,  and  studied  law 
with  John  Adams,  in  Boston.  The 
first  part  of  his  McFingal  appeared 
in  1775.  It  was  completed  in  1782. 
He  was  a judge  of  the  Superior 
Court  of  Connecticut  from  1801  to 
1819.  In  1825,  he  removed  to 
Detroit,  where  he  died,  in  1831, 
aged  81  years. 

The  people  of  this  town  make 
some  boast  of  the  size  of  their  for- 
est trees.  It  is  said,  as  an  extraor- 
dinary fact,  “ that  one  of  the  first 
settlers,  having  no  shelter  for  the 
night,  peeled  off  the  bark  of  one  of 
the  trees  he  had  felled,  and  la}* 
down  upon  the  inside.  In  the 
morning  when  he  awoke,  he  found 
the  bark  rolled  up  so  closely  that  it 
was  with  some  difficulty  he  could 
extricate  himself.” 

This  story  will  do  to  tell  as  far 
west  as  Connecticut,  but  the  ‘ Down 
Easters’  would  laugh  at  it.  It 
would  take  Dame  Nature  more 
than  a night  to  screw  up  the  bark 
of  one  of  their  common  pines  even 
to  the  circumference  of  the  New 
Hampshire  Giant.  The  Maine 
folks  willingly  grant  to  Connecti- 
cut the  tallest  poets,  but  claim  to 
their  state  the  biggest  trees. 

Waterville,  Me. 

Kennebec  co.  This  town  is  situ- 
ated on  the  west  bank  of  the  Ken- 
nebec river,  18  miles  N.  from  Au- 
gusta. It  was  incorporated  as  a 
part  of  Winslow  in  1771,  and  as 
a separate  town  in  1802.  Popu- 
lation in  1820,  1719:  in  1830, 
2,216;  in  1837,  2,905.  It  contains 
SO  square  miles,  mostly  of  the 
best  quality  of  farming  land  of  the  | 


Kennebec  region.  Seven  twelfths 
of  the  population  is  estimated  to  be 
agricultural.  The  principal  village, 
of  about  180  houses,  is  on  the  Ken- 
nebec, at  Ticonic  Falls.  These 
falls  are  18  feet  in  height,  extending 
quite  across  the  river.  In  the  town, 
there  are  17  saws,  four  grist  mills, 
carding  machines,  three  plaster 
mills,  tw.o  extensive  tanneries  and 
a machine  shop.  One  iron  foundry, 
a branch  of  the  celebrated  Fair- 
banks establishment  in  Vermont, 
supplies  a great  portion  of  the  inte- 
rior of  the  state  with  ploughs.  The 
public  structures  are  4 meeting 
houses,  an  Academy,  and  the  Lib- 
eral Institute,  a Seminary  founded 
by  Universalists.  This  latter  edi- 
fice, though  small,  is  one  of  the 
most  beautiful  specimens  of  archi- 
tecture in  the  state.  Ticonic  bridge, 
crossing  the  Kennebec,  550  feet  in 
length,  is  a fine  specimen  of  Col. 
Long’s  plan  of  construction. 

Waterville  College  is  pleasantly 
situated  pear  the  village,  on  the 
bank  of  the  river.  There  are  2 ed- 
ifices for  rooms,  a chapel,  and  a 
commons  hall.  This  Institution 
was  founded  in  1813,  as  a Theolo- 
gical school ; in  1821  it  was  con- 
verted into  a College,  and  has  143 
graduates.  It  was  founded  by 
Baptists,  but  is  open  to  all  denomi- 
nations, and  affords  facilities  for 
manual  labor.  Its  Faculty  is  a 
President,  three  Professors,  and 
two  Tutors. 

From  Augusta,  the  head  of  sloop 
navigation,  goods  are  transported 
to  Waterville  in  large  fiat-boats, 
some  of  which  carry  40  tons.  This 
renders  the  place  an  important  depot 
of  merchandise  dor  an  extensive 
country  above,  and  of  produce  and 
manufactures  brought  down  to  be 
shipped  for  a market : great  quanti- 
ties of  oats,  shingles  and  other  lum- 
ber, leather,  potash  and  potatoes,  are 
thus  transported  from  this  place. 
The  erection  of  a dam  at  Augusta, 
is  thought  to  have  improved  the 
■ navigation,  and  affords  facilities  for 


NE  W ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


making  Waterville  the  centre  of 
trade  for  ,tlie  country  above.  A 
steam  boat  now  runs  between  this 
place  and  the  lower  towns. 

The  village  of  West  Waterville 
is  on  Emerson  stream,  a tributary  of 
the  Kennebec.  Here  i^  a remark- 
ble  cascade,  the  highest  known  in 
the  state,  and  is  much  resorted  to  for 
its  pieturesq.ue  scenery.  At  this 
village  are  manufactories  for  cut- 
ting out  last  blocks,  which  are  ex- 
ported in  great  quantities  to  Massa- 
chusetts, and  a scythe  factory  of 
high  reputation,  which  made  300 
dozen  scythes  in  the  year  1833. 

The  water  pou^r  at  Waterville 
and  in  the  vicinity,  is  .singularly 
great.  A circle  described  from  the 
Ticonic  falls,  before  named,  as  a 
centre,  with  a radius  of  five  miles, 
includes  two  falls  across  the  whole 
Kennebec,  at  Kendall’s  mills,  two 
miles  above  Waterville;  two  falls,  5 
mrles  distant,  on  the  Sebasticook,  a 
large  tributary  stream ; and  an  in- 
definite series  of  falls  upon  the 
Emerson  stream,  from  the  cascade 
to  its  confluence,  besides  numerous 
rapids,  which  could  easily  be  dam- 
med, on  all  these  streams.  It  is  be- 
lieved that  no  similar  circle  of  10 
miles  diameter  in  New  England, 
comprehends  so  large  and  conven- 
ient water  power.  But  a very  small 
part  of  this  power  is  yet  occupied, 
and  situated  as  Waterville  is,  in  the 
centre  of  these  manufacturing  far 
cilities,  enjoying  convenient  boat 
navigation  to  the  sea  ports,  with  an 
extensive  region  of  the  best  agri- 
cultural advantages  in  the  rear,  it 
promises  to  become  a thrifty  and 
populous  town. 

Waterville,  N.  H. 

Grafton  co.  This  town  compris- 
es the  territory  called  Gillis  and 
Foss'  Grant , until  its  incorporation, 
in  1829.  It  is  bounded  N.  by  un- 
granted land,  E.  by  Albany,  S.  by 
Sandwich,  and  W.  by  Thornton.  It 
was  granted  June  29,  1819.  to  Jo- 
siah  Gillis,  Moses  Foss,  jr.  and  oth- 


ers. It  is  watered  by  Mad  river, 
which  rises  among  the  mountainous 
tracts  on  the  N. ; runs  S.  W.  about 
20  miles,  and  falls  into  Pemigewas- 
set  river  in  Campton.  Swift  river 
has  its  source  in  this  town,  pursues 
an  E.  course  through  Albany,  into 
Conway,  where  it  unites  with  Saco 
river.  There  are  2 ponds,  and  sev- 
eral considerable  elevations.  Mo- 
ses Foss,  jr,  commenced  the  settle- 
ment some  years  since.  It  has  96 
inhabitants. 

Waterville,  Vt. 

Lamoille  co.  This  town  is  envi- 
roned by  mountains,  and  is  itself 
mountainous.  It  is  watered  by  a 
branch  of  Lamoille  river,  and  is 
bounded  E.  by  Belvidere,  W.  by 
Fletcher.  It  lies  about  25  miles  S. 
E.  from  St.  Albans.  Population, 
1830,  488. 

Way  land,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  The  name  of  this 
towrn  was  East  Sudbury,  from  1730 
to  1835.  It  lies  on  the  east  side  of 
Sudbury  river,  and  is  bounded  east 
by  Weston.  The  surface  of  the 
town  is  pleasant ; the  soil  is  gener- 
ally good,  and  contains  some  well 
cultivated  farms.  There  are  4 for- 
ges in  this  town,  and  manufactures 
of  chairs  and  cabinet  ware;  but  the 
principal  manufacture  is  that  of 
boots  and  shoes  ; the  annual  value 
of  which  is  about  $25,000.  Way- 
land  is  16  miles  W.  from  Boston, 
and  7 S.  from  Concord.  Population, 
1837,  931. 

Wayne,  Me. 

Kennebec  co.  Wayne  lies  N. 
of  Leeds,  and  is  situated  a little  be- 
low the  centre  of  a chain  of  beau- 
tiful lakes  or  ponds,  w hose  outlet, 
which  passes  through  the  town, 
falls  into  the  Androscoggin.  The 
centre  of  the  town  is  about  4 miles 
ra^t  of  the  Androscoggin,  and  16 
W.  from  Augusta.  The  surface  of 
the  ‘own  is  undulating,  and  the  soil 
fertile.  It  was  incorporated  in  1798. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Population,  in  1S37.  1,170  Wheat 
crop,  same  year,  3,268  bushels. 

Weare,  X.  II. 

Hillsborough  co.  The  only  riv- 
er in  Weare,  is  the  N.  W.  branch 
of  Piscataquog,  which  enters  the 
west  boundary  from  Deering,  and 
meanders  through  the  N.  an  l E. 
sections  of  the  town,  and  passes 
the  S.  line  about  half  a mile  from 
the  S.  E.  corner.  This  river  affords 
the  best  mill  seats  in  the  town. 
There  are  three  small  ponds  in  this 
town.  Rattlesnake  hill,  nearly  in 
the  centre  of  the  X.  line  of  the 
town,  abounds  with  shelving  rocks, 
abrupt  precipices,  forming  dens  and 
caves.  During  the  summer  season, 
the  reptile  from  which  the  hill  | 
takes  its  name,  is  frequently  found.  ! 
The  town,  though  rather  broken,  is 
not  mountainous.  It  has  small 
swamps,  and  some  good  meadows.  | 
It  is  now  settled  and  cultivated  to 
its  extreme  limits  by  industrious 
and  wealthy  husbandmen.  It  was 1 
incorporated  in  1764,  and  receiv- 
ed its  name  in  honor  of  Mesheeh 
Weare,  chief  justice  of  the  prov- 
ince of  N.  H. 

Wears  is  15  miles  S.  W.  from 
Concord,  anl  17  N.  N.  W.  from 
Amherst.  Population,  1339,  2,430. 

W«athersficld,  Vt. 

Windsor  co.  [Those  who  wish 
to  find  the  course  and  distance  to 
the  onion  fields  in  Connecticut,  or 
to  their  faiF  cultivators,  will  please 
see  PPetkersfiell,  Ct.] 

WeathersfielJ  was  first  settled 
about  the  year  1773.  It  is  bounded! 
S.  by  Springfield,  X.  by  Wind  so:-, 
an  I is  61  miles  S.  by  E.  from  Mont-  j 
pelier.  Population,  in  1 330,  2,213. 
This  town  lies  on  the  west  side  of  I 
Connecicut  river,  at  the  “ Bow,” 
so  called  from  a bend  in  the  river.  | 
It  contains  large  tracts  of  rich  j 
meadow  Innl,  anl  the  uplands  are  j 
of  a to)  l quality. 

William  Iarvi»,  Esq.,  for  nnnv  I 
years  a resident  here,  owns  a large  I 


and  superior  farm,  and  has  greatly 
benefited  this  section  of  country  by 
the  introduction  of  new  modes 
of  agriculture,  and  more  valuable 
breeds  of  stock.  The  agricultural 
products  of  Weathersfield  are  very 
valuable  : about  15,000  fleeces  of 
fine  wool  are  annually  sheared. 

■This  town  is  large,  and  contains 
a number  o/  pleasant  villages.  It 
is  watered  by  several  ponds,  and  by 
Black  river,  which  gives  it  a water 
powe/\  and  which  is  applied  to 
manufacturing  operations  to  some 
extent.  In  common  with  all  the 
I townson  Connecticut  river,  Weath- 
ersfield has  its  sfcare  of  delightful 
scenery ; and  there  is  no  better 
place  to  find  it,  in  all  its  richness, 
than  on  the  Ascutney,  at  the  north 
part  of  tfie  town. 

Webster,  XIass. 

Worcester  co.  This  town  was 
incorporated  in  1332,  and  named 
in  compliment  to  Hon.  Daxiel 
Webster,  including  a part  of 
Dudley  and  Oxford,  and  a tract  of 
land  previously  unincorporated.  It 
is  bounded  N.  by  Oxford,  E.  by 
Doaglas,  S.  by  Thompson,  in 
Connecticut,  and  W.  by  Dudley. 
It  i3  46  miles  W.  S.  W.  from  Bos- 
ton, 16  S.  from  Worcester,  45  E. 
by  S.  from  Springfield,  and  23  X. 
W.  from  Providence,  R.  I.  Popu- 
lation, 1837,  1,210. 

There  are  in  operation  in  this 
town  two  woolen  and  four  large 
co‘ton  mills,  a cotton  thread  mill, 
1 machine  shop,  1 bleachery,  a tan- 
nery, and  a manufactory  of  tin 
ware  : total  value  of  manufactures, 
the  year  ending  April  1,  1837, 
$312,277. 

French  river  and  a pond  give  this 
place  a large  and  unfailing  water 
pr.ver.  The  original  name  of  this 
poad.  as  appears  from  ancient  deeds, 
wa  » Chab^nakni^komoni, the  same 
nime  by  which  Dudley  was  known, 
♦bo  iTh  the  latter  probably  borrow- 
ed i‘  from  the  former.  Some  re- 
cords and  maps  of  New  England 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


have  given  the  name  of  Chargog- 
gagoggmanchoggagogg.  The  fall 
at  the  outlet  of  this  pond  is  24  feet, 
which  is  increased  after  it  empties 
into  French  river  to  about  90  feet 
before  it  passes  into  Connecticut. 
This  afforded  ample  water  power 
for  the  late  Samuel  Slater  to  con- 
centrate here  a large  portion  of  his 
manufacturing  capital ; and  it  is  to 
the  enterprise  of  this ‘Father  of 
American  manufactures,’  that  this 
place  is  indebted  for  most  of  the 
prosperity  which  it  at  present  en- 
joys. It  was  his’favorite  residence, 
and  where  his  remains  now  rest. 

A remnant  of  the  Dudley,  or 
more  properly  of  the  Nipmuck  In- 
dians, reside  here.  They  are  about 
40  in  number,  though  but  few  of 
them  are  of  pure  blood.  These 
Indians  formerly  owned  a consider- 
able tract  of  reserved  land  in  the 
centre  of  Chabanakongkamon  or 
Dudley.  This  was  sold  by  order  of 
the  legislature,  and  the  proceeds 
appropriated  to  their  support,  and  to 
the  purchase  of  about  39  acres,  on 
which  they  now  reside.  This  mon- 
ey is  now  expended,  and  they  are 
dependent  on  the  bounty  of  the 
state  for  support. 

Weld,  Me. 

Franklin  co.  This  town  contains 
a large  and  beautiful  pond,  the  out- 
let of  which  forms  a considerable 
river.  Which  passing  south  falls  intp 
the  Androscoggin  at  Mexico. 

The  surface  of  the  town  is  remark- 
ably pleasant,  and  the  soil  fertile. 
Wheat  crop,  1837,  6,039  bushels. 

Weld  lies  53  miles  W.  N.  W. 
from  Augusta,  and  14  W.  from 
Farmington.  Population,  in  1S30, 
766 ; 1837,  953. 

Wellflcet,  Mass. 

Barnstable  co.  This  township 
lies  on  both  sides  of  Cape  Cod  : it  is 
bounded  N.  by  Truro,  S;  by  East- 
ham,  and  is  33  miles  below  Barn- 
stable. 

The  town  is  oh  the  west  side  of 


the  Cape  : it  is  neatly  built,  and 
although  it  is  surrounded  by  sand 
hills,  and  almost  entirely  destitute 
of  vegetation,  it  makes  a handsome 
appearance..  Wellfleet  bay  sets 
into  the  town  from  the  south,  and 
is  separated  from  Cape  Cod  bay  by 
several  islands,  which  form  a good 
harbor,  at  a place  called  “ Deep 
Hole.” 

In  1837,  there  were  120  vessels, 
measuring  about  6,000  tons,  belong- 
ing to  this  place,  employed  in  the 
cod  and  mackerel  fisheries,  and  a 
number  engaged  in  the  coasting 
trade.  The  fishermen  took  3,100 
quintals  of  cod  fish,  and  17,500  bar- 
rels of  mackerel:  the  value  of 

which  was  $128,500.  The  quantity 
of  salt  used  was  29,350  bushels  : the 
number  of  hands  employed  was  496. 
During  that  year  there  were  39  es- 
tablishments for  the  manufacture 
of  salt  in  this  place  ; the  quantity 
made  was  10,000  bushels. 

There  are  several  ponds  and 
streams  in  the  town,  which  afford 
water  power  sufficient  for  a large 
cotton  mill.  There  are  some  man- 
ufactures of  leather,  boots  and 
shoes ; but  the  people  are  princi- 
pally employed  in  the  fishery,  coast- 
ing trade  and  manufacture  of  salt. 

Wellfleet  was  incorporated  in 
1723.  Population,  1830,  2,044; 
1837,  2,303. 

Dr.  Morse  stated  in  1797,  that 
“ since  the  memory  of  people  now 
living,  there  have  been  in  this  small 
town  thirty  pai”  of  twins,  besides 
tw,o  births  that  produced  three 
each.” 

This  is  one  of  the  most  thriving 
towns  in  the  state.  One  of  its  for- 
mer residents,  Col.  Elisha  Doane, 
is  said  to  have  acquired  a fortune  of 
120,000  pounds  sterling  on  this  sandy 
spot.  The  Indian  name  of  the  town 
was  Rinonakannil. 

Wellington,  Me. 

Piscataquis  co.  Wellington  is 
bounded  E.  by  Parkman,  S.  by  Har- 
mony, and  W.  by  Brighton.  It  is 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


watered  by  one  of  the  head  branch-  f-tle  pond,  which  lies  at  the  north- 
es  of  Sebasticook  river,  and  lies  west  coi  ner  of  Groton  and  a part  of 
about  22  miles  N.  by  E.  from  Skow-  it  in  Marshfield.  It  runs  nearly 


hegan.  A part  of  the  town  is  ele- 
vated, but  its  surface,  generally, 
is  undulating,  with  a productive 
soil.  Population,  1837,  721.  Wheat 
crop,  same  year,  4,290  bushels. 

"Wells,  Die. 

York  co.  Wells  lies  on  the  sea 
coast  between  York  and  Kenne- 
bunk,  and  is  85  miles  S.  W.  by  S. 
from  Augusta,  and  30  S.  W.  by  S. 
from  Portland.  The  first  settlers 
came  from  Exeter,  N.  H.,  about 
the  year  1640.  A noted  Indian 
chief,  Wawwaw,  lived  here  about 
one  hundred  years  ago,  pretending 
to  claim  this  and  some  adjoining 
towns.  There  is  no  evidence  of  any 
purchase  of  Indian  title  to^the  soil. 
The  town  charter  from  Thomas 
Gorges  is  dated  Sept.  27,  1643. 

There  are  a number  of  small 
streams  or  brooks  running  through 
the  town  in  various  directions,  on 
which  are  1 fulling,  16  saw  and  10 
grist  mills.  The  principal  river 
is  near  the  middle  of  the  town,  and 
was  called  by  the  Indians  l Vebhan- 
net,  but  is  now  generally  called  the 
“ Town  river.”  A saud  bar  at  the 
entrance  renders  the  navigation 
somewhat  difficult.  Ogunquit  riv- 
er, in  the  southerly  part  of  the 
town,  forms  a harbor  for  small 
coasting  and  fishing  vessels. 

The  town  contains  about  35,000 
acres,  of  which  one  fifth  may  be 
considered  waste  land,  or  unfit  for 
cultivation.  It  contains  large  tracts 
of  salt  meadow.  Wood  for  fuel  is 
exported  to  Boston  and  other  places, 
in  considerable  quantities.  Some 
trade  is  carried  on  with  the  West  In- 
dies, and  vessels  of  various  size  are 
built  from  timber  in  the  town.  In- 
corporated, 1653.  Population,  1837, 
3,042.  This  town  furnished  a large 
number  of  revolutionary  officers. 

Wells  River,  Vt. 

This  river  has  its  source  in  Ket- 


southeast  about  two  miles,  and  falls 
into  Long  pond  in  Groton,  which  is 
about  two  miles  long  and  100  rods 
wide.  From  this  pond  it  continues 
its  southeasterly  course  half  a mile, 
and  falls  into  another  pond,  which 
is  about  half  a mile  long  and  a 
quarter  of  a mile  wide.  It  then 
runs  a mile  and  a half,  and  meets 
the  south  branch,  which  rises  near 
the  southwest  corner  of  the  town, 
and  runs  nearly  east  to  its  junction 
with  the  main  stream  ; it  then  runs 
east  southeast  about  a mile,  and 
receives  the  north  branch,  which 
has  its  source  near  the  southeast 
corner  of  the  town.  Continuing 
the  same  course,  it  passes  through 
the  northwest  part  of  Ryegate  into 
Newbury, and  runningnear  the  line 
between  Newbury  and  Ryegate 
about  4 miles,  falls  into  Connecti- 
cut river  about  half  a mile  south 
of  the  northeast  comer  of  New- 
bury. This  is  generally  a rapid 
stream,  furnishing  many  excellent 
mill  privileges. 

Wells,  Vt. 

Rutland  co.  A part  of  this  town- 
ship is  level,  and  a part  mountain- 
ous. The  soil  is  generally  good, 
and  productive  of  grain,  and  of  pas- 
turage for  sheep,  of  Which  between 
three  and  four  thousand  are  kept. 
The  principal  stream  in  the  town  is- 
sues from  Wells  or  St.  Augustine 
lake  or  pond,  a beautiful  sheet  of 
water,  partly  in  Poultney,  5 mile's 
in  lehgth,  and  covering  2,000  acres. 
At  the  optlet  of  this  pond  is  a snug 
village,  with  some  water  power 
machinery. 

Wells  was  first  settled  in  1768. 
It  lies  65  miles  S.  S.  W.  from  Mont- 
pelier, and  13  S.  W . from  Rutland. 
Population,  1830,  880. 

Wendell,  N.  H., 

Sullivan  co.,  is  bounded  N.  by 
Springfield,  E.  by  Sunapee  lake, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


separating  it  from  New  London 
and  Newbury,  S.  by  Goshen,  W. 
by  Newport  and  Croydon.  It  is  35 
miles  N.  W.  from  Concord,  and  7 
E.  from  Newport.  A considerable 
part  of  lake  Sunapee,  a noble  sheet 
of  water,  lies  in  this  town.  The 
surface  of  this  lake  is  said  to  con- 
tain 4,095  acres,  of  which  2,720 
acres  are  in  Wendell.  Here  is  the 
principal  source  of  Sugar  river, 
which  flows  from  the  lake  near  its 
centre  from  north  to  south  ; passes 
through  the  centre  of  the  town  into 
Newport,  from  thence  into  Clare- 
mont, where  it  unites  with  the  Con- 
necticut. There  are  three  Small 
ponds,  containing  an  area  of  about 
300  acres.  Thi$  town  was  granted 
by  the  name  of  Saville  in  1768.  It 
was  settled  in  1772,  and  was  incor- 
porated in  1781,  when  it  received  i!s 
name  from  John  Wendell,  one  of 
the  principal  proprietors.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  637. 

Wendell,  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  The  surface  of 
Wendell  is  uneven,  and  in  some 
parts  hilly  ; but  the  soil  is  strong 
and  productive.  Miller’s  river 
passes  through  the  north  part  of  the 
town,  giving  mill  privileges,  fertil- 
ity and  beauty  in  its  course.  There 
is  a curious  kind  of  stone  found 
he~e,  embedded  with  mica  slate ; 
and  Chalk  pond  furnishes  a sub- 
stance from  why:h  chalk  ismade  by 
burning  it. 

The  manufactures  of  this  pleas- 
ant town  consist  of  palm-leaf  hats, 
boots,  shoes,  leather,  cabinet  ware, 
chairs,  &c. 

Wendell  was  .incorporated  in 
1781,  and  named  in  honor  of  Oliver 
Wendell,  Esq.,  a very  worthy  man, 
for  many  years  president  of  Union 
Bank,  in  Boston,  the  second  insti- 
tution of  the  kind  in  Massachusetts. 
Mr.  Wendell  was  a great  patron  of 
this  town,  and  frequently  visited  it. 

Wendell  is  bounded  north  by 
Erving,  east  by  Phillip  don,  south 
by  Salem,  and  west  by  Montague. 


The  mill  privileges  on  Millers 
river  in  this  town  are  very  valua- 
ble ; many  of  which  remain  unim- 
proved. 

Wendell  lies  81)  miles  W.  by  N. 
from  Boston,  and  14  E.  from  Green- 
field. Population,  1837,  847 

Wenliam,  Mass 

Essex  co.  This  town  is  20  miles 
N.  by  E.  from  Boston,  6 N.  from 
Salem,  and  18  S.  from  Newbury- 
port.  First  settled,  1639.  Incor- 
porated, 1843.  Population,  1837, 
693. 

Wenham  or  Enon  pond  is  a beau- 
tiful sheet  of  water,  about  a mile 
square,  and  affords  an  abundance 
of  excellent  fish.  It  is  much  visi- 
ted. The  first  sermon  preached  in 
this  place  was  on  the  border  of  this 
pond,  by  the  celebrated  Hugh  Pe- 
ters, minister  of  Salens  about  the 
year  1638.  His  text  was,  “ At 
Enon  near  Salem,  because  there 
was  much  water  there.” 

Mr.  Peters  went  to  England,  as 
agent  for  the  colony,  1841 ; en- 
gaged in  the  civil  wars  on  the  side 
of  the  parliament,  and  was  execu- 
ted after  the  restoration  of  Charles 
II. 

The  surface  of  the  town  is  pleas- 
ant: the  soil  is  generally  of  a good 
quality,  and  well  cultivated  by  in- 
dustrious and  independent  farmers. 

John  Duntan,  an  Englishman  who 
travelled  in  this  country  in  16S6, 
and  on  his  return  to  England  pub- 
lished a journal  of  his  travels,  gives 
the  following  account  of  Wenham, 
and  of  its  minister,  Joseph  Gerrish, 
who  was  ordained  Feb.  13,  1675, 
and  died  Jan.  6,  1719. 

“Wenham  is  a delicious  para- 
dise, it  abounds  wdth  rural  pleas- 
ures, and  I would  choose  it  above 
all  other  towns  in  America  to  dwell 
in  ; the  lofty  trees  on  each  side  of 
it  are  a sufficient  shelter  from  the 
winds,  and  the  warm  sun  so  kindly 
ripens  both  the  fruits  and  flowers, 
as  if  the  spring,  the  summer,  and 
the  autumn  had  agreed  together  to 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


thrust  the  winter  out  of  doors.  It 
were  endless  to  enter  on  a detail  of 
each  faculty  of  learning  Mr.  Ger- 
rish  is  master  of,  and  I therefore 
take  his  character  in  short  hand. 
The  philosopher  is  acute,  ingenious 
and  subtle.  The  divine , curious, 
orthodox  and  profound.  The  man 
of  a majestic  air,  without  austerity 
or  sourness ; his  aspect  is  masterly 
and  great,  yet  not  imperious  or 
haughty.  The  Christian  is  devout 
without  moroseness,  or  starts  of  ho- 
ly frenzy,  and  enthusiasm.  The 
preacher  is  primitive  without  the 
occasional  colors  of  whining,  or 
cant,  and  methodical,  without  in- 
tricacy or  affectation ; and  which 
crowns  his  character,  he  is  a man 
of  public  spirit,  zealous  for  the 
conversion  of  the  Indians,  and  of 
great  hospitality  to  strangers.  He 
gave  us  a noble  dinner,  and  enter- 
tained us  with  such  pleasant  fruits, 
as  I must  own,  Old  England  is  a 
stranger  to.” 

Wenlock,  Vt. 

Essex  co.  This  mountain  town 
gives  rise  to  a principal  branch  of 
Nulhegan  river.  The  lands  here 
are  too  elevated  for  cultivation. 

Wenlock  lies  53  miles  N.  E.  from 
Montpelier.  Population,  in  1830, 
24. 

Wentworth,  N.  H. 

Grafton  co.  This  town  is  bound- 
ed N.  by  Warren,  E.  by  Rumney, 
S.  by  Dorchester,  and  W.  by  Or- 
ford.  It  is  15  miles  N.  W.  from 
Plymouth,  and  52  N.  N.  W.  from 
Concord.  This  town  is  watered  by 
Baker’s  river,  on  w hich  is  a fall  of 
18  or  20  feet,  affording  an  excellent 
privilege  for  all  kinds  of  water  ma- 
chinery. The  South  branch  of 
Baker’s  river  passes  through  the 
southerly  part  of  this  town  and  joins 
the  main  branch  near  Rumney  line. 
There  are  but  few  ponds.  Baker’s, 
situated  on  Orford  line,  is  the  most 
considerable  ; the  outlet  of  which 
is  called  Pond  brook,  and  affords 


water  sufficient  for  several  valuable 
mill  seats.  In  the  «ast  part  of  the 
town,  lies  part  of  Carr’s  mountain, 
covered  in  its  natural  state  w ith  a 
heavy  growth  of  forest  trees.  A 
part  of  the  elevation  called  Mount 
Cuba  lies  in  the  W.  part  of  Went- 
worth. This  mountain  contains  in- 
exhaustible quantities  of  the  best 
limestone,  of  which  a constant  sup- 
ply of  good  lime  is  made,  arid  sold 
at  a low  price.  Iron  ore  is  found 
in  various  parts.  The  soil  is  gen- 
erally good  ; the  lands  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  the  rivers  are  of  the  first 
quality.  Wentworth  was  granted 
in  1766.  It  received  its  name  from 
governor  Benning  Wentworth. — 
The  first  settlement  commenced  a 
few  years  before  the  revolutionary 
war.  Articles  of  subsistence,  po- 
tatoes and  seeds  for  the  propagation 
of  vegetables,  were  transported 
thither  from  the  lower  part  of  the 
state  on  pack  horses,  hand-sleighs 
and  in  knapsacks.  Population,  in 
1830, 624. 

Wesley,  Me. 

Washington  co.  We  should  like 
to'know  the  particular  circumstan- 
ces of  Wesley,  which  doubtless 
was  named  in  honor  of  one  of  the 
best  of  men  that  ever  livfed — John 
Wesley.  It  must  be  a thriving 
town,  for  its  population,  for  the 
last  7 years,  has  increased  from  80 
to  232.  But  very  kttle  information 
can  be  obtained  respecting  a town, 
from  merely  its  act  of  incorporation. 

"Wes thorough.,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  town  lies  on 
the  route  of  the  Boston  and  Worces- 
ter rail  road,  32  miles  W.  from  Bos- 
ton, 10  E.  from  Worcester,  and  3 1-2 
N.  W.  from  Hopkinton  Springs. 
It  was  taken  from  Marlborough  in 
1717.  Population,  1S30,  1,438;  in 
1S37,  1,612. 

As  several  persons  were  engaged 
in  a field  spreading  flax,  in  1704, 
the  Indians  rushed  upon  them  from 
the  woods,  and  seized  4 boys,  and 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


killed  one,  named  Nahor  Rice, 
about  5 years  of  age,  who  was  the 
first  white  person  buried  in  the 
town.  The  men  made  their  escape 
to  the  house.  One  of  the  boys  was 
redeemed,  the  others  remained  and 
mixed  their  posterity  with  the 
French  and  Indians.  Timothy  Rice, 
the  youngest,  7 years  of  age,  when 
taken,  became  a chief  of  the  Cog- 
nawaga  Indians.  He  visited  West- 
boroagh  in  1740,  and  remembered 
the  house  where  he  had  lived,  and 
the  field  where  he  was  captured, 
and  some  aged  people.  He  had 
lost  the  English  language,  and  was 
accompanied  by  an  interpreter.  He 
was  sent  for  and  visited  Gov.  Bel- 
cher, at  Boston,  but  chose  to  return 
to  his  Indian  habits. 

The  waters  of  this  town  consist  of 
some  of  the  sources  of  Concord  and 
Blackstone  rivers,  which  furnish  a 
good  water  power.  There  are  sev- 
eral handsome  ponds  in  the  town, 
well  stocked  with  fish. 

The  manufactures  consist  of 
boots,  shoes,  leather,  axes,  chairs, 
cabinet  and  tin  wares,  ploughs, 
straw  bonnets,  sleighs,  and  harnes- 
ses ; total  value,  the  year  ending 
April  1,  1837,  $169,476,  of  which 
amount  $148,774  was  for  boots  and 
shoes. 

This  is  a very  pleasant  town  : 
the  surface  is  diversified  by  hiTls 
and  valleys:  the  soil  is  good,  and 
appears  to  be  cultivated  by  men 
who  understand  their  business.  A 
brief  statement  of  the  products  of 
Mr.  Samuel  Chamberlain’s  farm  of 
about  100  acres,  in  1833,  is  here 
given. 

Butter,  3,486,  lbs.  $767. 


Cheese,  3,836,  221. 

Beef,  - - 603. 

Pork,  - - 652. 

Veal,  - - 152. 


Total,  $2,395. 


This  is  the  native  place  of  Eli 
Whitney.  Soon  after  he  gradua- 
ted at  Yale  College,  he  went  to 
Georgia,  where  he  resided  many 

39 


years.  He  died,  and  was  buried  in 
the  city  of  New  Haven.  The  fol- 
lowing is  inscribed  on  his  monu- 
ment. 

Eli  Whitney, 
the  inventor  of  the 
Cotton  Gin. 

Of  useful  Science  and  Arts, 
the  efficient  patron 
and  improver. 

Born  December  3th,  1765.  Died 
Jan.  8th,  1825. 

In  the  social  relations  of  life, 
a model  of  excellence. 

While  private 

affection  weeps  at  his  tomb,  his 
country  honors  his 
memory. 

See  New  Haven,  Ct. 

West  Boylston,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  territory 
was  a part  of  Boylston  until  1808, 
and  was  first  settled  about  the 
year  1720.  It  is  42  miles  W.  from 
Boston,  and  8 N.  from  Worcester. 
Population,  in  1830,  1,053;  1837, 

1,330.  The  surface  of  the  town  is 
very  pleasant;  the  soil  good,  and 
wTell  cultivated.  The  Quinepoxet 
and  Stillwater  rivers  meet  the  Nash- 
ua in  this  town.  These  streams  fer- 
tilize a large  portion  of  the  town, 
and  afford  a water  power  tc  propel 
a number  of  mills. 

There  are  in  the  town  7 cotton 
mills,  and  manufactures  of  boots, 
shoes,  leather,  palm-leaf  hats,  cot- 
ton machinery,  baskets,  boxes,  straw 
braid,  hatchets  and  school  appara- 
tus ; annual  value  about  $200,000. 

The  venerable  Robert  B.  Thomas, 
author  of  the  Farmer’s  Almanac,  is 
a resident  of  this  town.  There  are 
some  mineral  treasures  in  West 
Boylston,  and  a spring,  the  waters 
of  which  are  strongly  impregnated 
with  iron. 

West  Bridgewater,  Mass. 

Plymouth  co.  This  is  the  sec- 
ond daughter  of  the  venerable 
Bridgewater,  who  found  it  difficult 
to  find  names  for  her  progeny.  This 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


daughter  was  bom  in  1822,  and  al- 
though not  so  stout  as  her  sisters,  is 
healthy,  comely  and  industrious. 
The  manufactures  of  West  Bridge- 
water  consist  of  iron  castings,  shov- 
els, forks,  hoes,  ploughs,  boots  and 
shoes:  annual  value,  about  $100,- 
000.  West  Bridgewater  is  suppli- 
ed with  mill  privileges  by  a branch 
of  Taunton  river;  and  is  25  miles 
S.  from  Boston,  19  N.  W.  from 
Plymouth  and  9 N.  N.  E.  from 
Taunton.  The  number  of  her  chil- 
dren in  1837,  was  1,145;  increase 
in  7 years,  103. 

In  1820,  ancient  Bridgewater 
contained  5,662  children  : the  whole 
family,  in  1837,  consisted  of  7,865 
members. 

Westbrook,  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  This  flourishing 
town  was  taken  from  Falmouth  in 
1814.  It  is  52  miles  S.  S.  W.  from 
Augusta,  and  is  bounded  E.  by 
Portland.  The  Presumpscot  river 
passing  through  the  town  from  west 
to  east,  furnishes  it  with  rich  inter- 
vales, and  numerous  valuable  mill 
privileges.  The  Cumberland  and 
Oxford  canal  also  passes  through 
the  towrn.  This  town  is  noted  for 
its  working  cattle  which  are  said  to 
equal  any  in  the  country. 

The  principal  place  of  business 
in  Westbrook,  is  at  the  pleasant  vil- 
lage of  Saccarappa,  where  are  large 
operations  in  the  manufacture  of 
lumber,  and  where  has  recently 
been  erected,  by  citizens  of  Port- 
land, a large  brick  cotton  mill,  con- 
taining 2,900  spindles,  and  104 
looms,  and  which  is  in  successful 
operation. 

Stroudwater,  another  village,  has 
some  navigation  employed  in  the 
fishery  and  coasting  trade,  and  has 
been  celebrated  for  the  fine  ships 
built  there.  In  Westbrook  are  ex- 
tensive manufactures  of  tin  ware 
and  combs,  which  are  sent  to  all 
parts  of  the  United  States. 

The  scenery  along  the  canal,  and 
about  the  falls  on  the  Presumpseut, 


is  very  pleasant.  Population,  1830, 
3,238 ; 1837,  3,755 

West  Cambridge,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  This  was  a par- 
ish of  Cambridge,  called  “ Meno- 
tomy,”  until  its  incorporation,  in 
1807.  A part  of  the  lands  are  low 
and  swampy,  but  the  general  fea- 
tures of  the  town  are  pleasant. 
Spy,  Little,  and  a part  of  Fresh 
ponds  lie  in  this  town  ; they  abound 
with  fish,  and  add  much  to  the 
beauty  of  the  place.  These  ponds 
cover  an  area  of  about  200  acres, 
and  furnish  large  quantities  of  ice 
for  transportation.  In  this  town  are 
some-  very  pleasant  villages,  nu- 
merous country  seats,  and  well  cul- 
tivated farms.  Large  quantities  of 
milk  are  daily  taken  to  the  Boston 
market,  and  this  place  is  a consid- 
able  mart  for  cattle  from  the  inte- 
rior countiy. 

Sucker  brook,  though  a small 
stream,  furnishes  a good  water  pow- 
er. The  descent  of  this  stream  is 
so  great,  that  dams  are  erected  in 
the  town  for  appropriating  its  wa- 
ter nine  different  times.  The  me- 
chanical operations  of  West  Cam- 
bridge consist  of  dying  and  printing 
calico,  pulverizing  drugs,  medi- 
cines and  dye-stuffs,  a turning  and 
sawing  mill,  and  the  manufacture 
of  saws,  cards,  boots,  shoes,  cabi- 
net ware  and  chairs  ; total  value, 
the  year  ending  April  1,  1837, 
$312,500.  West  Cambridge  is  6 
miles  N.  W.  from  Boston,  and  12  E. 
by  S.  from  Concbrd.  Population, 
1830,  1,308. 

"Westerly,  R;  3. 

Washington  co.  Westerly  is 
washed  by  the  Atlantic  ocean  on 
the  south,  and  Pawcatuck  river, 
which  separates  this  state  from 
Connecticut,  on  the  west.  This 
maritime  town  has  its  principal  har- 
bor at  the  mouth  of  the  Pawcatuck, 
in  which  vessels  are  built,  and  in 
which  some  navigation  is  employed 
in  the  fishery  and  domestic  trade. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


The  Pawcatuck  affords  a great  va- 
riety of  scale  and  shell  fish. 

The  surface  of  the  town  is  gen- 
erally uneven;  in  some  parts  it 
presents  rugged  features.  Its  soil 
varies  from  good  to  bad,  but  its  av- 
erage quality  is  well  adapted  to  the 
culture  of  all  the  varieties  of  grains, 
grasses,  fruits  and  vegetables  com- 
mon to  the  climate.  The  business 
of  the  dairy  is  extensive  and  lucra- 
tive. 

The  village  of  Pawcatuck  is  ve- 
ry handsome  ; it  is  finely  located  6 
miles  from  the  sea,  at  the  head  of 
navigation  on  the  Pawcatuck,  and 
at  the  falls  on  that  stream.  This 
village  is  the  site  of  valuable  man- 
ufactures, and  of  a large  interior 
trade.  It  is  crossed  by  the  Provi- 
dence and  Stonington  rail  road,  and 
lies  40  miles  S.  S.  W.  from  Provi- 
dence, 5 N.  N.  E.  from  Stonington, 
and  35  W.  by  S.  from  Newport. 

There  are  a number  of  pleas- 
ant ponds  in  the  town,  well  stored 
with  fish.  Westerly  was  incorpo- 
rated in  1669.  Population,  1830, 
1,904.  Its  Indian  name  was 
quamicut. 

West  Fairlee,  Vt. 

Orange  co.  This  town  is  water- 
ed by  Ompomponoosuc  river,  and 
by  a part  of  Fairlee  pond.  The 
surface  is  rough  and  mountainous, 
but  capable  of  sustaining  a consid- 
erable number  of  cattle. 

West  Fairlee  was  chartered  in 
connexion  with  Fairlee,  in  1761; 
and  incorporated  as  a distinct  town 
in  1797.  It  lies  28  miles  S.  E. 
from  Montpelier,  and  12  E.  by  S. 
from  Chelsea.  Population,  1S30, 
841. 

Westfield,  Vt. 

Orleans  co.  A number  of  the 
branches  of  Missisque  river  meet 
in  this  town,  and  afford  a good  wa- 
ter power.  A part  of  the  sur- 
face of  Westfield  is  mountainous; 
through  which  is  the  pass  in  the 
Green  mountains,  called  Hazen’s 


Notch.  Westfield  was  first  settled 
about  the  year  1800.  It  lies  42 
miles  N.  from  Montpelier,  and  44 
N.  E.  from  Burlington.  Population, 
1830, 353. 

Westfield  River,  Mass. 

This  river,  often  called  the  Aga- 
wam, rises  in  the  north  part  of 
Berkshire  county.  It  has  many 
tributaries,  and  is  exceedingly  wild 
and  romantic  in  many  places.  Its 
main  branch  traverses  the  towns 
of  Plainfield,  Cummington,  Goshen, 
Worthington,  Chesterfield,  Nor- 
wich, Montgomery,  Russell,  and 
Westfield,  and  meets  the  Connec- 
ticut at  West  Springfield,  30  miles 
N.  from  Hartford,  Ct. 

Westfield,  Mass. 

Hampden  co.  This  is  a place 
of  singular  beauty,  on  W^estfield 
river.  It  lies  in  a valley  or  basin 
of  about  4 miles  in  diameter,  sur- 
rounded by  high  hills,  and  is  sup- 
posed to  have  been  the  bed  of  a 
lake  whose  waters  burst  the  Mount 
Tom  range  of  mountains  and  dis- 
charged itself  into  Connecticut  riv- 
er. 

The  Hampshire  and  Hampden 
canal  passes  through  this  town,  and 
promises  great  advantages  to  its 
trade  and  hydraulic  power. 

About  a third  part  of  the  popula- 
tion of  the  village  is  engaged  in 
making  whips.  The  annual  amount 
of  that  article  manufactured  here  is 
about  $160,000.  There  are  also 
three  powder  mills  in  the  town,  and 
manufactures  of  tin  ware,  ploughs, 
boots,  shoes,  leather,  cigars,  palm- 
leaf  hats,  chairs,  cabinet  and  wood- 
en wares  : total  annual  value,  about 
$250,000. 

The  Westfield  academy  is  in 
high  standing  : it  has  considerable 
funds,  and  its  annual  number  of 
scholars  is  about  400. 

Westfield  was  first  settled  in  1659. 
Incorporated  in  1669.  It  lies  99 
miles  W.  S.  W.  from  Boston,  9 W. 
by  N.  from  Springfield,  and  16  S. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


bv  W.  from  Northampton.  Popu- 
lation, 1837, 3,039. 

Westford,  \'t. 

Chittenden  co.  This  township 
was  settled  soon  after  the  revolu- 
tionary war,  by  Hezekiah  Parme- 
lee  and  others.  It  lies  13  miles  N. 
N.  E.  from  Burlington,  and  32  N. 
W.  from  Montpelier. 

Westford  is  well  watered  by 
Brown’s  river,  a branch  of  the  La- 
moille. The  surface  is  rough,  and 
the  soil  good  for  grazing.  Between 
3,500  and  4,000  sheep  are  kept. 
Population,  1830, 1,290. 

Westford,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  This  is  a good 
farming  town,  on  elevated  ground, 
26  miles  N.  W.  from  Boston,  and  10 
N.W.  from  Concord.  Incorporated, 
1729.  Population,  1837, 1,451.  The 
surface  and  soil  of  the  town  are 
well  adapted  to  the  growth  of  grain, 
grass  and  fruit,  and  large  quanti- 
ties of  hay  and  vegetables  are  an- 
nually sent  to  Boston  and  Lowell. 
Quantities  of  fine  granite,  common- 
ly called  “ Chelmsford  granite,”  are 
found  here,  quarried  and  transpor- 
ted. Westford  is  watered  by  sev- 
eral beautiful  ponds,  and  by  Stoney 
brook  which  rises  in  the  town  and 
gives  it  mill  privileges. 

The  manufactures  of  Westford, 
consist  of  bar  iron,  shoes  and  leath- 
er : annual  value,  about  $25,000. 

The  village  is  handsomely  situa- 
ted on  a swell  of  fine  land,  com- 
manding a beautiful  prospect,  of 
great  extent,  and  contains  an  Acad- 
emy of  ancient  date  and  respect- 
able standing. 

West  Greenwich,  R.  I. 

Kent  co.  This  town  was  taken 
from  East  Greenwich  in  1741,  by 
which  it  is  bounded  on  the  east.  It 
lies  18  miles  S.  W.  from  Provi- 
dence. Population,  1830,  1,818. 
This  town  possesses  a primitive  ge-  ; 
ological  character,  and  its  surface 
presents  a diversity  of  hills  and  i 


valleys.  Hopkin’s  Hill,  affords  an 
agreeable  view  of  the  surrounding 
country.  The  waters  of  the  town 
consist  of  the  south  branch  of  the 
Pawtuxet,  which  rises  here  ; and  of 
j the- upper  branches  of  Wood  river, 
which  pass  through  it.  There  are 
I some  manufactures  in  the  town, 

! but  the  people  are  generally  en- 
gaged in  agricultural  pursuits. 

Westhampton,  Mass. 

Hampshire  co.  This  township  is 
rough,  but  the  soil  is  generally  good, 
particularly  for  grazing.  There 
is  a valuable  lead  mine  in  the  towo  ; 
about  1,000  merino  sheep  are  kept, 
and  some  hats  and  leather  are  man- 
ufactured. It  lies  8 miles  W.  by  S. 
from  Northampton.  Incorporated, 
1772.  Population,  1837,  818. 

West  Haven,  Yt. 

Rutland  co.  This  town  was  set 
off  from  Fair  Haven  in  1792.  It 
lies  19  miles  W.  from  Rutland,  and 
; is  bounded  W.  by  lake  Champlain, 

' and  S.  by  Whitehall,  N.  Y. 

This  town  is  well  watered  by 
Hubbardston  and  Poultney  rivers, 

| and  Cogman’s  creek ; on  the  for- 
mer of  which  are  handsome  falls 
! and  mill  sites.  The  soil  is  produc- 
tive of  grain  and  grass  : there  is 
much  limestone  and  clay  in  the 
town,  and  a large  number  of  sheep 
are  annually  sheared. 

The  site  of  the  village  is  pleas- 
ant ; it  is  a place  of  some  trade, 

' navigation  and  manufactures.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  724. 

Westminster,  Yt. 

Windham  co.  This  town  is 
bounded  N.  by  Rockingham,  E.  by 
Connecticut  river,  and  S.  by  Put- 
ney. It  lies  82  miles  S.  from  Mont- 
pelier, and  13  N.  E.  from  New- 
fane.  Population,  1830, 1,737. 

This  town  was  one  of  the  first 
settled  townships  in  the  state,  and 
being  situated  near  a fort  for  the 
protection  of  the  country,  it  pros- 
pered rapidly.  For  some  years  the 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


courts  of  law  were  held  here  ; here 
the  legislature  of  the  state  held 
several  sessions,  and  here  the  . mas- 
sacre of  the  13th  of  March,  17T5, 
was  perpetrated. 

The  surface  and  soil  of  this  town 
are  favorable  for  agriculture ; and 
various  articles  of  produce  are  an- 
nually sent  to  market.  In  1S37, 
13,766  sheep  were  sheared  in  West- 
minster 

The  principal  and  oldest  village 
is  delightfully  situated  in  the  east 
parish,  on  the  bank  of  Connecticut 
river.  The  main  street,  which  is 
perfectly  level,  crosses  a table  of 
land  about  one  mile  in  diameter, 
considerably  elevated  above,  the 
river,  and  also  above  the  large  and 
fertile  meadows  by  which  it  is  ap- 
proached on  the  north  and  south ; 
and  the  whole  is  enclosed  by  a semi- 
circle of  hills  which  touch  the 
river  about  two  miles  above  and  be- 
low the  town.  It  is  this  barrier 
which,  while  it  contributes  to  the 
natural  beauty  of  the  place,  has, 
by  turning  the  water  course  in  an-  | 
other  direction,  deprived  it  of  all 
those  facilities  of  access,  and  of 
water  power,  which  have  so  much 
contributed  to  the  rapid  growth  of 
some  of  the  neighboring  villages. 

Westminster,  Mass.  *“ 

Worcester  co.  This  town  lies  on 
the  range  of  high  lands  which 
separate  the  waters  of  the  Connec- 
ticut and  Merrimack.  From  the 
village  a prospect  is  presented  of 
lake  and  mountain  with  all  the  va- 
ried scenery  which  renders  a New 
England  town  peculiarly  delight- 
ful. 

Several  streams, rising  from  large 
ponds  in  this  town  and  its  neigh- 
borhood, produce  a considerable 
water  power,  which  is  improved 
for  manufactures  of  various  kinds. 
These  waters  are  so  elevated  and 
constant  that,  with  a small  expense, 
they  might  be  rendered  exceeding- 
ly valuable.  They  deserve  par- 
ticular attention  of  those  in  search 

39* 


1 of  mill  sites  in  this  part  of  the 
state. 

This  town  lies  50  miles  W.  N. 
W.  from  Boston,  20  N.  by  W.  from 
Worcester,  and  7 S.  W.  from  Fitch- 
burgh.  Incorporated,  1759.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  1,640. 

The  manufactures  of  Westmin- 
ster consist  of  chairs,  cabinet  and 
wooden  wares,  hats,  boots,  shoes, 
straw  bonnets,  palm-leaf  hats,  card 
boards,  saddlery,  and  leather : an- 
nual value,  about  $60,000. 

Westmore,  Vt. 

Orleans  co.  This  town  contains 
Willoughby’s  lake,  a handsome 
sheet  of  water,  surrounded  by 
mounts  Hor,  Pico,  and  other  eleva- 
tions. This  lake  is  about  6 miles  in 
length,  and  one  and  an  half  in 
width.  Branches  of  Barton,  Clyde 
and  Passumpsic  rivers  rise  in  this 
and  other  ponds  in  the  town. 

Westmore  appears  to  be  too  high 
for  the  habitation  of  many  people 
or  sheep:  in  1830,  it  contained  32 
| inhabitants,  and  in  1S37, 10  sheep. 

Westmoreland,  N.  H. 

Cheshire  co.  Westmoreland  is 
bounded  N.  by  Walpole,  E.  by  Sur- 
ry and  Keene,  S.  by  Chesterfield, 
and  W.  by  Dummerston  and  Put- 
ne3r,  Vt.  Its  distance  from  Con- 
cord is  65  miles  S.  W.  Population, 
1830,  1,647. 

This  town  is  watered  by  several 
small  streams  which  empty  into 
the  Connecticut.  The  one  issuing 
from  Spnfford’s  lake  in  Chesterfield 
is  the  largest,  and  affords  some  of 
the  best  water  privileges  in  town. 

The  present  charter  of  the  town 
was  granted  by  New  Hampshire, 
in  1752.  The  first  settlement  was 
made  in  1741.  The  early  settlers 
were  several  times  attacked  by  the 
Indians.  In  one  of  their  excur- 
sions, they  killed  William  Phips, 
the  first  husband  of  Jemima  How  ; 
and  in  another,  carried  Nehemiah 
How,  the  father  of  her  second  hus- 
band, a captive  to  Canada,  where 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


he  died.  The  surface  of  Westmore- 
land is  less  varied  by  mountains, 
vales,  rivers  and  ponds,  than  the 
neighboring  towns. 

West  Newbury,  Mass. 

Essex  co.  This  is  a part  of  the 
ancient  town  of  Newbury,  and  was 
taken  from  it  in  1819. 

This  pleasant  town  lies  on  the  S. 
side  of  Merrimack  river;  33  miles 
N.  from  Boston,  20  E.  from  Lowell, 
and  4 W.  from  Ncwburyport.  Pop- 
ulation, 1937,  1,448. 

This  is  a fine  township  of  land, 
and  many  excellent  farmsand  coun- 
try seats  are  found  within  its  limits. 
Asbestos  and  marble  are  found 
here. 

Although  most  of  the  inhabitants 
of  the  town  are  professional  farm- 
ers, still  there  are  manufactures  of 
bar  iron,  combs,  chaises,  leather, 
and  shoes:  annual  value,  about 

$75,000. 

Weston,  Me. 

Washington  co.  This  town  was 
incorporated  in  1835.  It  is  the  half 
township  granted  to  Hampden 
academy.  It  lies  a few  miles  west 
from  Grand  Lake  : it  is  watered  by 
Baskahegan  river,  and  is  about  90 
miles  N.  E.  from  Bangor.  Popu- 
lation, 1837,  213.  Wheat  crop, 
same  year,  4,706  bushels. 

Weston,  Vt. 

Windsor  co.  West  river  passes 
through  this  town,  and  on  its  banks 
are  some  good  land,  some  manufac- 
tures and  two  pleasant  villages.  It 
was  set  off  from  Andover  in  1790, 
and  organized  as  a town  in  1800. 

Weston  lies  66  miles  S.  by  W. 
from  Montpelier,  and  22  S.  W.  from 
Windsor.  Population,  1830,  972. 

Weston,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  This  is  a town- 
ship of  good  land  with  a neat  and 
flourishing  village.  It  lies  14  miles 
W.  from  Boston,  9 S.  by  E.  from 
Concord,  and  is  watered  by  Stony 
brook.  Population,  1837,  1 ,105. 


The  manufactures  of  the  town 
consist  of  boots,  shoes,  leather,  ma- 
chinery, ploughs,  chairs,  harnesses, 
pottery  ware,  &c.  : annual  value, 
about  $60,000.  Incorporated,  1712 

Weston,  Ct. 

Fairfield  co.  Weston  was  taken 
from  Fairfield  in  1787.  It  was  set- 
tled in  1738.  The  town  is  watered 
by  Saugatuck  and  Mill  rivers,  and 
a pleasant  brook,  which  furnish  a 
good  waterpower.  There  are  some 
valuable  mills  for  manafactures  in 
the  town,  but  the  chief  business 
of  the  inhabitants  is  agricultural. 
The  soil  is  a gravelly  loam,  with  an 
uneven  surface. 

Weston  is  60  miles  S.  W.  from 
Hartford,  and  is  bounded  N.  W.by 
Fairfield.  Population,  1830,  2,997. 

“On  Monday,  the  14th  of  Decem- 
ber, 1S07,  at  about  the  break  of 
day,  or  a little  after,  the  weather 
being  moderate,  calm,  and  the  at- 
mosphere somewhat  cloudy  and 
foggy,  a meteor  or  fire  ball,  passing 
from  a northern  point,  disploded 
over  the  western  part  of  this  state, 
with  a tremendous  report.  At  the 
same  time  several  pieces  of  stony 
substance  fell  on  the  earth  in  Fair- 
field  county.  One  mass  was  driven 
against  a rock  and  dashed  in  small 
pieces,  a peck  of  which  remained 
on  the  spot.  About  three  miles 
distant,  in  the  town  of  Weston,  an- 
other large  piece  fell  upon  the 
earth,  of  which  a mass  of  about 
thirty  pounds  weight  remains  en- 
tire, and  was  exhibited  the  same 
day  at  town  meeting.  A small 
mass  has  been  sent  to  Yale  College, 
and  examined  by  a number  of  gen- 
tlemen. It  was  immediately  per- 
ceived by  Professor  Silliman  to 
contain  a metal,  and  on  presenting 
it  to  a magnet  a powerful  attraction 
proved  it  to  be  iron.  This  is,  we 
believe,  the  first  instance  in  the 
United  States,  in  which  the  sub- 
stance of  this  species  of  meteor 
has  been  found  on  the  earth,  though 
it  has  often  been  found  in  Europe. ** 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Westport,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  This  town  is  sur- 
rounded by  the  waters  of  Sheepscot 
river  and  bay,  and  is  bounded  N. 
by  Wiscasset,  E.  by  Edgecomh  and 
Boothbay,  and  S.  and  W.  by  Sheep- 
scot’s  bay  and  Georgetown.  It  is  29 
miles  S.  by  E.  from  Augusta.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  580.  Incorporated 
in  1828. 

"Westport,  Mass. 

Bristol  co.  This  town  is  pleas- 
antly situated  on  Acoakset  river, 
near  the  mouth  of  Buzzard’s  bay, 
on  the  line  of  Rhode  Island;  IS 
miles  N.  N.  E.  from  Newport,  25 
S.  from  Taunton,  10  S.  by  E. 
from  Fall  River,  10  S.  W.  from 
New  Bedford,  and  CO  S.  from  Bos- 
ton. Five  vessels  belong  to  this 
place,  engaged  in  the  whaling  bu- 
siness, and  a number  of  small  ves- 
sels are  employed  in  coasting  and 
fishing. 

The  value  of  whale  oil  imported 
into  Westport,  the  year  ending 
April  1,  1837,  was  $53,670.  The 
value  of  the  manufactures  of  this 
town,  the  same  year,  was  $69,375; 
they  consisted  of  cotton  yarn,  salt 
and  hoes.  The  number  of  sheep 
sheared  that  year,  was  2,392  ; val- 
ue of  the  wool,  $2,551.  This  town 
was  incorporated  in  1787.  Popula- 
tion,^ 1837,  2,618. 

Westport,  Ct. 

Fairfield  co.  This  pleasant  town 
was  called  Saugatuck,  the  name  of 
a river  that  passes  through  it,  un- 
til 1835.  It  was  taken  from  the  towns 
of  Fairfield,  Norwalk  and  Weston. 
It  is  about  5 miles  in  length  from 
north  to  south,  and  is  bounded  E.  by 
Fairfield,  S.  by  Long  Island  Sound, 
and  W.  by  Norwalk.  Population, 
1835,  1,800. 

There  are  in  the  town,  2 or  3 cot- 
ton mills,  2 carriage  factories,  and 
manufactures  of  shoes,  hats  and  va- 
rious other  articles.  The  village  is 


quite  a business  place,  and  com- 
mands considerable  trade. 

The  Saugatuck  is  navigable  for 
vessels  of  7 feet  draught  of  water 
to  the  village,  which  is  6 1-2  miles 
W.  from  Fairfield,  3 1-2  N.  E.  from 
Norwalk,  and  27  S.  W.  from  New 
Haven. 

About  2 1-2  miles  south  of  the 
village  of  Westport,  is  a smooth  and 
beautiful  elevation,  called  Compo. 
It  was  at  this  place  that  the  British 
troops  landed  in  April,  1777,  when 
on  their  expedition  to  Danbury. 
They  also  returned  to  this  place 
when  they  embarked  on  board  of 
their  shipping.  Seven  or  eight 
men  were  killed  in  the  vicinity  of 
the  Congregational  church  in  West- 
port.  Ball  Mountain , a conical 
eminence,  covered  with  large  trees 
from  its  base  to  its  summit,  is  situa- 
ted a little  south  of  the  village,  and 
is  a striking  feature  in  the  landscape. 

West  quoddy  Head,  Me. 

See  Quoddy  Head. 

West  River,  Vt. 

This  river  rises  in  Weston,  in  the 
county  of  Windsor,  and  passing  S. 
through  the  towns  of  Londonder- 
ry, Jamaica,  Wardsborough,  and 
Newfane,  in  the  county  of  Wind- 
ham, it  falls  into  the  Connecticut  at 
the  north  part  of  Brattleborough. 
This  river  receives  many  branches 
in  its  course,  which  are  good  mill 
streams  : the  main  river  is  rather 
sluggish,  and  fertilizes  large  tracts 
of  meadow.  West  river  traverses 
a distance  of  about  50  miles,  and 
waters  a basin  of  440  square  miles. 

West  River  Mountain,  N.  H. 

See  Chesterfield  and  Hinsdale. 

Wrest  Springfield,  Mass. 

Hampden  co.  This  town  is  beau- 
tifully situated  on  both  sides  of 
Westfield  river,  at  its  confluence 
with  the  Connecticut,  opposite  to 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Springfield,  to  which  it  is  connect- 
ed by  a beautiful  bridge.  Some 
parts  of  the  town  are  rough  and  un- 
even, and  in  some  parts  are  stony 
plains  ; but  the  general  character 
of  the  town  in  regard  to  soil  is  allu- 
vial meadow  of  an  excellent  quali- 
ty. On  the  summits  of  the  hills 
and  along  the  rivers,  a great  variety 
of  wild  and  delightful  scenery  is 
exhibited. 

There  are  1 cotton  and  2 woolen 
mills  in  the  town,  and  manufactures 
of  leather,  boots  and  shoes;  annual 
value,  about  $100,000.  In  1837, 
there  were  3,374  fleeces  of  wool 
sheared  in  the  town,  which  weigh- 
ed 8,512  lbs.,  and  sold  for  $5,107. 
Good  iron  ore  is  found  in  West 
Springfield,  and  a species  of  lime- 
stone, used  for  making  water  proof 
cement.  Incorporated,  1774.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  3,227. 

West  Stockbridge,  Mass. 

Berkshire  co.  Williams  riv- 
er which  rises  m Richmond,  runs 
through  the  whole  length  of  this 
town,  and  gives  it  a great  hydraulic 
power. 

This  town  is  bounded  W.  by  the 
state  of  New  York,  and  lies  on  the 
route  of  the  great  w’eStern  rail  road 
from  Boston  to  Albany.  A part  of 
the  town  is  hilly;  but  the  soil  is 
generally  good.  Along  the  river 
is  a valley  of  fine  land  which  gives 
beauty  to  the  village,  and  value  to 
the  town.  Mines  of  iron  ore  are 
found  in  this  town,  and  an  inex- 
haustible quantity  of  beautifully 
variegated  marble. 

The  manufactures  of  the  town 
consist  of  bar  iron,  axes,  brads, 
machinery,  marble,  leather,  w'ood- 
en  w^-are,  &c ; annual  value,  about 
$30#00. 

West  Stockbridge  lies  135  miles 
W.  from  Boston,  9 S.  S.  W.  from 
Lenox,  26  E.  by  N.  from  Hudson, 
N.  Y.,  and  37  1-2  S.  E.  by  S.  from 
Albany,  by  the  proposed  rail  road. 
Incorporated,  1774.  Population,  in 
1837,  1,244. 


Wethersfield,  Ct. 

Hartford  co.  This  town,  the  In- 
dian Pyquag,  was  one  of  the  first 
settled  towns  in  the  state.  It  is 
supposed  that  most  of  the  Weth- 
ersfield settlers  came  round  from 
Boston  by  water,  and  arrived  in  Ju- 
ly, before  the  Windsor  and  Hartford 
settlers,  who  came  through  the 
wilderness,  and  did  not  reach  the 
Connecticut  until  about  the  9th  of 
November. 

Wethersfield  is  bounded  N.  by 
Hartford,  E.  by  Connecticut  river, 
S.by  Middletown,  and  W.by  Berlin. 
It  lies  4 miles  S.  from  Hartford. 
Population,  hi  1820,  3,825  ; in  1830, 
3,853. 

Piper’s  river  and  other  small 
streams  wratcr  the  town,  but  afford 
no  important  mill  sites. 

The  area  of  the  town  is  about  6 
miles  square,  containing  23,000 
acres.  This  is  an  excellent  town- 
ship of  land,  having  an  undulating 
surface,  and  exhibiting  a beautiful 
diversity  of  hill  and  dale.  The 
soil  is  generally  a rich  gravelly  and 
sandy  loam,  but  in  the  western  part 
of  the  town,  argillaceous  loam  pre- 
vails ; and  some  small  sections  in 
the  centre,  may  be  considered  as  a 
garden  mould.  It  is  well  adapted 
to  grass  and  grain,  and  particularly 
to  esculent  roots.  The  tract  of  allu- 
vial upon  Connecticut  river  is  ex- 
tensive and  beautiful,  and  very 
productive. 

Among  other  agricultural  inter- 
ests in  this  town,  the  cultivation  of 
onions  has  long  held  a conspicuous 
rank.  This  is  an  important  agri- 
cultural pursuit,  although  it  occu- 
pies but  a small  portion  of  land, 
and  the  service  is  principally  per- 
formed by  females.  Wethersfield 
onions  have  long  been  justly  cele- 
brated, and  large  quantities  are 
exported  to  the  southern  states  and 
the  West  Indies  for  a market. 

The  changing  of  the  bed  of  the 
river  in  this  town  has  been  the  oc- 
casion of  much  litigation  respecting 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


the  title  to  the  soil.  Mr.  Butler, 
who  owned  a tract  upon  which  the 
river  was  encroaching,  found  after  a 
while,  some  of  his  land  appearing 
on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river, 
and  accordingly  laid  claim  to  it. 
His  claim  was  disputed,  as  he  nev- 
er owned  land  on  that  side  of  the 
river.  It  was  a long  time  before 
this  case  was  decided.  There  ap- 
peared some  difficulty  in  making 
the  jury  who  sat  on  the  case,  to  un- 
derstand the  merits  of  the  question. 
Mr.  Ingersoll,  a relative  of  the  In- 
gersoll  family  in  New  Haven,  was 
the  counsel  employed  by  Mr.  But- 
ler. He  illustrated  the  case  by 
supposing  that  Mr.  B.  had  built  a 
castle  on  the  land  in  question.  Al- 
though the  ground  ou  which  it  stood 
might  be  overflowed,  yet  still  it  was 
his  castle,  and  also  the  ground  on 
which  it  stood,  and  he  had  a right 
to  his  property  wherever  he  could 
find  it.  The  case  was  finally  deci- 
ded in  accordance  with  these  views. 

The  State  Prison  of  Connecticut 
was  erected  in  this  town  in  1826, 
and  the  prisoners  from  Newgate 
prison,  in  Granby,  were  removed 
here  the  next  year.  This  building 
is  situated  on  the  south  margin  of 
the  cove,  which  sets  back  (rom 
Connecticut  river,  at  the  north  end 
of  Wethersfield  village.  The  build- 
ings of  the  prison  form  very  near- 
ly a quadrangle,  on  the  south  side 
of  which,  stands  the  building  which 
is  more  properly  the  Prison.  The 
apartments  of  the  warden  are  situ- 
ated in  the  east  end  of  this  build- 
ing ; the  centre  surrounds  the 
block  of  cells  4 stories  high,  in 
which  the  male  prisoners  are  lock- 
ed up.  This  hall  or  centre  is  154 
feet  long,  43  feet  wide,  and  30  feet 
high  ; the  number  of  cells  or  night 
rooms  is  200.  The  west  end,  is 
used  as  the  female  department, 
containing  cells,  rooms  for  labor, 
kitchen,  and  apartments  for  the 
matron.  The  east,  north,  and  west 
sides  of  this  quadrangle,  are  form- 
ed by  a wall  20  feet  high.  With- 


in this  yard  are  situated  two  ran- 
ges of  shops  ; one  on  the  east  side, 
and  one  upon  the  west,  in  which 
the  convicts  perform  their  daily  la- 
bor. The  passage  into  the  prison, 
is  through  the  warden’s  apartment, 
into  the  guard  room,  thence  into 
the  hall  surrounding  the  cells, 
thence  into  the  yard.  This  is  the 
only  passage,  except  through  a 
large  gate  on  the  north  side  of  the 
yard. 

Rocky  Hill,  the  south  parish  of 
Wethersfield,  lies  on  a collection 
of  hills  which  are  a continuation  of 
the  Middletown  range:  one  of 
these  eminences,  Rocky  hill,  has 
given  name  to  the  parish.  It  has  a 
pleasant  little  village  on  an  eleva- 
ted situation,?  miles  from  Hartford, 
with  a lauding  at  some  distance, 
where  considerable  commerce  and 
ship  building  were  formerly  car- 
ried on. 

Newington,  the  2d  society  in 
Wethersfield,  was  formerly  called 
Cow  plain.  The  village  is  pleas- 
antly situated  in  a fertile  valley, 
west  of  Cedar  mountain  : the  cen- 
tral part  is  6 miles  from  Hartford, 
and  4 from  Wethersfield  village. 
The  inhabitants  are  chiefly  engag- 
ed in  agriculture,  and  are  distin- 
guished for  their  general  intelli- 
gence, and  attachment  to  the  in- 
stitutions of  morality  and  religion. 

Many  years  since,  a gentleman 
of  Newington,  who  was  a very  re- 
ligious and  conscientious  man,  mar- 
ried for  a wife,  one  of  the  most  ill 
natured  and  troublesome  women 
which  could  be  found  in  the  vicini- 
ty. This  occasioned  universal  sur- 
prise wherever  he  was  known,  and 
one  of  his  neighbors  ventured  to 
ask  him  the  reasons  which  govern- 
ed his  choice.  The  gentleman  re- 
plied, that  having  had  hut  little  or 
no  trouble  in  the  world,  he  was 
fearful  of  becoming  too  much  at- 
tached to  things  of  time  and  sense. 
And  he  thought  by  experiencing 
some  afflictions,  he  should  become 
more  weaned  from  the  world,  and 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


that  he  married  such  a woman  as 
he  thought  would  accomplish  the 
object.  The  best  part  of  the  story 
is,  that  the  wife  hearing  of  the  rea- 
sons why  he  married  her,  was 
much  offended,  and  out  of  revenge, 
became  one  of  the  most  pleasant 
and  dutiful  wives  in  the  town,  de- 
claring that  she  was  not  a going  to 
be  made  a pack  horse,  to  carry  her 
husband  to  heaven. 

Wethersfield  was  the  scene  of 
one  of  the  most  horrible  butcheries 
ever  committed  ; that  of  the  Bea- 
dle family , in  1782. 

Beadle  was  an  Englishman,  and 
came  to  this  country  in  1762.  He 
settled  in  Fairfield,  where  he  mar- 
ried, and  remained  until  about  10 
years  before  this  tragedy.  The 
following  are  extracts  from  an  ac- 
count of  this  event,  written  by  a 
neighbor,  and  attached  to  the  funer- 
al sermon  of  Mrs.  Beadle  and  her 
children. 

“ When  the  war  commenced,  he 
had  on  hand  a very  handsome  as- 
sortment of  goods  for  a country 
store,  which  he  sold  for  the  curren- 
cy of  the  country,  without  any  ad- 
vance in  the  price ; the  money  he 
laid  by,  waiting  and  expecting. the 
the  time  would  soon  arrive  when 
he  might  therewith  replace  his 
goods,  resolving  not  to  part  with  it 
until  it  should  be  in  as  good  de- 
mand as  when  received  by  him. 
His  expectations  from*  this-.  quarter 
daily  lessening,  finally  lost  all  hope, 
and  was  thrown  into  a state  little 
better  than  despair,  as  appears  from 
his  writing : he  adopted  a plan  of 
the  most  rigid  family  economy,  but 
still  kept  up  the  outward  appear- 
ance of  his  former  affluence,  and 
ever  to  the  last  entertained  his 
friends  with  his  usual  decent  hospi- 
tality, although  nothing  appeared 
in  his  outward  deportment,  which 
evinced  the  uncommon  pride  of  his 
heart.  His  writings  show  clearly 
that  he  was  determined  not  to  bear 
the  mortification  of  being  thought 
by  his  friends  poor  and  dependent. 


On  this  subject  he  expresses  him- 
self in  the  following  extraordinary 
manner  : ‘ If  a man,  who  has  once 
lived  well,  meant  well,  and  done 
well,  falls  by  unavoidable  accident 
into  poverty,  and  then  submits  to 
be  laughed  at,  despised  and  trampled 
on,  by  a set  of  mean  wretches  as 
far  below  him  as  the  moon  is  be- 
low the  sun ; I say  if  such  a man 
submits,  he  must  become  meaner 
than  meanness  itself,  and  I sincere- 
ly wish  he  might  have  10  years  ad- 
ded to  his  natural  life  to  punish  him 
for  his  folly.’ 

“ He  fixed  upon  the  night  suc- 
ceeding the  18th  of  November  for 
the  execution  of  his  nefarious  pur- 
pose, and  procured  a supper  of  oys- 
ters, of  which  the  family  eat  very 
plentifully  : that  evening  he  writes 
as  follows  : ‘ I have  prepared  a noble 
supper  of  oysters,  that  my  flock 
anil  1 may  cat  and  drink  together, 
thank  God  and  die.’  After  supper 
he  sent  the  maid  with  a studied  er- 
rand to  a friend’s  house  at  some  dis- 
tance, directing  her  to  stay  until 
she  obtained  an  answer  to  an  insig- 
nificant letter  he  wrote  his  friend, 
intending  she  should  not  return 
that  evening — she  did  however 
return ; perhaps  her  return  dis- 
concerted him  and  prevented  him 
for  that  time.  The  next  day  he 
carried  his  pistols  to  a smith  for  re- 
pair : it  may  be,  the  ill  condition  of 
his  pistols  might  be  an  additional 
reason  of  the  delay. 

“ On  the  evening  of  the  10th  of 
December  some  persons  were  with 
him  at  his  house  to  whom  he  ap- 
peared as  cheerful  and  serene  as 
usual ; he  attended  to  the  little  af- 
fairs of  his  family  as  if  nothing 
uncommon  was  in  contemplation. 
The  company  left  him  about  nine 
o’clock  in  the  evening,  when  he 
was  urgent  as  usual  for  their  stay  : 
whether  he  slept  that  night  is  un- 
certain, but  it  is  believed  he  went 
to  bed.  The  children  and  maid 
slept  in  one  chamber:  in  the  grey 
of  the  morning  of  the  11th  of  De- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ccmbcr  ho  went  to  their  bed  cham- 
ber, awaked  the  maid  and  ordered 
her  to  rise  gently,  without  disturb- 
ing the  children,  when  she  came 
down  stairs  ; he  gave  her  a line  to 
the  family  physician,  who  lived  at 
the  distance  of  a quarter  of  a mile; 
ordered  her  to  carry  it  immediately, 
at  the  same  time  declaring  that  Mrs. 
Beadle  had  been  ill  all  night,  and 
directing  her  to  stay  until  the  phy- 
sician should  come  with  her  : this 
he  repeated  sundry  times  with  a 
degree  of  ardor.  There  is  much 
reason  to  believe  lie  had  murdered 
Mrs.  Beadle  before  lie  awaked  the 
maid.  Upon  the  maid’s  leaving  the 
house  he  immediately  proceeded  to 
execute  his  purpose  on  the  children 
and  himself.  It  appears  he  had  for 
some  time  before,  carried  to  his 
bedside  every  night  an  axe  and  a 
carving  knife ; he  smote  his  wife 
and  each  of  the  children  with  the 
axe  on  the  side  of  the  head  as  they 
lay  sleeping  in  their  beds  \ the  wo- 
man hail  two  wounds  in  the  head, 
the  skull  of  each  of  them  was  frac- 
tured ; he  then  with  the  carving 
knife  cut  their  throats  from  car  to 
ear;  the  woman  and  little  boy  were 
drawn  partly  over  the  side  of  their 
beds,  as  if  to  prevent  the  bedding 
from  being  besmeared  with  blood  : 
the  three  daughters  were  taken 
from  the  bed  and  laid  upon  the  floor 
side  by  side,  like  three  lambs,  be- 
fore their  throats  were  cut ; they 
were  covered  with  a blanket,  and 
the  woman’s  face  with  a handker- 
chief. He  then  proceeded  to  the 
lower  floor  of  the  house,  leaving 
marks  of  his  footsteps  in  blood  on 
the  stairs,  carrying  with  him  the 
axe  and  knife,  the  latter  he  laid  on 
the  table  in  the  room  where  he  was 
found,  reeking  with  the  blood  of  his 
family.  Perhaps  he  had  thoughts 
he  might  use  it  against  himself  if 
his  pistols  should  fail.  It  appears  he 
then  seated  himself  in  a Windsor 
chair,  with  his  arms  supported  by 
the  arms  of  the  chair  ; he  fixed  the 
muzzles  of  the  pistols  into  his  two 


cars,  and  fired  them  at  the  same  in- 
stant: the  balls  went  through  the 
head  in  transverse  directions.  Al- 
though the  neighbors  were  very 
near  and  some  of  them  awake, 
none  heard  the  report  of  the  pis- 
tols. 

“ The  line  to  the  physician  ob- 
scurely announced  the  intentions 
of  the  man  / the  house  ‘was  soon 
opened,  but  alas,  too  late  J The 
bodies  were  pale  and  motionless, 
swimming  in  their  15T<56fI,  their  faces 
white  as  mountain  6now,  yet  life 
seemed  to  tremble  on  their  lips  : 
description  can  do  no  more  than 
faintly  ape  and  trifle  with  the  real 
figure. 

“ Such  a tragical  scene  filled  ev- 
ery mind  with  the  deepest  di-tress: 
nature  recoiled,  and  was  on  the 
rack  with  distorting  passions : the 
most  poignant  sorrow  and  tender 
pity  for  tiic  lady  and  her  innocent 
babes,  who  were  the  hapless  vic- 
tims of  the  brutal,  studied  cruelty 
of  an  husband  and  father,  in  whose 
embraces  they  expected  to  find  se- 
curity, melted  every  heart.  Shock- 
ing effects  of  pride  and  false  notions' 
about  religion  ! 

“To  paint  the  first  transports 
this  affecting  scene  produced,  when 
the  house  was  opened,  is  beyond 
my  reach.  Multitudes  of  all  ages 
and  sexes  were  drawn  together  by 
the  sad  tale.  The  very  inmost 
souls  of  the  beholders  were  wound- 
ed at  the  sight,  and  torn  by  con- 
tending passions.  Silent  grief, 
with  marks  of  astonishment,  were 
succeeded  by  furious  indignation 
against  the  author  of  the  affecting 
spectacle,  which  vented  itself  in 
incoherent  exclamations.  Nature 
itself  seemed  ruffled,  and  refused 
the  kindly  aid  of  balmy  sleep  for  a 
time. 

“Near  the  close  of  the  day  on 
the  12th  of  December,  the  bodies 
being  still  unburied,  the  people 
who  had  collected  in  great  num- 
bers, grew  almost  frantic  writh 
rage,  and  in  a manner  demanded 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


the  body  of  the  murderer  : the  law 
being  silent  on  the  subject,  it  was 
difficult  to  determine  where  decen- 
cy required  the  body  should  be 
placed  : many  proposed  it  should 
be  in  an  ignominious  manner  where 
four  roads  met,  without  any  coffin 
or  insignia  of  respect,  and  perfora- 
ted by  a stake.  Upon  which  a 
question  arose,  where  that  place 
could  be  found  which  might  be 
unexceptionable  to  the  neighbor- 
hood, but  no  one  would  consent  it 
should  be  near  his  house  or  land. 
After  some  consultation  it  was 
thought  best  to  place  it  on  the  bank 
of  the  river  between  high  and  low 
water  mark  : the  body  was  handed 
out  of  the  window  and  bound  with 
cords  on  a sled,  with  the  clothes  on 
as  it  was  found,  and  the  bloody 
knife  tied  on  his  breast,  without 
coffin  or  box,  and  the  horse  he  usu- 
ally rode  was  made  fast  to  the  sled  : 
the  horse,  unaccustomed  to  the 
draught,  proceeded  with  great  un- 
steadiness, sometimes  running  full 
speed,  then  stopping,  followed  by  a 
multitude,  until  arriving  at  the  wa- 
ter’s edge,  the  body  was  tumbled 
into  a hole  dug  for  the  purpose,  like 
the  carcase  of  a beast. 

“ On  the  13th  of  December,  the 
bodies  of  the  murdered  were  in- 
terred in  a manner  much  unlike 
that  of  the  unnatural  murderer. 
The  remains  of  the  children  were 
borne  by  a suitable  number  of 
equal  age,  attended  by  a sad  pro- 
cession of  youths  of  the  town,  all 
bathed  in  tears ; side  by  side  the 
hapless  woman’s  corpse  was  car- 
ried in  solemn  procession  to  the 
parish  church  yard,  followed  by  a 
great  concourse,  who  with  affec- 
tionate concern  and  every  token 
of  respect  were  anxious  to  express 
their  heartfelt  sorrow  in  perform- 
ing the  last  mournful  duties. 

“ The  person  of  Mr.  Beadle  was 
small,  his  features  striking  and  full 
of  expression,  with  the  aspect  of 
fierceness  and  determination ; his 
mind  was  contemplative ; when 


once  he  had  formed  an  opinion,  he 
was  remarkably  tenacious:  as  a 
merchant  or  trader,  he  was  esteem- 
ed a man  of  strict  honor  and  integ- 
rity, and  would  not  descend  to  any 
low  or  mean  artifice  to  advance  his 
fortune.  He  was  turned  of  52 
years  of  age  when  he  died. 

“ Mrs.  Beadle  was  born  at  Ply- 
mouth in  Massachusetts,  of  reputa- 
ble parents,  a comely  person,  of 
good  address,  well  bred,  and  unus- 
ually serene,  sincere,  unaffected 
and  sensible.  She  died  in  the  mid- 
dle of  life,  aged  32  years. 

“The  children,  (the  eldest  of 
which  was  a son,  aged  12  years, 
the  other  three,  daughters,  the 
youngest  aged  6 years)  were  such 
as  cheered  the  hearts  of  their  par- 
ents, who  were  uncommonly  fond 
of  displaying  their  little  virtues  and 
excellencies,  and  seemed  to  antici- 
pate a continuance  of  growing  pa- 
rental satisfaction  : alas,  like  early, 
tender  buds  nipped  by  untimely 
frosts,  they  did  but  begin  to  live  ! 

“ It  is  more  than  probable,  that 
this  man  had  for  months  past  desir- 
ed that  some  or  all  of  his  children 
might  be  taken  out  of  the  world  by 
accident : he  removed  all  means  of 
security  from  a well  near  his  house, 
which  he  was  careful  heretofore  to 
keep  covered.  His  little  boy  he 
often  sent  to  swim  in  the  river,  and 
has  been  heard  to  chide  the  child 
for  not  venturing  further  into  deep 
water  than  his  fears  would  suffer 
him.  He  has  at  times  declared  it 
would  give  him  no  pain  or  uneasi- 
ness to  follow  his  children  to  the 
grave : his  acquaintance  knew 

these  expressions  could  not  arise 
from  want  of  affection  or  tender- 
ness for  his  children,  but  rather 
imagined  him  speaking  rashly  in 
jest.  He  ever  spoke  lightly  of 
death  as  abughear  the  world  cause- 
lessly feared.  It  appears  from  his 
writings,  he  at  first  had  doubts 
whether  it  was  just  and  reasonable 
for  him  to  deprive  his  wife  of  life, 
and  offers  against  it  only  this  reason, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


that  he  had  no  hand  in  bringing 
her  into  existence,  and  consequent- 
ly had  no  power  over  her  life. 

‘ he  set  out  on  the  7th  of  Novem- 
beron  a journey  to  Fairfield,  which 
he  thought  was  by  direction  of 
Heaven  to  clear  him  of  his  doubts 
and  remove  her  out  of  the  way,  at 
the  time  the  business  was  to  be 
done  ; and  his  intention  was  to  have 
executed  his  design  on  himself  and 
children  in  her  absence.  She  pro- 
ceeded no  further  thhn  New  Ha- 
ven, and  by  reason  of  some  disap- 
pointment, returned  ten  days  earlier 
than  expected  : he  appeared  cha- 
grined at  her  early  return,  and  soon 
began  to  invent  some  justifying 
reasons  for  depriving  her  of  life 
also.  He  finally  concludes  it  would 
be  unmerciful  to  leave  her  behind 
to  languish  out  a life  of  misery  and 
wretchedness,  which  must  be  the 
consequence  of  the  surprising  death 
of  the  rest  of  the  family,  and  that 
since  they  had  shared  the  frowns 
and  smiles  of  fortune  together,  it 
would  be  cruelty  to  her,  to  be  di- 
vided from  them  in  death.” 

IVcy  bridge,  Vt. 

Addison  co.  Weybridge  is  wa- 
tered by  Otter  Creek,  which  "af- 
fords it  good  mill  sites.  Lemonfair 
river,  a sluggish  stream,  also  waters 
the  town.  Some  parts  of  the  town 
are  mountainous,  but  the  soil  is  gen- 
erally good  : the  basis  being  lime- 
stone, it  yields  good  crops,  and  pas- 
tures about  6,000  sheep.  It  lies  30 
miles  S.  by  E.  from  Burlington,  and 
is  bounded  on  the  S.  E.  by  Middle- 
bury.  Population,  1830,  850. 

Weymouth,  Mass. 

Norfolk  co.  This  was  the  sec- 
ond settlement  made  by  white 
men  in  New  England.  Mr.  Thom- 
as Weston,  a respectable  merchant 
of  London,  who  had  been  active 
in  promoting  the  interests  of  the 
Plymouth  colonists,  sent  two  ships 
and  50  or  60  men  to  plant  a colony 
at  this  place,  in  the  year  1622.  The 

40 


fate  of  the  colony  was  as  unfortu- 
nate as  the  designs  of  Mr.  Weston 
wore  philanthropic.  By  the  unjust 
and  wanton  conduct  of  his  agents 
towards  the  natives,  the  colony 
would  have  been  totally  destroyed, 
were  it  not  for  the  timely  assistance 
afforded  it  by  a band  of  men  from 
the  Plymouth  Colony,  commanded 
by  the  gallant  Standish.  The  col- 
ony was  broken  up,  and  Mr.  Wes- 
ton lost  his  life  on  the  coast  in  at- 
tempting to  reach  it.  This  place, 
the  Indian  IVessagusset , named 
Weymouth  from  a town  in  England, 
was  however  permanently  settled 
by  the  Rev.  William  Morrill,  Capt. 
Robert  Georges  and  others,  in  the 
year  1624. 

The  surface  of  the  town  is  pleas- 
antly diversified  by  hills  and  val- 
leys. Some  of  the  elevations  are 
commanding,  and  present  delight- 
ful views  of  Boston  harbor,  Mas- 
sachusetts bay  and  the  adjacent 
country.  The  soil  is  a strong  grav- 
elly loam,  with  a granitic  super- 
structure. 

This  town  was  formerly  noted 
for  its  excellent  dairies,  particular- 
ly for  its  cheese  of  a superior  rich- 
ness and  flavor;  but  little  of  which 
is  now  made  in  consequence  of 
the  increased  value  of  the  lands. 

Weymouth  is  finely  watered  by 
large  and  beautiful  ponds,  and  by 
two  important  arms  of  Boston  har- 
bor, called  Fore  and  Back  rivers. 
These  rivers  are  navigable  for  large 
vessels,  and  at  their  head  are  valua- 
ble mill  privileges.  Between  these 
rivers,  and  between  the  towns  of 
Braintree  and  Hingham  is  a large 
tract  of  gently  swelling  land  of 
good  soil,  extending  to  Quincy, 
and  is  united  to  “Quincy  Point” 
by  a bridge  across  Fore  river. 
Over  this  ground  the  turnpike  road 
between  Quincy  and  Hingham 
passes. 

There  are  several  pleasant  vil- 
lages in  Weymouth,  but  the  prin- 
cipal place  of  business  in  the  town 
is  at  “Weymouth  Landing,”  so 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


called,  or  Washington  Square,  at 
the  head  of  Fore  river,  on  the  line 
of  Braintree.  This  place,  being 
at  the  head  of  navigation  for  a large 
and  flourishing  section  of  country, 
has  longenjoyed,  and  must  everpos- 
sess  superior  privileges  as  a place 
of  trade.  About  1,000  tons  of  ship- 
ping is  owned  here,  employed  in 
the  fishery  and  domestic  trade. 
At  this  place  are  a number  of 
wharves,  ware  houses,  a steam  saw 
mill,  and  manufactures  of  various 
kinds.  Ship  building  is  carried  on 
to  some  extent,  and  large  quanti- 
ties of  lumber,  flour,  grain,  lime, 
coal,  wood,  &c.,  are  annually  sold. 

This  village  lies  on  the  Ply- 
mouth and  New  Bedford  roads,  11 
miles  S.  by  E.  from  Boston,  24  N. 
N.  W.  from  Plymouth,  14  S.  E. 
from  Dedham,  5 W.  from  Hingham, 
and  9 S.  S.  W.  from  Boston  Light. 

The  village  at  the  south  part  of 
the  town  is  pleasantly  situated  on 
elevated  ground,  about  3 miles  S. 
from  Washington  Square.  The 
people  here  are  extensively  enga- 
ged in  the  manufacture  of  boots  and 
shoes. 

Stages  pass  between  these  villa- 
ges and  Boston,  daily ; and  pack- 
ets, for  the  transportation  of  mer- 
chandize, navigate  the  rivers  about 
nine  months  in  the  year. 

The  roads  in  this  section  of  the 
country  are  remarkably  fine,  and 
many  citizens  of  Boston  make  Wey- 
mouth their  summer  residence. 

The  manufactures  of  the  town 
are  various,  but  those  of  leather, 
boots  and  shoes,  are  the  most  con- 
siderable. The  annual  amount  of 
these  manufactures  varies  from 
$500,000  to  $800,000. 

Weymouth  was  incorporated  in 
1635.  Population,  1820,  2,404; 
1830,  2,839  ; 1837,  3,3S7. 

This  ancient  town  has  been  the 
birth  place  and  residence  of  many 
men  of  great  usefulness  in  society. 
Among  the  number,  the  name  of 
Cotton  Tufts,  M.  D.,  M.  M. 
S.  S.  A.  A.  S.,  will  long  be  re- 


membered as  a revolutionary  patri- 
arch and  skillful  physician. 

Whatcly,  Mass. 

Franklin  co.  This  town  lies  on 
the  west  side  of  Connecticut  river, 
9 miles  N.  from  Northampton,  11 
S.  from  Greenfield,  and  92  W.  by 
N.  from  Boston.  Incorporated  in 
1771.  Population,  in  1837,  1,140. 
There  are  some  pine  plains,  and  a 
part  of  Sugar  Loaf  mountain  ex- 
tends into  the  town  from  Deerfield  ; 
still  there  arc  some  tracts  of  good 
intervale  land  on  the  Connecticut, 
and  smaller  streams,  by  which  it  is 
watered. 

The  number  of  sheep  in  Whately, 
in  1837,  was  1,650  ; weight  of  wool, 
4,953  lbs.  : value,  $2,862.  There 
are  3 woollen  mills  in  the  town,  3 
tanneries,  3 distilleries,  and  manu- 
factures of  gimblets,  augers,  ham- 
mers, brooms,  brushes,  palm-leaf 
hats,  boots,  shoes,  pocket-books,  &c. 
Annual  value,  about  $90,000. 

Wheelock,  Vt. 

m 

Caledonia  co.  There  is  some 
good  land  in  this  town,  but  a great 
part  of  it  is  mountainous  or  hilly, 
and  fit  only  for  the  pasturage  of 
sheep,  of  which  about  3,000  are 
kept.  The  streams  flow  N.  W.  into 
the  Lamoille  ; and  S.  E.  into  the 
Passumpsic. 

This  town  was  granted  in  1785, 
to  the  charity  school  at  Dartmouth 
College,  and  named  in  honor  of 
John  Wheelock,  who  was,  at  that 
time,  president  of  that  institution. 
Wheelock  lies  30  miles  N.  N.  E. 
from  Montpelier,  and  9 N.  from 
Danville.  Population,  1830,  834. 

Wheelwright’s  Pond,  N.  H, 

See  Lee. 

White  River,  Vt. 

This  is  the  largest  stream  in  the 
state  on  the  east  side  of  the  Green 
Mountains.  It  waters  a basin  of 
about  700  square  miles,  and  traver- 
ses in  its  course  from  Kingston,  io 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Addison  county,  about  60  miles.  It 
passes  through  Hancock, Rochester, 
and  Pittsfield,  in  Rutland  county, 
and  Stockbridge,  Bethel,  Royalton, 
and  Sharon,  in  Windsor  county,  to 
its  fall  into  the  Connecticut  at  Hart- 
ford, about  5 miles  above  the  mouth  i 
of  Quecchy  river.  White  river 
receives  many  large  tributaries; 
the  most  considerable  of  which  are 
the  three  branches,  so  called,  from 
the  north  ; and  Broad  brook  and 
Locust  creek  from  the  south.  This 
stream  and  its  branches,  afford  a 
great  hydraulic  power;  and  large  ( 
tracts  of  country  are  fertilized  by  | 
.is  waters.  It  passes  through  a 
country  of  lofty  mountains,  deep 
ravines  and  fertile  valleys ; the 
scenery  of  which  is  much  enhanc-*’ 
ed  by  the  devious  course  of  this 
beautiful  river. 

"White  Cap  Mountain,  Me. 

See  Andover. 

Whltefleld,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  Sheepscot  river  pass- 
es through  this  town,  giving  it  fer-  j 
tility,  beauty,  and  a good  water  1 
power.  It  lies  16  miles  S.  E.  from 
Augusta,  and  14  N.  from  Wiscas- 
set.  Incorporated,  1809.  Popula- 
tion, in  1837,  2,136.  Wheat  crop,  1 
same  year,  3,637  bushels. 

W'hitefield,  2V.  H. 

Coos  co.  This  is  an  irregular 
township,  lying  S.  from  Lancaster, 
W.  from  Jefferson,  N.  from  Carroll 
and  Bethlehem,  and  E.  from  Dalton. 

It  is  120  miles  N.  from  Concord. 
Its  soil  is  generally  thin  and  light, 
of  easy  cultivation  and  tolerably 
good  ; though  in  the  N.  part  low 
spruce  swamps  abound.  In  this 
town  lie  part  of  Blake’s,  Long, 
Round  and  Little  river  ponds,  be- 
side two  other  small  ponds.  The 
second  of  these  is  a beautiful  pond 
of  considerable  size,  abounding  with 
fish.  John’s  river  passes  through 
this  town.  Whitefield  was  granted 
Jul”  4,  1774,  to  Josiah  Moody  and 


others,  ami  soon  after  settled  by 
Mnj.  Burns  and  others.  Popula- 
tion, 1330,  633. 

'Whltchcail,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  An  Island  off  the 
town  of  St.  George,  with  a lisht 
and  tower  30  feet  in  height.  The 
light  bear*  about  S.  W.  by  S.  9 miles 
from  Owl’s  Head. 

White  Mountains,  \.  II. 

These  mountains  are  situated  in 
the  county  of  Coos,  in  the  north 
part  of  the  state.  They  extend 
about  20  miles  from  S.  W.  to  N. 
E.,  and  arc  the  more  elevated  parts 
of  a range  ejetendimr  many  miles 
in»fhat  direction.  Their  base  is 
about  10  miles  hroad  and  their  cen- 
tral latitude  is  44°  15'  N.,  and  71° 
20'  W.  lonritudc. 

The  Indian  name  of  these  moun- 
tains, according  to  Dr.  Belknap, 
was  Agiocochnok.  An  ancient  tra- 
dition prevailed  among  the  savages, 
that  a deluge  once  overspread  the 
land,  and  destroyed  every  human 
being,  except  a single  powow  and 
his  wife,  who  sheltered  themselves 
in  these  elevated  regions,  and  thus 
preserved  the  race  from  extermi- 
nation. The  fancy  of  the  natives 
peopled  this  mountain  with  beings 
of  a superior  rank,  who  were  invis- 
ible to  the  human  eye,  but  some- 
times indicated  their  presence  by 
tempests,  which  they  were  believ- 
ed to  control  with  absolute  authori- 
ty. The  savages  therefore,  never 
attempted  to  ascend  the  summit, 
deeming  the  attempt  perilous,  and 
success  impossible.  But  they  fre- 
quented the  defiles  and  environs  of 
the  mountain,  and  of  course  propa- 
gated many  extravagant  descrip- 
tions of  i+s  appearance  ; declaring, 
among  other  things  equally  cred- 
ible, that  they  had  seen  carbun 
cles  at  immense  heights,  which,  in 
the  darkness  of  night,  shone  with 
the  most  brilliant  and  dazzling 
splendor. 

President  Alden  states,  that  the 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


White  mountains  were  called  by 
one  of  the  eastern  tribes  Wantn- 
bekketmethna:  Waumbekket  signi- 
fies white,  and  inethna,  mountains. 

Before  we  attempt  a description 
of  these  mountains,  we  shall  en- 
deavor to  direct  the  traveller  in 
his  course,  from  the  east,  the  south 
and  the  west,  to  this  magnificent 
exhibition  of  Almighty  power. 

Routes  from  Boston , through 
Concord , JV.  H.  Travellers  take 
the  rail  road  to  Lowell,  pass  to 
Nashua,  by  rail  road,  and  then  by 
stage  through  Amoskeag  to  Concord, 
or  take  the  Mammoth  road  at  Low- 
ell, through  Manchester  and  Lon- 
donderry, or  pass  through  Andover 
and  Haverhill,  Mass.  The  distance 
from  Boston  to  Concord,  by  the 
Mammoth  road,  is  65  miles  : by 
Nashua,  72,  and  by  the  way  of 
Haverhill,  70  miles.  From  Con- 
cord you  pass  to  Meredith  bridge, 
either  by  the  Shaker  village  in 
Canterbury,  12  miles;  or  Sanborn- 
ton  bridge,  16  miles  from  Concord. 
The  distance  from  Concord  to  Mer- 
edith bridge  is  26  miles.  From 
Meredith  bridge  to  Meredith  vil- 
lage, is  9 miles ; from  thence  to  Cen- 
tre Harbor,  at  the  north  western 
extremity  of  Winnepisiogee  lake, 
is  4 miles.  Here  you  have  a fair 
view  of  the  lake  for  15  miles,  and 
here  you  can  be  accommodated 
with  a passage  down  the  lake,  to 
Alton,  any  day  in  the  season  of  nav- 
igation. From  Centre  Harbor  to 
Moultonborough  is  5 miles,  to  Sand- 
wich, 2,  to  Tamworth,  12  ; to  Eaton, 
6,  to  Conway,  8,  to  Bartlett,  on  the 
south  east  side  of  the  mountains, 
10  ; to  the  entrance  of  the  Notch, 
12  miles;  and  from  thence  to  the 
“ Crawford  House,”  is  12  miles. 
The  Crawford  house  is  about  9 miles 
from  the  summit  of  Mount  Wash- 
ington. About  two  thirds  of  this 
distance  is  traveled  by  horses,  pro- 
cured at  the  accommodation  house 
of  Crawford  the  residue  is  traveled 


on  foot,  by  a pretty  good  path,  cut 
for  the  purpose.  The  total  distance 
from  Boston  to  the  base  of  Mount 
Washington,  is  171  miles.  These 
are  very  pleasant  routes  : you  pass 
through  the  capital  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, a beautiful  town  ; you  enjoy 
a great  variety  of  delightful  and  ro- 
mantic river  and  lake  scenery,  and 
are  accommodated  with  good  houses, 
gentlemanly  landlords,  skillful  and 
obliging  stagemen. 

There  is  another  route  from  Con- 
cord to  these  hills,  by  the  way  of 
Plymouth,  through  the  Franconia 
Notch,  that  is  very  pleasant  and 
frequently  traveled.  From  Con- 
cord through  Boscawen,  Frank- 
lin, Andover,  Hill,  Bristol,  and 
Bridgewater,  to  Plymouth,  is  40 
miles  ; from  thence,  through  Camp- 
ton,  Thornton,  Peeling,  Lincoln, 
to  Littleton,  through  the  Franconia 
Notch,  is  40  miles.  From  Littleton 
to  Crawford’s,  is  18  miles.  Total 
distance  from  Boston,  by  this  route, 
163  miles. 

From  Plymouth  to  Littleton  the 
roads  are  remarkably  good,  and 
the  landscape  delightful ; but  the 
scenery  is  not  so  beautiful  as  by  the 
Winnepisiogee,  nor  so  magnificent 
as  through  the  Notch  of  the  White 
Mountains. 

The  Portsmouth  and  Dover 
route,  from  Boston,  is  very  pleasant : 
you  exchange  the  beautiful  scene- 
ry along  the  Merrimack,  for  a visit 
to  some  of  our  most  delightful  At- 
lantic towns.  On  this  route  we  pass 
through  the  principal  towns  of  Sa- 
lem, Beverly,  Ipswich,  Newbury- 
port,  Hampton,  to  Portsmonth,  56 
miles  from  Boston.  From  thence  we 
go  to  Dover,  12  miles,  to  Alton, 
at  the  southeastern  extremity  of 
Winnepisiogee  lake,  28  miles;  from 
thence  up  the  lake,  by  steam  boat, 
to  Centre  Harbor,  20  miles,  and 
from  thence,  to  Crawford’s,  at  the 
base  of  Mount  Washington,  as  by 
the  Concord  route.  Total  distance, 
by  this  route,  183  miles. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


The  Portland  route , from  Bos- 
ton, by  steam  boat  and  stage,  is 
another  very  pleasant  way  to  reach 
this  mountainous  region.  You 
leave  Boston  in  the  evening,  on 
board  one  of  our  beautiful,  sea* 
worthy  steamers,  and  take  an  early 
breakfast,  the  next  morning,  at 
our  friend  Haskell’s,  at  the  “ Kim 
House,”  in  Portland.  The  distance 
from  Boston  to  Portland  is  about  120 
miles  ; but  distance,  in  this  case,  is 
generally  lost  in  sleep.  After 
breakfast  you  take  the  northern 
stage,  and  passing  through  Gorham 
and  other  towns,  to  Frycburgh,  you 
arrive  at  Conway,  (the  centre  of  all 
the  eastern  routes,)  57  miles  from 
Portland,  and  find  excellent  accom- 
modations lor  the  night.  The  next 
day  you  have  ample  time  to  go  to 
the  Crawford  house,  and  to  prepare 
for  an  aerial  excursion  the  next 
morning.  The  distance  from  Bos- 
ton, in  this  way,  is  211  miles.  This 
is  the  most  expeditious  route,  and 
has  the  charms  of  both  ocean  and 
inland  scenery. 

The  Connecticut  River  route , to 
the  “ Crystal  Hills,”  is  full  of 
beauty  in  almost  all  its  course.  You 
leave  Hartford  and  ascend  on^of 
the  most  delightful  rivers  in  the 
world,  to  Littleton,  N.  H.,a  dis- 
tance of  1S8  miles.”  Some  of  this 
distance  may  be  travelled  by  water, 
but  the  most  agreeable  mode  of 
travelling  is  by  land,  on  either 
side  of  the  river.  As  you  pass 
the  principal  towns  of  Springfield, 
Northampton,  Deerfield,  Green- 
field, Brattleboro’,  Walpole,  Wind- 
sor, Hanover,  Norwich,  Haverhill 
and  Newbury,  you  are  charmed 
with  all  the  varieties  of  scenery, 
which  elevated  mountains,  placid 
and  rapid  waters,  a wide,  luxuriant 
and  densely  populated  alluvial  basin 
can  yield.  The  distance  from  Lit- 
tleton through  Bethlehem  to  Craw- 
ford’s House  is  18  miles.  Total  dis- 
tance from  Hartford,  by  this  route, 
206  miles. 

40* 


The  Hudson  River  Route.  Ex- 
cursions to  these  mountains  from 
New  York  by  the  Hudson  river, 
Lake  Champlain,  and  hack  by  the 
way  of  Boston  or  Hartford,  a fiords 
our  southern  and  western  friends 
a rich  repast  of  New  York  and  New 
England  scenery. 

The  distances  on  the  Hudson 
from  New  York  to  Troy  are  given 
under  Long  Island  Sound. 

From  Troy  to  the  far  famed  Min- 
eral Springs,  at  Balhton  and  Sara- 
toga, is  a pleasant  ride,  by  the  rail 
road.  The  distance  to  the  former 
is  25,  and  to  the  latter  32  miles. 
The  distance  from  Albany  to  Sara- 
toga Springs,  by  the  way  of  Sche- 
nectady, is  36  miles. 

The  waters  of  the*e  springs  have 
long  been  justly  celebrated  for  their 
medicinal  and  exhilarating  quali- 
ties ; and  a vast  number  from  all 
parts  of  the  United  States,  and  even 
from  foreign  countries,  resort  to 
them,  either  for  health,  or  to  join 
the  gay  and  fashionable  throng  who 
hold  an  annual  festival  around  these 
hygeian  fountains. 

The  accommodations  at  these 
villages,  for  the  entertainment  of 
strangers,  are  of  the  first  order: 
no  expense  seems  to  be  spared  to 
render  them  acceptable  to  their 
numerous  visitants. 

These  springs  are  numerous,  but 
generally  contain  the  same  sub- 
stances, only  in  a greater  or  less 
quantity.  The  most  celebrated  of 
them  is  the  Congress,  at  Saratoga, 
which  has  given,  in  analysis,  471,5 
grains  muriate  of  soda  ; 178,4  3-4 
carbonate  of  lime  ; 16,5  carbonate 
of  soda;  3,3  1-2  carbonate  of  mag- 
nesia, and  6,1  3-4  carbonate  of  iron, 
to  one  gallon  of  water:  carbouic 
acid  gas,  343  cubic  inches.  Tem- 
perature through  the  year,  50°  of 
Farenheit. 

A few  miles  east  from  Saratoga 
village  is  Fish  Creek,  memorable 
as  the  scene  of  the  surrender  of 
Burgoyne’s  army,  of  5,791  men. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


to  the  Americans,  under  General 
Gates,  October  17,  1777. 

From  Troy  to  Whitehall,  N.  Y., 
is  70  miles  by  stage,  and  72  by  the 
Champlain  canal.  In  this  distance 
we  pass  Bemis’  Heights,  and  forts 
Miller,  Edward,  and  Anne;  im- 
portant stations  during  the  revolu- 
tionary war. 

IVhitehall  is  at  the  southern  ex- 
tremity of  lake  Champlain,  and  at 
the  junction  of  the  canal  with  the 
lake.  This  place  is  an  important 
location  for  trade  on  Lake  Chain- 
plain,  and  of  an  extensive  tract  of 
country.  The  lake  is  navigable 
here  for  all  classes  of  lake  vessels  ; 
and  from  this  place  steam  boats  ply 
along  the  shores  of  this  beautiful 
lake  to  St.  Johns  in  Lower  Canada. 
This  is  a pleasant  and  flourishing 
town,  and  a great  thoroughfare  for 
travelers  in  the  season  of  naviga- 
tion. It  is  situated  in  the  county 
of  Washington,  and  contains  a pop- 
ulation of  about  3,500. 

About  a dozen  miles  west  from 
Whitehall  lays  Lake  George , cele- 
brated for  the  purity  of  its  waters, 
its  enchanting  island  and  mountain 
scenery,  its  salmon  trout,  and  above 
all,  for  its  history,  as  connected  with 
the  memory  of  our  fathers  in  their 
glorious  struggle  for  liberty. 

This  lake  is  about  35  miles  in 
length,  and  averages  about  2 miles 
in  breadth.  It  discharges  its  wa- 
ters into  Lake  Champlain,  near  the 
ruins  of  Ticonderoga,  by  an  outlet 
of  3 miles  in  length;  in  which  dis- 
tance the  fall  is  about  150  feet. 

On  some  of  the  islands  in  this 
lake,  crystals  of  quartz  are  found  of 
uncommon  transparency  and  per- 
fection of  form. 

Rogers'  Rock , is  on  the  west 
side  of  the  lake,  near  the  outlet. 
It  rises  abruptly  between  300  and 
400  feet.  It  received  its  name 
from  a Major  Rogers,  who,  to  elude 
his  Indian  pursuers,  deceived  them 
by  asscending  the  rock,  throwing 
his  pack  into  the  lake,  and  chang- 
ing his  snow  shoes  heels  foremost ; 


thus  inducing  them  to  believe  that 
he  had  leaped  into  the  lake. 

This  is  indeed  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  and  romantic  sheets  of 
water  in  the  world. 

From  Whitehall  to  Burlington, 
Vermont,  is  70  miles.  On  this 
route  we  pass  the  memorable  for- 
tresses of  Ticonderoga  and  Crown 
Point;  Mount  Independence,  and 
a great  number  of  beautiful  towns 
which  skirt  the  lake  on  each  side. 

Opposite  to  Charlotte,  Vermont, 
11  miles  S.  from  Burlington,  in  the 
town  of  Essex,  N.  V.,  is  Split 
Rock , a great  natural  curiosity. 
This  rock  projects  into  the  lake  150 
feet.  The  point  is  separated  from 
the  main  rock  about  20  feet : it  con- 
tains about  half  an  acre,  and  is  cov- 
ered with  trees.  The  height  of  the 
rock,  on  each  side  of  the  opening, 
is  about  20  feet ; and  appears  to 
have  been  rent  asunder  by  some 
great  convulsion. 

From  the  beautiful  town  of  Bur- 
lington we  cross  the  mountains  to 
Montpelier,  situated  in  a delightful 
valley  amid  the  hills.  The  distance 
is  38  miles.  On  this  route  we  travel 
along  the  romantic  banks  of  the 
Winooski ; we  listen  to  the  rushing 
of  its  waters  down  its  mountain 
course  ; view  its  foaming  cataracts, 
and  stop  to  admire  the  wonderful 
fissures  and  fantastic  mechanism, 
which,  in  the  course  of  ages,  that 
stream  has  wrought,  by  its  ceaseless 
cur^nt,  amid  these  adamantine 
hills. 

From  Montpelier  wre  pass  to  Con- 
necticut river,  and  Littleton,  N.  H., 
a distance  of  40  miles,  and  from  Lit- 
tleton to  the  base  of  Mount  Wash- 
ington, a distance  of  18  miles. 

By  this  route  from  the  city  of 
New  York,  the  distance  is  386 
miles : from  that  city  by  the  way 
of  Stonington,  Providence,  and  the 
nearest  route  from  Boston,  the  dis- 
tance is  383  miles.  This  route 
may  be  varied  so  as  to  enjoy  the 
beauties  of  Winnepisiogee  lake, 
by  leaving  Troy,  150  miles,  for 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Bennington,  30  miles,  180;  Brat- 
tleborough,  40 — 220;  Keene,  20 — 
240  ; Concord,  53 — 295  ; to  the  base 
of  the  mountains,  106  ; total  dis- 
tance, 401  miles. 

These  mountains  are  the  highest 
in  New  England  ; and,  if  we  except 
the  Rocky  mountains,  whose  height 
has  not  been  ascertained,  they  are 
the  most  lofty  of  any  in  the  United 
States.  Their  great  elevation  has 
always  rendered  them  exceeding- 
ly interesting  both  to  the  aborigi- 
nal inhabitants  and  to  our  ances- 
tors. They  were  visited  by  Neal, 
Jocelyn,  and  Field  as  early  as 
1632  : they  gave  romantic  accounts 
of  their  adventures,  and  of  the  ex- 
tent and  sublimity  of  the  mountains. 
They  called  them  the  Crystal 
Hills. 

Since  that  time  this  mountainous 
region  has  been  repeatedly  explor- 
ed by  hunters  and  men  of  science. 
Their  height  has  been  a subject  of 
much  speculation ; but  from  the 
best  surveys,  Mount  Washington 
is  6,234  feet  above  the  level  of  the 
sea.  The  following  is  the  height 


of  the 

principal  mountains  above 

Connecticut  river  at 
to  wit : 

Lancaster, 

Mount 

Washington,  - 

5,850 -feet. 

U 

Adams,  - 

5,383 

<c 

Jefferson, 

5,281 

c< 

Madison,  - - 

5,039 

u 

Monroe,  - - 

4,932 

« 

Franklin, 

4,470 

«< 

La  Fayette,  - 

4,339 

Although  these  mountains  are  65 
miles  distant  from  the  ocean,  their 
snow  white  summits  are  distinctly 
visible,  in  good  weather,  more  than 
50  miles  from  shore.  Their  ap- 
pearance at  that  distance  is  that  of 
a silvery  cloud  skirting  the  horizon. 

The  names  here  given  are  those 
generally  appropriated  to  the  differ- 
ent summits.  Mount  Washington 
is  known  by  its  superior  elevation, 
and  by  its  being  the  southern  of 
the  three  highest  peaks.  Mount 
Adams  is  known  by  its  sharp  termi- 
nating peak,  and  being  the  second 


north  of  Washington.  Jefferson 
is  situated  between  these  two. 
Madison  is  the  eastern  peak  of 
the  range.  Monroe  is  the  first  to 
the  south  of  Washington.  Franklin 
is  the  second  south  and  is  known  by 
its  level  surface.  LaFayctte  is 
known  by  its  conical  shape,  and  be- 
ing the  third  south  of  Washington. 
The  ascent  to  the  summits  of  these 
mountains,  though  fatiguing,  is  not 
dangerous;  and  the  visitant  is  rich- 
ly rewarded  for  his  labor  and  curi- 
osity. In  passing  from  the  Notch 
to  the  highest  summit,  the  travel- 
ler crosses  the  summits  of  Mounts 
La  Fayette,  Franklin  and  Monroe. 
In  accomplishing  this,  he  must  pass 
through  a forest,  and  cross  several 
ravines.  These  are  neither  wide 
nor  deep,  nor  are  they  discovered  at 
a great  distance  ; for  the  trees  fill 
them  up  exactly  even  with  the 
mountain  on  each  side,  and  their 
branches  interlock  w’ith  each  other 
in  such  a manner,  that  it  is  very 
difficult  to  pass  through  them,  and 
they  are  so  stiff  and  thick  a9  almost 
to  support  a man’s  weight.  Mount 
La  Fayette  is  easily  ascended.  Its 
top,  to  the  extent  of  5 or  6 acres, 
is  smooth,  and  gradually  slopes 
away  in  every  direction  from  its 
centre.  It  even  has  a verdant  ap- 
pearance, as  it  is  every  where  cov- 
ered with  short  grass,  which  grows 
in  little  tufts  to  the  height  of  four 
or  five  inches.  Among  these  tufts, 
mountain  flowers  are  thinly  scat- 
tered, which  add  life  and  beauty  to 
the  scene.  The  prospect  from  this 
summit  is  beautiful : to  the  N.  the 
eye  is  dazzled  w’ith  the  splendor  of 
Mount  Washington;  N.  W.  are 
seen  the  settlements  in  Jefferson  ; 
W.  the  courses  of  the  Amonoosuck, 
as  though  delineated  on  a map : S. 
W.  the  Moosehillock  and  Haystack 
are  discovered  ; S.  Chocorua  peak  ; 
S.  E.  the  settlements  and  moun- 
tains in  Bartlett;  E.  only  dark 
mountains  and  forests.  On  descend- 
ing this  mountain,  a small  patch  of 
water  is  found  at  its  base ; from 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


which  the  ascent  is  gradual  to  the 
summit  of  Mount  Franklin.  After 
crossing  this  mountain,  you  pass 
over  the  east  pinnacle  of  Mount 
Monroe,  and  soon  find  yourself  on 
a plain  of  some  extent,  at  the  foot 
of  Mount  Washington.  Here  is  a 
fine  resting-place,  on  the  margin  of 
a beautiful  sheet  of  water,  of  an 
oval  form,  covering  about  3-4  of  an 
acre.  The  waters  are  pleasant  to 
the  taste,  and  deep.  Not  a living 
creature  is  to  be  seen  in  the  waters, 
at  this  height  on  the  hills;  nor  do 
vegetables  of  any  kind  grow  in  or 
around  them,  to  obscure  the  clear 
rocky  or  gravelly  bottom  on  which 
they  rest.  A small  spring  discharg- 
es itself  into  this  pond  at  its  south- 
east angle.  Another  pond,  of  about 
2-3  its  size,  lies  N.  W.  of  this. 
Directly  before  you,  the  pinnacle 
of  Mount  Washington  rises  with 
majestic  grandeur,  like  an  immense 
pyramid,  or  some  vast  Kremlin  in 
tl • i - magnificent  city  of  mountains. 
Tl>  ' pinnacle  is  elevated  about  1,500 
feet  above  the  plain,  and  is  compo- 
sed principally  of  huge  rocks  of 
granite  and  gneiss  pile  I together, 
pi  c tenting  a variety  of  colors  and 
forms.  . 

In  ascending,  yon  must  pass  enor- 
mous masses  of  loose  stones;  but 
a walk  of  half  an  hour  will  gener- 
ally carry  you  to  the  summit.  The 
view  from  this  point  is  wonderfully 
grand  and  picturesque.  Innumer- 
able mountains,  lakes,  ponds,  riv- 
ers, towns  and  villages  meet  the  de- 
1.  Mi  ted  eye,  and  the  dim  Atlantic 
stretches  its  waters  along  the  east- 
ern horizon.  To  the  N.  is  seen  the 
lofty  summits  of  Adams  and  Jeffer- 
son ; ai.d  to  the  east  a little  detach- 
ed from  the  range  stands  Mount 
Madison.  Mount  Washington  is 
slip  ported  on  the  N.  by  a high  ridge, 
which  extends  to  Mount  Jefferson  ; 
on  the  N.  E.  by  a large  grassy  plain, 
terminating  in  a va  t spur  extend- 
ing far  away  in  that  direction  ; E. 
by  a promontory,  which  breaks  off 
abruptly  at  St.  Anthony’s  Nose  ; S. 


and  S.  E.  by  a grassy  plain,  in  sum- 
mer, of  more  than  40  acres.  At 
the  southeastern  extremity  of  this 
plain,  a ridge  commences,  which 
slopes  gracefully  away  towards  the 
vale  of  the  Saco;  upon  which  at 
short  distances  from  each  other, 
a-ise  rocks,  resembling,  in  some 
places,  towers;  in  others,  repre- 
senting the  various  orders  of  archi- 
tecture. 

It  would  be  vaiii  in  us  to  attempt 
a description  of  the  varied  wonders 
which  here  astonish  and  delight  the 
beholder.  To  those  who  have  vis- 
ited these  mountains,  our  descrip- 
tions would  be  lame  and  unin- 
teresting ; and  he  who  has  never 
ascended  their  hoary  summits,  can- 
not realize  the  extent  and  magnifi- 
cence of  the  scene.  These  moun- 
tains are  decidedly  of  primitive 
formation.  Nothing  of  volcanic 
origin  has  ever  yet  been  discover- 
ed on  the  most  diligent  research. 
They  have  for  ages,  probably,  ex- 
hibited ihe  same  unvarying  aspect. 
No  minerals  are  here  found  of  much 
rarity  or  value.  The  rock  which 
most  abounds,  is  schistus,  intermix- 
ed with  greenstone,  mica,  granite 
and  gneiss.  The  three  highest 
peaks  are  composed  entirely  ot 
fragments  of  rocks  heaped  together 
in  confusion,  but  pretty  firmly  fix- 
ed in  their  situations.  These  rocks 
are  an  intermediate  substance  be- 
tween gneiss  and  micaceous  schis- 
tus ; they  are  excessively  rough 
and  coarse,  and  grey,  almost  black, 
with  lichens.  The  mica  in  them  is 
abundant,  of  different  colors,  red, 
black,  an  I limpid,  and  though  some- 
times several  inches  in  diameter, yet 
most  often  irregularly  stratified. 
The  granite  contains  emerald,  tour- 
maline. of  which  are  found  some 
beautiful  specimens,  and  garnets, 
besides  its  proper  constituents. 
Crystals  of  quartz,  pyrites,  actin- 
ote,  jasper,  porphyry,  fluate  of  lime, 
and  magnetic  iron  ore,  are  some- 
times obtained. 

During  9 or  10  months  of  the 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


year,  the  summits  of  the  mountains 
are  covered  with  snow  and  ice,  giv- 
ing them  a bright  aud  dazzling  ap- 
pearance. On  every  side  are  long 
and  winding  gulleys,  deepening  in 
their  descent  to  the  plains  below. 

Here  some  of  the  finest  riv- 
ers of  New  England  originate. 
The  Saco  flows  from  the  east  side 
of  the  mountains  ; the  branches  of 
the  Androscoggin  from  the  north  ; 
the  Amonoosuck  and  other  tributa- 
ries of  the  Connecticut  from  the 
west ; and  the  Pemigewassct  from 
the  south,  itsfountain  being  near 
that  of  the  Saco.  The  sides  of  the 
hills  are  in  many  parts  covered  with  1 
soil ; but  this  is  very  superficial  in 
all  cases,  and  every  spot,  that  can 
be  reached  by  running  water,  is 
left  destitute  of  every  thing  but 
rocks  and  pebbles,  of  which  like- 
wise the  river  bottoms  are  exclu- 
sively composed.  In  these  cold 
and  elevated  regions,  the  period  for 
the  growth  of  vegetables  is  ex- 
tremely brief;  the  mountains  must 
be  forever  sterile.  Moss  and  li- 
chens may  be  found  near  the  sum- 
mits, but  of  meagre  and  scanty 
growth — looking  as  if  they  had 
wandered  from  their  proper  zone 
below,  into  these  realms  of  barren 
desolation. 

A visit  of  Mr.  Vines  to  the  White 
Mountains,  described  by  Winthrop, 
is  worthy  of  notice.  It  was  per- 
formed in  the  month  of  August, 
1642,  by  him  in  company  with 
Thomas  Gorges  the  deputy-gover- 
nor. Darby  Field,  who  was  liv- 
ing at  Exeter, 1639,  has  the  credit 
of  being  the  first  traveller  to  these 
mountains.  His  journey  also  is 
described  by  Winthrop,  wrhosays  it 
was  performed  in  the  year  1632. 
He  appears  to  have  returned  by 
the  way  of  Saco.  “ The  report  he 
brought,”  says  Winthrop,  “ of  shin- 
ing stones,  &c.  caused  divers  others 
to  travel  thither,  but  they  found 
nothing  worth  their  pains.  Mr. 
Gorges  and  Mr.  Vines,  two  of  the 
magistrates  of  Sir  F.  Gorges’  prov- 


ince, went  thither  about  the  end  of 
this  month,”  (August.)  They  set 
out,  probably,  a few  days  after  the 
return  of  Field,  dazzled  by  visions 
of  diamonds  and  other  precious 
minerals,  with  which  the  fancy  of 
this  man  had  garnished  his  story. 
“ They  went  up  Saco  river  in  birch 
canoes,  and  that  way  they  found  it 
90  miles  to  Pegwagget,  an  Indian 
town,  but  by  land  it  is  but  60.  Up- 
on Saco  river  they  found  many 
thousand  acres  of  rich  meadow,  but 
there  are  10  falls  which  hinder 
boats,  &.c.  From  the  Indian  town 
they  went  up  hill  (for  the  most 
I part)  about  30  miles  in  woody  lands, 
then  they  went  about  7 or  8 miles 
upon  shattered  rocks,  without  tree 
or  grass,  very  steep  all  the  way. 
At  the  top  is  a plain  about  3 or  4 
miles  over,  all  shattered  stones, 
and  upon  that  is  another  rock  or 
spire  about  a mile  in  height,  and 
about  an  acre  of  ground  at  the  top. 
At  the  top  of  the  plain  arise  4 great 
rivers,  each  of  them  so  much  w a- 
ter at  the  first  issue  as  would  drive 
a mill : Connecticut  river  from  two 
heads  at  the  N.  W.  and  S.  W. , 
which  join  in  one  about  60  miles 
off;  Saco  river  on  the  S.  E.  ; Am- 
ascoggin,  which  runs  into  Casco 
bay,  at  the  N.  E. ; and  the  Ken- 
ncbeck  at  the  N.  by  E.  The 
mountain  runs  east  and  west  30  or 
40  miles,  but  the  peak  is  above  all 
the  rest.  They  went  and  returned 
in  15  days.”  This  description  of 
the  mountains  was  probably  com- 
municated by  Mr.  Vines  to  Gov. 
Winthrop.  It  conveys  a very  accu- 
rate idea  of  them,  as  they  now' 
strike  the  traveller. 

The  Notch  of  the  White  Moun- 
tains, is  a phrase  appropriated  to  a 
very  narrow  defile,  extending  two 
miles  in  length  between  two  huge 
cliffs  apparently  rent  asunder  by 
some  vast  convulsion  of  nature  : 
probably  that  of  the  deluge.  The 
entrance  of  the  chasm  on  the  east 
side,  is  formed  by  two  rocks  stand- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ing  perpendicular  at  the  distance  of 
22  feet  from  each  other : one  about 
20  feet  in  height,  the  other  about 
12.  The  road  from  Lancaster  to 
Portland  passes  through  this  notch, 
following  the  course  of  the  head 
stream  of  the  Saco. 

The  scenery  at  this  place  is  ex- 
ceedingly beautiful  and  grand.  The 
mountain,  otherwise  a continued 
range,  is  here  cloven  quite  down 
to  its  base,  opening  a passage  for 
the  waters  of  the  Saco.  The  gap 
is  so  narrow,  that  space  has  with  dif- 
ficult)' been  found  for  the  road. 
About  half  a mile  from  the  entrance 
of  the  chasm  is  seen  a most  beau- 
tiful cascade,  issuing  from  a moun- 
tain on  the  right,  about  800  feet 
above  the  subjacent  valley,  and 
about  2 miles  distant.  The  stream 
passes  over  a series  of  rocks  almost 
perpendicular,  with  a course  so  lit- 
tle broken  as  to  preserve  the  ap- 
pearance of  a uniform  current,  and 
yet  so  far  disturbed  as  to  be  per- 
fectly white.  This  beautiful  stream, 
which  passes  down  a stupendous 
precipice,  is  called  by  Dwight,  the 
Silver  Cascade.  It  is  probably  one 
of  the  most  beautiful  in  the  world. 

At  the  distance  of  3-4  of  a mile 
from  the  entrance  of  the  chasm  is 
a brook,  called  the  Flume , which 
falls  from  a height  oT  240  or  250 
feet  over  three  precipices — down 
the  two  first  in  a single  current, 
and  over  the  last  in  three,  which 
unite  again  at  the  bottom  in  a small 
basin  formed  by  the  hand  of  nature 
in  the  rocks.  The  water  is  pure 
and  transparent,  and  it  would  be 
impossible  for  a brook  of  its  size  to 
be  ino  lelled  into  more  diversified 
or  delightful  forms. 

It  is  by  no  means  strange  that 
the  unlettered  Indian  fancied  these 
regions  to  be  the  abodes  of  celes- 
tial beings;  while  the  scholar,  with- 
out a stretch  of  fancy,  in  calling  to 
mind  the  mythology  of  Greece, 
might  find  here  a fit  place  for  the 
assemblies  and  sports  of  the  Dry- 
ads, Naiads  and  Orcades. 


Avalanches  or  slides  from  the 
mountains.  On  the  28th  of  Au- 
gust, 1826,  there  occurred  one  of 
the  most  remarkable  floods  ever 
known  in  this  mountainous  region; 
and  which  was  attended  by  the 
awful  calamity  of  the  destruction 
of  a whole  family,  by  an  Avalan- 
che or  slide  from  the  mountains. 

These  Avalanches,  as  they  are 
termed  in  Switzerland, are  produced 
by  heavy  rains : they  commence 
generally  near  the  highest  limits 
of  vegetation  on  the  mountains, 
which,  on  some  of  them,  is  near 
their  summits  ; the  slides  widening 
and  deepening  in  their  downward 
course,  carrying  along  all  the  trees, 
shrubbery,  loose  rocks  and  earth 
from  their  granite  foundation.  At 
this  time  there  were  probably  thou- 
sands of  acres  reft  from  the  sides  of 
the  mountains  and  carried  to  the 
valley  in  the  Notch  below. 

The  house  inhabited  by  Capt. 
Samuel  Willey  and  his  family,  stood 
on  the  westerly  side  of  the  road, 
in  the  Notch,  and  a few  rods  distant 
from  the  high  bluff  which  rises 
with  fearful  rapidity  to  the  height 
of  2,000  feet.  Adjoining  was  a 
barn  and  woodhouse  ; in  front,  was 
a beautiful  little  meadow  covered 
with  crops,  and  the  Saco  passed 
along  at  the  foot  of  the  easterly  pre- 
cipice. 

Nearly  in  range  of  the  house, 
a slide  from  the  extreme  point  of 
the  westerly  hill  came  down  in  a 
deep  and  horrible  mass  to  within 
about  five  rods  of  the  dwelling, 
where  its  course  appears  to  have 
been  checked  by  a large  block  of 
granite,  which,  falling  on  a flat 
surface,  backed  the  rolling  mass  for 
a moment,  until  it  separated  into 
two  streams,  one  of  which  rushed 
down  by  the  north  end  of  the  house, 
crushing  the  barn,  and  spreading 
itself  over  the  meadow ; the  other 
passing  down  on  the  south  side, 
and  swallowing  up  the  unfortunate 
beings,  who  probably  attempted  to 
fly  to  a shelter,  which,  it  is  said, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER 


had  been  erected  a few  rods  dis- 
tant. This  shelter,  whatever  it 
might  have  been,  was  completely 
overwhelmed  : rocks  weighing  10  I 
to  50  tons  being  scattered  about  the 
place,  and  indeed  in  every  direc- 
tion, rendering  escape  utterly  im- 
possible. The  house  remained  un- 
touched, though  large  stones  and 
trunks  of  trees  made  fearful  ap- 
proaches to  its  walls,  and  the  mov- 
ing mass,  which  separated  behind 
the  building,  again  united  in  its 
front!  The  house  alone  could 
have  been  their  refuge  from  the 
horrible  uproar  around,  the  only 
spot  untouched  by  the  crumbling 
and  consuming  power  of  the  storm. 

The  family  consisted  of  9 per- 
sons ; Capt.  Willey,  his  wife,  5 chil- 
dren, and  two  men  by  the  names 
of  Nickerson  and  Allen. 

Travelers  visiting  this  section  of 
country, in  autumn,  will  be  gratified 
with  the  rich  and  varied  beauties  of 
Autumnal  foliage , common  in  this 
country,  but  more  particularly  so 
at  the  north  ; and  which  is  thus 
described  by  Dr.  Dwight. 

“ The  bosom  of  both  ranges  of 
mountains  was  overspread,  in  all  the 
inferior  regions,  by  a mixture  of 
evergreens,  with  trees, whose  leaves 
are  deciduous.  The  annual  foliage 
had  been  already  changed  by  the 
frosts.  Of  the  effects  of  this  change 
it  is,  perhaps,  impossible  for  an  in- 
habitant of  Great  Britain,  as  I have 
been  assured  by  several  foreigners, 
to  form  an  adequate  conception, 
without  visiting  an  American  for- 
est. When  I was  a youth,  I re- 
marked, that  Thompson  had  entire- 
ly omitted,  in  his  seasons,  this  tine 
part  of  autumnal  imagery.  Upon 
enquiring  of  an  English  gentleman, 
the  probable  cause  of  the  omission, 
he  informed  me,  that  no  such  scene- 
ry existed  in  Great  Britain.  In  this 
country  it  is  often  among  the  most 
splendid  beauties  of  nature.  All 
the  leaves  of  trees,  which  are  not 
evergreens,  are  by  the  first  severe 


frost  changed  from  their  verdure 
towards  the  perfection  of  that  color, 
which  they  arc  capable  of  ultimate- 
ly assuming,  through  yellow,  or- 
ange, and  red,  to  a pretty  deep 
brown.  As  the  frosts  affects  differ- 
ent trees,  and  the  different  leaves 
of  the  same  tree,  in  very  different 
degrees;  a vast  multitude  of  tinc- 
tures are  commonly  found  on  those 
of  a single  tree,  and  always  on 
those  of  a grove  or  forest.  These 
colors,  also,  in  all  their  varieties 
are  generally  full;  and  in  many  in- 
stances are  among  the  most  exquis- 
ite, which  are  found  in  the  regions 
of  nature.  Different  sorts  of  trees 
are  susceptible  of  different  de- 
grees of  this  beauty.  Among  them 
the  maple  is  preeminently  distin- 
guished by  the  prodigious  varie- 
ties, the  finish,  beauty,  and  the  in- 
tense lustre,  of  its  hues;  varying 
through  all  the  dyes,  between  a rich 
green  and  the  most  perfect  crimson  ; 
or  more  definitely,  the  red  of  the 
prismatic  image.” 

Whiting,  Me. 

Washington  co.  This  town  lies 
at  the  head  of  Machias  bay,  and  is 
watered  by  several  ponds  and  a 
good  mill  stream.  It  lies  152  miles 
E.  N.  E.  from  Augusta,  and  6 N. 
E.  from  Machias.  Incorporated, 
1825.  Population,  1S37,  462. 

Whiting,  Vt. 

Addison  co.  Whiting  lies  40 
miles  S.  W.  from  Montpelier,  and 
10  S.  from  Middlebury.  It  is 
washed  on  the  eastern  border  by 
Otter  Creek,  but  is  without  any 
valuable  mill  stream. 

This  is  a fine  farming  town  : the 
soil  is  composed  partly  of  marl,  and 
affords  excellent  crops  of  grain  and 
hay : about  7,000  sheep  are  kept 
here.  Some  years  since  fish  were 
introduced  from  the  lake,  to  Otter 
Creek,  at  this  place,  and  have  been 
found  to  multiply  exceedingly. 

Whiting  was  first  settled  in  1772. 
It  was  named  in  honor  of  John 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Whiting  of  Wrentham,  Mass.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,653. 

Whitingham,  Vt. 

Windham  co.  Deerfield  river 
passes  through  this  town  and  forms 
considerable  tracts  of  valuable  in- 
tervale. The  surface  of  the  up- 
lands is  diversified  ; with  a good 
soil  for  sheep,  of  which  many  are 
kept. 

Sawdaw’ga  pond,  in  Whitingham, 
is  rather  a curiosity.  It  is  a hand- 
some sheet  of  water,  covering 
about  500  acres.  For  many  years 
past  earth  has  been  forming  over 
its  surface,  and  from  75  to  100  acres 
of  land  now  rise  and  fall  with  the 
waters  of  the  pond. 

Among  the  first  settlers  of  Ver- 
mont, many  remarkable  instances  of 
longevity  and  fecundity  are  found. 
A Mr.  Pike  had  28  children;  19 
of  whom  were  living  a few  years 
since  ; the  youngest  aged  25  years. 
Mr.  Benjamin  Cook  died  in  this 
town,  a few  years  since,  aged  106 
years.  He  had  followed  the  busi- 
ness of  shoemaking  through  life. 
He  celebrated  his  hundredth  birth 
day  by  making  a pair  of  shoes, 
without  the  use  of  spectacles. 

Whitingham  was  first  settled  in 
1773.  It  lies  17  miles  W.  by  S. 
from  Brattleborough,  and  18  E.  S. 
E.  from  Bennington.  Population, 
1830,  1,477. 

YVickford  Village,  R.  I. 

See  JYorth  Kingston. 

Wilbraham,  3Iass. 

Hampden  co.  The  people  of 
this  pleasant  town  are  principally 
employed  in  agricultural  pursuits, 
and  are  remarkable  for  equality  of 
property.  This  town  is  watered 
by  the  Chickopee  and  several  of  its 
small  tributaries.  The  surface  is 
agreeably  diversified  by  hills  and 
valleys,  and  the  soil  is  well  adapted 
to  agricultural  and  horticultural 
pursuits.  The  products  of  Wil- 
braham  are  numerous;  among  oth- 


ers, the  w eight  of  2,292  fleeces  of 
wool,  sheared  in  this  town  in  1837, 
was  6,1 10  pounds,  valued  at  $3,669. 
There  are  some  manufactures  in 
the  town  of  boots,  shoes,  leather, 
straw  bonnets,  palm-leaf  hats,  wag- 
ons, &c. 

The  “ Wesleyan  Academy,”  in 
Wilbraham,  Is  an  institution  of  great 
value,  and  in  high  reputation.  It 
has  considerable  funds,  and  about 
240  scholars  attend  throughout  the 
year.  Scholars  are  received  at  this 
seminary  from  ten  years  of  age 
and  upwards.  The  annual  cost  to 
a scholar,  for  board  and  tuition,  is 
from  $80  to  $90.  This  institution 
was  incorporated  in  1824,  and  is 
governed  by  a board  of  trustees. 

Great  excitement  existed  in  this 
quiet  town  and  vicinity  by  the 
murder  of  Marcus  Lyon,  on  the 
9th  of  November,  1805.  The  mur- 
der was  committed  by  two  foreign- 
ers, Halliganand  Daley,  who  were 
hanged  at  Northampton  on  the  5th 
of  June,  1S06. 

Wilbraham  lies  80  miles  W.  S. 
W.  from  Boston,  and  10  E.  from 
Springfield.  It  was  incorporated 
in  1653.  Population,  1837,  1,802. 

Williams’  Rivers. 

Williams’  river,  in  Vermont , is 
formed  in  Chester  by  the  union  of 
three  considerable  branches,  which 
originate  in  small  streams  in  the 
townships  of  Ludlow,  Andover, 
Windham,  and  Grafton.  These 
three  branches  unite  about  a mile 
and  a half  to  the  southeast  of  the 
two  villages  in  Chester,  and  their 
united  waters,  after  running  15 
miles  in  a southeasterly  direction, 
fall  into  Connecticut  river  in  Rock- 
ingham, three  miles  above  Bellows’ 
Falls.  Along  this  stream  is  some 
fine  intervale,  and  it  affords  several 
good  mill  privileges.  Williams’ 
river  derives  its  name  from  the 
celebrated  Rev.  John  Williams, 
who  was  taken  by  the  Indians  at 
Deerfield,  Mass.,  in  1704.  and  who. 
at  the  mouth  of  this  stream,  preach- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


ed  a sermon  to  his  fellow  captives. 

Williams’  river,  in  Massachu- 
setts. See  West  Stockbridge. 

Willianiiilmtgh,  Me. 

Piscataquis  co.  This  town  was 
incorporated  in  1S20.  In  1834  the 
easterly  part  of  the  town  was  set 
off  and  called  Barnard:  this  fact 
was  unknown  to  the  editor  when 
the  first  pages  of  this  edition  were 
printed. 

The  lands  in  Williamsburgh  and 
Barnard  arc  undulatihg,  heavily 
wooded,  with  a fertile  soil.  The 
population  of  Williamsburgh,  in 
1S37,  was  120. 

Williamsburgh  and  Barnard  are  at 
present  but  thinly  settled  ; but  in 
consequence  of  a vast  body  of  slate 
for  roofing  houses  and  other  purpo- 
ses being  found  within  theiHimils, 
the  lands  within  these  towns  must 
enhance  in  value  and  increase  in 
population.  These  quarries  are 
common  to  both  towns;  they  lie  at 
an  elevation  of  from  150  to  200  fact 
above  Pleasant  river,  a branch  of 
the  Penobscot,  which  posses  their 
northern  and  eastern  borders,  about  | 
two  miles  distant. 

These  quarries  are  inexhaustible 
in  quantity,  and  are  stated  to  be  I 
fully  equal  to  the  celebrated  Welsh  j 
slate.  They  are  situated  40  miles 
N.  from  Bangor;  and,  by  the  Ban-  ' 
gor  and  Piscataquis  rail  road,  now  j 
in  operation  toOrono;  and  in  pro- 
gress from  Orono  to  these  quarries, 
the  Bangor  of  the  new  world  seems 
likely  to  become  as  celebrated  for 
its  fine  slate  as  the  Bangor  of  the 
old.  See  Barnard [. 

Wllliauislburgh,  Mass. 

Hampshire  co.  The  surface  of  this 
town  is  elevated  and  uneven  ; but 
it  is  pleasant,  and  has  a warm  and 
fertile  soil.  It  is  watered  by  a good 
stream  which  meets  the  Connecti- 
cut at  Northampton.  It  lies  S miles 
N.  W.  from  Northampton,  and  100 
W.  from  Boston.  Incorporated  in 
1771.  Population,  1837,  1,345. 

41 


The  manufactures  ot  the  town 
consist  of  woolen  cloth,  (3  mills,) 
boots,  shoes,  leather,  hats,  iron  cast- 
ings, axes,  gimlets,  screw  drivers, 
augers,  punches,  bitts  and  bitt 
stocks,  flexible  and  japan  buttons, 
stocking  yarn,  and  lather  boxes; 
annual  value,  about  §200,000. — 
The  value  of  buttons , manufactur- 
ed the  year  ending  April  1,  1837, 
was  §102,500. 

In  1S37,  there  were  2,815  sheep 
sheared  in  this  town,  whose  fleeces 
weighed  8,362  pounds,  and  sold  for 
5,017. 

Wiltlanntown,  Vt. 

Orange  co.  This  town  lies  on  the 
height  of  land  between  Onion  and 
White  rivers;  10  miles  S.  E.  from 
Montpelier,  and  about  the  same  dis- 
tance N.  W.  from  Chelsea.  First 
| settled,  1734.  Population,  1830, 

] 1,487.  This  mountain  town  pro- 
duces good  crops  of  grain  and  hay. 
It  pastures  about  7,500  sheep. 

The  “Gulf  Road,”  so  called, 
between  Royalton  and  Montpelier, 
passes  through  this  town.  This 
mountain  pass  is  some  miles  in 
length,  wild  and  picturesque.  The 
mountains  on  each  side  of  the  gulf 
are  very  high,  and  the  sides  are 
so  steep  as  to  leave  only  a narrow 
passage  for  the  turnpike,  and  a 
gurgling  branch  of  White  river  on 
the  south  side,  and  of  a branch  of 
Onion  river  on  the  north. 

IVilliamstown,  Mass. 

Berkshire  eo.  This  town  is  situ- 
ated in  a large  and  fertile  valley, 
surrounded  by  romantic  elevations, 
and  watered  by  Hoosack  and  Green 
rivers.  These  beautiful  streams 
unite  their  hydraulic  powers  and 
fertilizing  qualities,  to  render  this 
remote  valley  a scene  of  compe- 
tence and  peace,  and  a delightful 
retreat  for  the  muses. 

Williarastown  lies  at  the  N.  W. 
corner  of  the  state,  on  the  lines  of 
Vermont  and  New  York;  135  miles 
W.  by  N.  from  Boston,  27  N.  fiorn 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Lenox,  and  36  E.  by  N.  from  Al- 
bany, N.  Y.  It  was  incorporated 
in  1765.  Population,  1837.  1,931. 

There  are  1 cotton  and  2 woolen 
mills  in  the  town,  and  manufactu- 
res of  potatoe  starch,  cabinet  ware, 
chairs,  palm-leaf  hats,  shovels,  hats, 
leather,  &.c.  : annual  value  about 
$75,000. 

The  number  of  sheep  in  this 
flourishing  agricultural  town,  in 
the  year  1837,  was  8,000 — viz: 
2,000  Saxony,  5,800  Merino,  and 
200  common.  The  fleeces  of  these 
sheep  weighed  23,200  lbs.,  and 
sold  for  $13,965. 

The  village  in  this  town  is  de- 
lightfully situated  on  a gentle  rise 
from  the  river.  The  buildings  are 
generally  tastefully  constructed  and 
command  a great  variety  of  superb 
scenery.  This  town  contains  a te- 
pid spring,  of  some  repute  in  cu- 
taneous diseases. 

Williams  College , in  this  town, 
is  handsomely  located.  It  derived 
its  name  from  Col.  Ephraim 
Williams,  a native  of  Newton, 
ami  a distinguished  benefactor  of 
Williaiustown.  Col.  Williams  was 
a man  of  talents,  brave,  witty,  po- 
lite and  popular.  He  commanded 
the  line  of  forts  on  the  west  side 
of  Connecticut  river,  in  the  French 
and  Indian  wars  from  1740  to  1748. 
In  1755,  he  received  the  command 
of  a regiment,  and  joined  general 
Johnson.  He  fell  at  the  head  of 
1,200  men,  near  lake  George,  on  the 
8th  of  September  of  that  year.  Col. 
Williams,  being  a bachelor,  gave 
the  most  of  his  estate  for  the  estab- 
lishment of  a free  grammar  school 
at  this  place.  The  school  went  in- 
to operation  in  1791,  and  in  1793 
the  legislature  vested  it  with  col- 
lege privileges.  See  Register. 

Willimantic  River,  Ct. 

Also  Village,  see  Windham. 

Willinrrton,  Ct. 

Tolland  co.  This  town  was  sold 
by  the  Connecticut  colony,  to  Rog- 


er Wolcott,  Esq.  and  others,  for 
£510,  in  the  year  1720.  It  is  about 
7 miles  in  length,  and  4 £ in  width 
There  is  an  abundance  of  granite 
in  the  town,  and  good  iron  ore. 
The  surface  is  uneven  and  the  soil 
hard.  The  Willimantic  and  other 
streams  give  Willington  some  ex- 
cellent mill  privileges,  some  of 
which  are  profitably  improved. — 
There  are  about  2,500  sheep  in  the 
town.  Population,  in  1830,  1,305. 
It  is  24  miles  N.  E.  from  Hartford, 
and  bounded  W.  by  Tolland. 

Willis  ton,  Vt. 

Chittenden  co.  This  is  an  ex- 
cellent farming  town  of  a rich  soil, 
with  an  uneven  surface,  but  not 
mountainous.  It  is  very  produc- 
tive of  all  the  varieties  common  to 
a northern  climate:  its  product  of 
wool,  in  1837,  was  9,225  fleeces. 
Williston  is  watered  by  Onion  river, 
and  some  smaller  streams  ; but  its 
water  power  is  small.  It  is  27  miles 
W.  N.  W.  from  Montpelier,  and  is 
bounded  on  the  W.,  by  Burlington. 
Population,  1830,  1,608. 

Thomas  Chittenden  was  the 
father  of  this  town.  He  came  here 
in  1774.  He  was  a member  of  the 
convention,  which,  in  1777,  declar- 
ed Vermont  an  independent  state, 
and  was  active  in  procuring  its  ad- 
mission into  the  Union.  When  the 
Vermont  Constitution  was  estab- 
lished, in  1778,  Mr.  Chittenden  was 
selected  as  a candidate  for  gover- 
nor ; to  which  office  he  was  annu- 
ally elected,  with  the  exception  of 
one  year,  till  his  death  in  1797.  He 
Was  67  years  of  age. 

Wilmington,  Vt. 

Windham  co.  The  east  and  west 
branches  of  Deerfield  river  unite 
in  this  town,  which, with  the  waters 
of  Beaver  and  Cold  brooks,  and 
of  Ray’s  pond,  a large  and  beauti- 
ful sheet  of  water;  a valuable  mill 
power  is  produced.  There  are 
some  fine  tracts  of  land  in  the  town, 
and  a considerable  portion  that  is 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


rough  and  bard  to  till.  There  arc 
a number  of  mills  of  various  kinds 
in  the  town,  and  a pleasant  and 
thriving  village. 

Wilmington  was  settled  before 
the  revolutionary  war,  but  increas- 
ed but  slowly  until  the  peace.  It 
lies  46  miles  S.  S.  W.  from  Wind- 
sor, 14  S.  W.  from  Newfane,  and 
17  E.  from  Bennington.  Popula- 
tion, 1830,  1,367. 

'Wilmington,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  The  surface  of 
this  town  is  generally  level,  witli  a 
light  and  sandy  soil.  The  wood  is 
chiefly  pine,  and  much  charcoal  is 
made.  This  kind  of  soil,  although 
unlit  for  the  generality  of  crops,  is 
well  adapted  for  the  growth  of 
hops,  of  which  large  quantities,  of 
a tine  quality,  arc  produced  in 
Wilmington,  and  which  frequently 
afford  the  cultivator  a large  profit. 

During  the  period  of  32  years, 
1806 — 1837,  inclusive,  there  were 
inspected  at  Charlestown,  Mass. 
76,860  bags  of  hops,  weighing 
16,467,182  lbs.  The  price  varied 
from  34  to  5 cents  a pound.  The 
highest  price  was  in  1817,  the  low- 
est, in  1819  : average  price,  13  1-5 
cents.  Total  value,  $2,169,430: 

The  town  is  watered  by  a branch 
of  Ipswich  river : the  Middlesex 
canal  passes  through  it,  and  adds 
much  to  the  beauty  of  its  scenery. 
Wilmington  was  incorporated  in 
1730.  It  is  14  miles  N.  N.  W.from 
Boston,  and  10  S.  E.  by  E.  from 
Lowell.  Population,  1837,  795. 

Wilmot,  N.  H. 

Merrimack  co.  Wilmot  is  30 
miles  N.  W.  from  Concord,  and 
87  from  Boston.  The  streams  form- 
ing Blackwater  river  have  their  ori- 
gin in  the  vicinity  of  Wilmot. — 
They  afford  a number  of  good  mill 
seats.  The  4th  N.  H.  turnpike 
from  Concord  to  Hanover  passes 
through  this  town.  It  was  made  in 
1803,  through  an  entire  forest,  with- 
out any  inhabitants  for  14  miles 


above,  and  about  6 miles  below 
Wilmot.  The  land  near  the  turn- 
pike appears  rude  and  barren  ; but 
the  acclivities  on  either  side  are 
susceptible  of  cultivation.  The 
town  is  composed  of  hills  and  val- 
leys, presenting  a rough  surface. 
There  arc  no  large  collections  of 
water,  nor  any  mountains,  excepting 
Kearsarge,  whose  summit  forms  the 
southern  boundary.  It  was  incor- 
porated June  18,  1807.  It  receiv- 
ed its  name  in  honor  of  Dr.  Wilmot, 
an  Englishman,  who,  at  one  time, 
was  supposed  to  be  the  author  of 
the  celebrated  letters  of  Junius. 
Population,  1830,  835. 

Wilson,  Me. 

This  town  was  incorporated  in 
183G,  as  “ township  number  9 in 
the  9th  range,  north  of  the  Waldo 
Patent  in  the  county  of  Somerset.” 
We  repeat,  that  but  very  little  in- 
formation respecting  a town  is  gain- 
ed from  its  act  of  incorporation. 
We  beg  our  friends  “ Down  East” 
to  write  to  us. 

Wilton,  Me. 

Franklin  co.  This  is  one  of  the 
most  flourishing  agricultural  town- 
ships in  the  state.  It  has  a fertile 
soil,  a beautiful  surface,  and  two 
pleasant  villages.  It  lies  a little 
distance  from  Sandy  river,  5 or  6 
miles  S.  W.  from  Farmington,  and 
38  W.  N.  W.  from  Augusta. 

Wilton  has  an  adequate  water 
power  for  common  purposes,  pro- 
duced by  streams  issuing  from 
beautiful  ponds  in  the  town.  The 
people  are  principally  agricultural- 
ists, and  tested  their  skill  in  that 
delightful  pursuit,  in  1837,  by  pro- 
ducing 11,071  bushels  of  good  clean 
wheat. 

Wilton  was  incorporated  in  1803. 
Population,  in  1830,  1,140;  1837, 
2,102. 

Wilton,  X.  H. 

Hillsborough  co.  This  town  is 
bounded  S.  by  Mason,  and  W.  by 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Temple.  It  is  9 miles  W.  by  S. 
from  Amherst  and  37  S.  by  W. 
from  Concord.  Souhegan  is  the 
principal  river.  Its  main  branch 
enters  this  town  near  the  S.  'W. 
corner  and  proceeds  in  a N.  E. 
course  till  it  forms  a junction  with 
several  branches  running  from 
Lyndeborough  and  Temple.  These 
flow  through  the  N.  part,  and  are 
sufficiently  large  for  mill  streams. 
On  these  streams  are  some  valuable 
manufactures,  and  a pleasant  village 
has  sprung  up  within  a few  years. 
This  town  has  neither  mountains, 
ponds  or  swamps.  It  is  in  general 
of  strong  and  excellent  soil.  Good 
clay  is  found  in  plenty  near  the 
streams.  There  are  several  quar- 
ries of  excellent  stone  for  splitting 
and  hewing.  The  first  settlement 
was  made  in  1738,  by  3 families 
from  Danvers,  Mass.,  2 by  the 
name  of  Putnam,  and  1 by  the  name 
of  Dale.  Hannah,  the  daughter 
of  Ephraim  Putnam,  was  the  first 
child  born  in  town.  The  town 
wras  incorporated  June  25,  1762, 
and  derived  its  name  from  Wilton, 
an  ancient  borough  in  Wiltshire, 
England.  A distressing  accident 
occurred  in  raising  the  second 
meeting  house,  September  7,  1773. 
The  frame  fell,  and  three  men  were 
instantly  killed  ; two  died  of  their 
wounds  soon  afterward,  and  a num- 
ber of  others  were  badly  injured. 
On  July  20,  1804,  the  same  meet- 
ing house  was  struck  by  lightning 
and  considerably  shattered.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  1,039. 

Wilton,  Ct. 

Fairfield  co.  Wilton  was  taken 
from  the  north  part  of  Norwalk,  in 
1802.  The  surface  of  the  town  is 
broken  by  two  ridges  of  hills,  but 
the  soil  is  a gravelly  loam  and  pro- 
ductive of  grain  and  a great  variety 
of  fruit.  Agriculture  is  the  prin- 
cipal business  of  the  inhabitants. 
The  town  is  watered  by  Norwalk 
river,  and  has  a satinet  factory 
and  other  mechanical  operations  by 


water.  A classical  school,  of  high 
reputation,  was  established  here  in 
1818,  by  Hawley  Olmstead,  Esq. 
This  school  is  worth  a million  of 
the  silver  mines  that  were  discov- 
ered and  worked  in  this  town  dur- 
ing the  revolutionary  war.  Wilton 
lies  34  miles  W.  S.  W.  from  New 
Haven,  and  6 N.  from  Norwalk. 
Population,  1330,  2,095. 

AVincliendon,  Mass. 

Worcester  co.  This  town  was 
incorporated  in  1764.  It  is  60  miles 
N.  W.  by  W.  from  Boston,  and  34 
N.  N.  W.  from  Worcester.  Pop- 
ulation, 1830,  1,463  ; 1837,1,802. 
The  surface  of  the  town  is  uneven 
and  rocky,  with  a strong  soil,  which, 
when  subdued,  is  quite  productive 
of  grain,  grass  and  fruit  trees. 
There  are  fine  quarries  of  granite 
in  the  town  ; and  a spring  tinctured 
with  iron  and  sulphur,  but  which 
is  less  visited  than  formerly.  Mil- 
ler’s river  rises  in  this  town  and 
Ashburnham,  and  affords  conven- 
ient mill  seats.  There  are  2 pleas- 
ant villages  in  the  town,  a cotton 
mill,  a woolen  mill,  and  manufac- 
tures of  cotton  and  wool  bobbins, 
leather,  palin-leaf  hats,  chairs,  cab- 
inet and  wooden  wares : annual 
value,  exclusive  of  cotton  goods, 
about  $100,000. 

Tender  Warner , N.  H.,  we  gave 
an  account  of  a frightful  tornado  in 
that  and  the  neighboring  towns  in 
1821.  It  appears  that  this  part  of 
the  country  was  visited  by  a simi- 
lar desolation,  at  the  same  time , 
more  than  40  miles  distant.  A 
Worcester  paper  thus  describes  it: 

“ About  6 o’clock,  Sunday  even- 
ing, September  9th,  a black  and 
terrific  cloud  appeared  a little  south 
of  the  centre  of  Northfield,  Frank- 
lin county,  nearly  in  the  form  of  a 
pyramid  reversed,  moving  very  rap- 
idly and  with  a terrible  noise.  In  its 
progress  it  swept  away  or  prostrat- 
ed all  the  trees,  fences, stone  walls, 
and  buildings  which  came  with- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


in  its  vortex,  which  in  some  places 
was  not  more  than  20  rods  and  in 
others  40  or  60.  It  passed  from 
Northfield  through  Warwick  and 
Orange,  to  the  southwesterly  part 
of  Royalston,  where  its  force  was 
broken  by  Tully  Mountain.  Its  path 
was  strewed  for  the  distance  of  23 
miles,  through  the  towns  of  Royals- 
ton, Winchendon,  Ashburnham  and 
Fitchburg,  with  fragments  of  build- 
ings, sheaves  of  grain,  bundles  of 
corn  stalks,  clothing,  &c. 

“ Several  persons  were  killed 
and  wounded,  numerous  houses, 
barns,  &c.  demolished,  and  many 
domestic  animals,  in  the  track  of  the 
tornado,  were  destroyed.  Large 
trees  were  taken  200  feet  into  the 
air,  and  logs  which  would  require 
4 oxen  to  remove  them  were  swept 
outof  the  bed  of  Tully  river  where 
they  had  lain  for  more  than  half  a 
century.  The  ground  was  torn  up 
from  the  river  to  the  mountain, 
about  40  rods,  from  1 foot  to  6 feet 
deep.  The  surface  of  the  earth 
was  broken  throughout  the  whole 
course  of  the  whirlwind,  as  with 
the  ploughshare  of  destruction. 
Stones  of  many  hundred  pounds 
weight,  were  rolled  from  their  beds. 
Lots  of  wood  were  whirled  into 
promiscuous  heaps,  with  roots  and 
tops,  and  tops  and  roots.  The  ap- 
pearance presented  by  the  track  of 
the  whirlwind,  indicated,  as  near  as 
the  writer  can  judge  from  actual  in- 
spection, that  the  form  of  the  cloud, 
and  the  body  of  air  in  motion,  was 
that  of  an  inverted  pyramid,  draw- 
ing whatever  came  within  its  in- 
fluence towards  the  centre  of  mo- 
tion.” 

Winchester,  N.  II. 

Cheshire  co.  This  pleasant  town 
is  bounded  N.  by  Swanzey  and 
Chesterfield,  E.  by  Richmond,  W. 
by  Hinsdale,  and  S.  by  Massachu- 
setts line.  It  lies  13  miles  S.  W. 
from  Keene,  65  S.  W.  from  Con- 
cord, 80  W.  from  Boston,  80  N.  from 
Hartford,  Ct.,  and  12  E.  from  Brat- 

41* 


tlebo’,  Vt.  Population,  1837,  2,500. 
The  face  of  this  town  is  diversified 
with  hills  and  valleys.  The  soil  is 
of  an  excellent  quality,  furnishing 
in  abundance,  all  the  agricultural 
products  natural  to  this  section  of 
the  country.  Ashuelot  river  pass- 
es through  the  centre  of  this  town, 
affording  a number  of  mill  privi- 
leges, and  is  bordered  on  each  bank 
by  extensive  intervales,  of  a fer- 
tility rarely  excelled. 

There  are  other  small  streams  run- 
ning in  various  directions  through 
the  town,  affording  facilities  for  wa- 
ter power. 

The  centre  village  is  on  the  S. 
E.  bank  of  the  Ashuelot,  and  the 
principal  street,  running  parallel 
with  its  border,  has  a number  of 
dwelling  houses,  with  stores  and 
shops, 3 meetinghouses,  an  elegant 
district  school  house,  saw  and  grist 
mills,  shops  for  turning  wood  and 
iron,  an  extensive  establishment 
for  the  manufacture  of  musical  in- 
struments of  all  kinds,  and  2 organ 
manufactories;  and,  at  the  lower 
end,  the  street  is  adorned  with  a 
beautiful  row  of  native  ever-green 
trees,  which  extends  nearly  half  a 
mile. 

Two  miles  west  is  another  con- 
siderable village,  containing  1 large 
woolen  factory,  1 cotton  factory,  1 
satinet  factory,  saw,  grist  and  oil 
mills,  two  furnaces,  together  with 
shops,  stores,  meeting  houses,  &.c. 

In  the  S.  E.  part  of  the  town 
there  are  saw  mills,  grist  mills, 
clothier’s  works,  and  1 satinet  fac- 
tory. 

This  town  was  sacked  by  the  In-, 
dians,  and  the  inhabitants  taken 
prisoners  or  driven  off  in  1745  or  ’6, 
and  did  not  return  under  about  5 
years  to  resume  the  settlement  of 
the  place.  The  former  name  of  the 
town  was  Arlington,  and  it  was  in-, 
corporated  by  its  present  name  in 
1753. 

Winchester,  Ct. 

Litchfield  co.  Winchester  was 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


incorporated  in  1771.  Population, 
1830,  1,760.  The  geological  char- 
acter of  the  town  is  primitive  ; the 
rocks  consisting  of  granite,  mica 
slate,  &.c.  The  soil  is  gravelly, 
hard  and  coarse  : it  affords  good 

grazing,  and  its  products  of  butter, 
cheese  and  wool  are  considerable. 

The  Borough  of  Clifton  was  in- 
corporated in  1832.  It  is  a flour- 
ishing viLlagfe,  consisting  of  about 
sixty  or  seventy  dwelling  houses, 
and  4 mercantile  stores.  The  vil- 
lage is  principally  built  in  a nar- 
row valley,  on  the  banks  of  a mill 
stream,  called  Mad  river,  which  is 
a tributary  of  Farmington  river. 
The  valley  at  this  place  is  but  bare- 
ly of  sufficient  width  to  admit  of  a 
street,  with  buildings  on  each  side, 
the  ground  rising  immediately  in 
every  direction.  Westward  of  the 
main  street  in  the  village,  a road 
passes  up  a steep  hill  for  nearly  a 
quarter  of  a mile,  where,  upon  an 
elevated  plain,  is  an  interesting  lake 
or  pond,  which  is  one  of  the  largest 
bodies  of  water  in  the  state,  being 
3 1-2  miles  in  length  and  3-4  of  a 
mile  in  breadth.  The  outlet  of 
this  lake  presents  a novel  scene ; 
it  consists  of  a small  stream,  com- 
pressed within  a narrow  channel, 
and  literally  tossed  from  rock  to 
rock  till  it  unites  with  Mad  river. 
Most  of  the  manufacturing  estab- 
lishments in  the  village  are  situa- 
ted on  this  outlet,  upon  which  there 
are  some  of  the  best  natural  sites 
for  hydraulic  works  in  the  state. 
In  this  village  are  four  large  scythe 
factories,  one  machine  shop,  and 
five  forges.  The  ore  to  supply 
these  forges  is  brought  from  Ca- 
naan, Kent  and  Salisbury. 

Winsted,  or  the  East  village,  is 
very  pleasant,  and  contains  a large 
woolen  mill,  an  extensive  clock 
factory,  an  iron  foundry,  and  an 
axe  factory.  This  village  is  26 
miles  N.  W.  from  Hartford,  49  N. 
by  W.  from  New  Haven,  and  17  N. 
by  E.  from  Litchfield. 

Winchester  liea  within  the  “ ev- 


ergreen district,”  so  named  from 
the  forests  of  hemlock  aud  other 
evergreen  trees  with  which  it 
abounds.  These  “Green  Woods” 
present  one  of  the  most  impressive 
scenes  which  can  be  found  in  an 
American  forest.  The  branches 
of  the  trees  are  thickly  covered 
with  a deep  green  foliage,  closely 
interwoven  overhead,  nearly  exclu- 
ding the  light  of  the  sun.  The 
scene  forcibly  reminds  the  con- 
templative traveler  of  the  words  of 
Thomson,  in  his  celebrated  hymn : 

“ Oh,  U'k  of  Him  in  lolitary  glooms ! 

Where,  o’erthe  rock  ihe scarcely  waving  pine 

Fills  the  brown  shade  with  a religious  awe.” 

'Windham,  Me. 

Cumberland  co.  Windham  lies 
on  the  N.  E.  side  of  Presumpscut 
river,  which  separates  it  from  Gor- 
ham. It  is  76  miles  S.  W.  from 
Augusta,  and  14  N.  N.  W.  from 
Pqrtland.  This  is  a valuable  farm- 
ing town,  and  the  inhabitants  are 
principally  employed  in  agricul- 
ture. Branches  of  the  Presump- 
scut give  the  town  good  mill  priv- 
ileges. There  are  2 pleasant  vil- 
lages in  the  town,  some  manufac- 
tures, and  several  beautiful  fish 
ponds.  Population,  1837,  2,207. 

Windham,  N.  H. 

Rockingham  co.  This  town  ^is 
34  miles  S.  by  E.  from  Concord, 
and  45  W.  S.  W.  from  Portsmouth. 
Policy  pond  lies  in  this  town  and 
Salem,  about  one  half  in  each. 
Cabot’s  pond  lies  E.  of  the  centre 
of  the  town.  Golden  pond  is  in 
the  south,  and  Mitchel’s  in  the 
northeast  part  of  the  town.  Bea- 
ver river  or  brook  forms  the  W. 
boundary,  upon  which  are  some 
meadow  lands.  The  town  is  also 
well  supplied  with  small  streams. 

Windham  was  originally  a part 
of  Londonderry ; and  was  detached 
and  incorporated  in  1739.  The  in- 
habitants, principally  derived  from 
the  first  settlers  of  Londonderry, 
have  firmly  adhered  to  the  religious 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


principles  of  their  fathers,  to  the 
doctrines  and  forms  of  the  presby- 
terian  church  as  originally  estab- 
lished in  Scotland,  and  administer- 
ed in  this  country.  Population, 
1830,  998. 

Windham  County,  Vt. 

JYeufane  is  the  shire  town. — 
This  county  is  bounded  N.  by  Wind- 
sor county  ; E.  by  Connecticut  riv- 
er; S.  by  the  state  of  Massachu- 
setts, and  W.  by  the  county  of  Ben- 
nington. It  contains  an  area  of 
about  780  square  miles.  Popula- 
tion, 1810,  26,760 ; 1820,  28,457; 
1830,  28,748.  Incorporated,  1789. 
For  some  years  it  bore  the  name  of 
Cumberland.  Population  to  a square 
mile,  37. 

The  surface  of  the  county  is 
much  broken  by  hills  and  valleys: 
the  western  part  is  very  elevated, 
and  contains  a part  of  the  Green 
Mountain  range.  The  geological 
character  of  the  county  is  primi- 
tive. Immense  quantities  of  gran- 
ite are  found  in  all  parts  of  the 
county,  both  in  quarries  and  bould- 
ers, most  of  which  is  of  fine  grain 
and  very  handsome.  It  also  con- 
tains gneiss,  hornblende,  serpen- 
tine, primitive  limestone,  ancF  mi- 
ca, talcose,  chlorite,  and  argellite 
slates. 

The  soil  of  the  county  is  various ; 
from  the  rich  and  alluvial  meadows 
on  the  Connecticut,  to  the  cold  and 
rugged  lands  on  the  sides  of  the 
mountains.  The  general  character 
of  the  soil  may  be  considered  as 
tolerable  for  grain  and  excellent 
for  grazing.  In  1837,  there  were 
76,582  sheep  in  the  county.  Some 
of  the  wool  is  of  a fine  quality,  but 
generally  it  is  about  half  blood. 

Windham  county  is  finely  wa- 
tered by  Williams’,  Saxton’s,  and 
West  rivers,  with  their  branches, 
and  by  numerous  other  streams. 
These  waters  give  the  county  a 
great  hydraulic  power,  which  is 
rapidly  coming  into  use  for  man- 
ufacturing purposes. 


Windham,  Vt. 

Windham  co.  Branches  of  West, 
Williams’  and  Saxton’s  rivers  give 
this  town  a good  water  power.  The 
surface  of  the  town  is  elevated; 
the  soil,  though  strong,  is  better 
adapted  for  grazing  than  tillage. 
About  4,000  sheep  are  kept  here. 

Windham  was  formerly  a part  of 
Londonderry.  It  is  30  miles  N. 
E.  from  Bennington,  and  25  S.  W. 
from  Windsor.  Population,  1830, 
847. 

The  actynolitc  embedded  in  talc, 
is  found  in  this  town,  in  slender 
four  sided  prisms  of  a leak  green 
color.  The  crystals  vary  in  size  ; 
some  are  six  inches  in  length  and 
an  inch  in  breadth.  These  crys- 
tals are  abundant.  Chlorite,  gar- 
nets, serpentine,  and  steatite  are 
also  found. 

Windham  County,  Ct. 

Brooklyn  is  the  county  town. 
This  county  is  uniformly  hilly, 
yet  no  part  of  it  is  mountainous  or 
very  elevated.  The  prevailing  soil 
is  a primitive  gravelly  loam.  The 
greatest  portion  of  the  county  is 
stony  and  considerably  rough,  and 
the  lands  generally  best  adapted  for 
grazing,  and  many  sections  afford 
some  of  the  richest  dairy  farms  in 
the  state.  The  Quinuebaug  and 
Shetucket,  with  their  branches, 
intersect  this  county,  and  afford 
many  valuable  water  privileges  for 
mills  and  manufacturing  purposes. 
The  valley  of  the  Quinnebaug  riv- 
er comprises  the  best  land  in  the 
county.  The  inhabitants  of  this 
county  are  more  extensively  enga- 
ged in  the  manufacturing  business 
than  in  any  other  county  in  the 
state.  Cotton  and  woolen  goods 
are  the  principal  articles  manufac- 
tured. 

Windham  county  originally  be- 
longed to  the  counties  of  Hartford 
and  New  London.  It  was  incorpo- 
rated as  a county  in  May,  1726. 

This  county  is  bounded  N.  by 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Massachusetts;  E.  by  Rhode  Isl- 
and; S.  by  the  county  of  New 
London,  and  W.  by  Tolland  county. 
It  contains  an  area  of  about  620 
square  miles.  Population,  1810, 
28,611;  1820,31,684;  1830,27,077. 
Population  to  a square  mile,  44. 
In  1837,  there  were  26,017  sheep 
in  Windham  county. 

Windham,  Ct* 

Windham  co.  The  territory  of 
this  town,  Mansfield  and  Canter- 
bury, was  given  by  Joshua,  a son  of 
Uncas,  the  celebrated  Mohegan 
sachem,  to  John  Mason,  James 
Fitch  and  others,  in  the  year  1675. 

“ Lieut.  John  Cates , a pious  pu- 
ritan, who  served  in  the  wars  in 
England,  holding  his  commission 
under  Cromwell,  when  Charles  II. 
came  to  the  throne,  fled  to  this 
country  for  safety.  He  landed  first 
in  Virginia,  where  he  procured  a 
negro  servant  to  attend  him.  But 
when  advertisements  and  pursuers 
were  spread  through  this  country,  to 
apprehend  the  adherents  of  the  Pro- 
tector, he  left  Virginia, came  to  New 
York,  and  from  thence  to  Nor- 
wich. Still  feeling  that  he  should 
be  securer  in  a more  retired  place, 
he  came  to  this  new  plantation,  dug 
the  first  cellar,  and  with  his  servant, 
raised  in  Windham  the  first  Eng- 
lish habitation,  in  the  spring  of 
1689.  The  settlers,  rapidly  increas- 
ing, petitioned  the  general  court, 
and  obtained  a grant  of  town  privi- 
leges in  May,  1692.  It  was  made 
a county  town  in  May,  1726.” 

Windham  is  bounded  N.  by  the 
towns  of  Hampton,  Chaplin  and 
Mansfield;  E.  by  Franklin  and 
Lisbon,  and  W.  by  Lebanon  and 
Columbia.  It  contains  an  area  of 
about  8 by  6 miles.  It  has  an 
uneven  surface,  with  a tolerable 
soil. 

The  following  is  a copy  of  the 
inscription  on  Lieutenant  Cates’ 
monument,  in  the  village  burying 
ground. 


In 

memory  of 
Mr.  John  Cates. 

He  was  a gentleman  born 
in  England, 

and  the  first  setteller  in  the 
Town  of  Windham. 

By  his  last 

Will  and  Testament, 
he  gave  a 
generous  Legacy 
to  ye  first 

Church  of  Christ  in 
Windham, 

in  plate,  and  a generous 
Legacy  in  Land 
for  ye  support  of  ye  Poor, 
ana  another 
Legacy  for  ye  support 
ol  ye  School 
in  said  town  for  ever. 

He  died 
in  Windham, 

July  ye  16th,  A.  D. 

1697. 

Since  the  removal  of  the  county 
courts  from  this  place  to  Brooklyn, 
and  the  establishment  of  the  vil- 
lage of  Willimantic,  the  ancient 
village  of  Windham  has  somewhat 
declined  in  its  trade  and  population. 
It  is  pleasantly  located,  compactly 
and  neatly  built,  and  contains  the 
charm  of  antiquity,  in  as  great  per- 
fection as  can  probably  be  found  in 
New  England.  This  village  is  30 
miles  E.  from  Hartford,  14  N.  by 
W.  from  Norwich,  44  W.  S.  W. 
from  Providence,  R.  I.,  and  12  S. 
W.  from  Brooklyn.  Population  of 
the  town,  1820,2,489;  1830,2,812. 

The  Borough  of  Willimantic 
is  3 miles  W.  from  Windham  vil- 
lage. It  is  well  situated  on  Willi- 
mantic river:  it  is  built  principally 
on  one  street,  and  contains  some 
very  handsome  buildings.  In  this 
village  are  six  cotton  mills,  con- 
taining 13,000  spindles ; a paper 
mill  and  a satinet  factory.  This 
flourishing  village  has  grown  up 
in  the  course  of  a few  years.  The 
population  of  this  borough,  in  1837, 
was  2,000. 

Willimantic  River  rises  in  the 
county  of  Tolland,  and  with  the 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Natchaug,  forms  the  Shetucket  iu 
Windham. 

“ Much  pleasantry,”  says  Mr. 
Barber,  “ has  been  indulged  at  the 
expense  of  the  inhabitants  of  Wind- 
ham, on  account  of  a singular  oc- 
currence which  happened  in  the 
year  1758,  by  which  the  inhabit- 
ants were  very  much  frightened. 
There  is  probably  some  exaggera- 
tion in  the  account,  though  the 
foundation  of  the  story  is  believed 
to  be  a matter  of  fact.”  We  copy 
it  as  an  amusing  relic. 

“On  a dark,  cloudy,  dismal  night 
in  the  month  of  July,  A.  D.  1758, 
the  inhabitants  of  Windham,  a small 
town  in  the  eastern  part  of  Con- 
necticut, had  retired  to  rest,  ami 
for  several  hours,  all  were  wrapped 
in  profound  repose — when  sudden- 
ly, soon  after  midnight,  the  slum- 
bers of  the  peaceful  inhabitants 
were  disturbed  by  a most  terrific 
noise  in  the  sky  right  over  their 
heads,  which  to  many,  seemed  the 
yells  and  screeches  of  infuriated 
Indians,  and  others  had  no  other 
way  of  accounting  for  the  awful 
sounds,  which  still  kept  increasing, 
but  by  supposing  the  day  of  judg- 
ment had  certainly  come  ; and  to 
their  terrified  imaginations,  the»aw- 
ful  uproar  in  the  air  seemed  the 
immediate  precursor  of  the  clangor 
of  the  last  trumpet.  At  intervals, 
many  supposed  they  could  distin- 
guish the  calling  out  of  paticu- 
lar  names,  as  of  Colonels  Dyer 
and  Elderkix,  two  eminent  law- 
yers,  and  this  increased  the  general 
terror.  But  soon  there  was  a rush 
from  every  house,  the  tumult  in 
the  air  still  increasing — old  and 
young,  male  and  female,  poured 
forth  into  the  streets,  “ in  puris 
naturalibus ,”  entirely  forgetful,  in 
their  hurry  and  consternation,  of 
their  nether  habiliments,  and  with 
eyes  upturned  tried  to  pierce  the 
almost  palpable  darkness.  Some 
daring  “ spirits,”  concluding  there 
was  nothing  supernatural  in  the 
hubbub  and  uproar  over  head,  but 


rather,  that  they  heard  the  yells 
of  Indians  commencing  a midnight 
attack,  loaded  their  guns  and  sal- 
lied forth  to  meet  tho  invading 
foes.  These  valiant  heroes,  on 
ascending  the  hill  that  bounds  the 
village  on  the  east,  perceived  that 
the  sounds  came  from  that  quarter, 
and  not  from  the  skies,  as  first  be- 
lieved, but  their  courage  would  not 
permit  them  to  proceed  to  the  dar- 
ing extremity  of  advancing  east- 
ward, until  they  had  discovered  the 
real  cause  of  alarm  and  distress, 
which  pervaded  the  whole  village. 
Towards  morning  the  sounds  in  the 
air  seemed  to  die  away.  In  the 
morning,  the  whole  cause  of  alarm, 
which  produced  sudh  distressing 
apprehensions  among  the  good  peo- 
ple of  the  town,  was  apparent  to 
all  who  took  the  trouble  to  go  to  a 
certain  mill  pond,  situated  about 
three  fourths  of  a mile  eastward  of 
the  village.  This  pond,  hereafter, 
in  the  annals  of  Fame,  forever  to 
be  called  the  Frog  Pond,  in  conse- 
quence of  a severe  drought,  which 
had  prevailed  many  weeks,  had  be- 
come nearly  dry,  and  the  Bull  Frogs 
(by  which  it  was  densely  popu- 
lated) at  the  mill  fought  a pitched 
battle  on  the  sides  of  the  ditch 
which  ran  through  it,  for  the  pos- 
session and  enjoyment  of  the  fluid 
which  remained.  Long  and  ob- 
i stinately  was  the  contest  maintain- 
ed ; and  many  thousands  of  the 
combatants  were  found  defunct,  on 
both  sides  of  the  ditch,  the  next 
morning.  It  had  been  uncommon- 
ly still,  for  several  hours  before  the 
battle  commenced,  but  suddenly, 
as  if  by  a preconcerted  agreement, 
every  frog  on  one  side  of  the  ditch, 
raised  the  war  cry.  Col.  Dyer , Col. 
Dyer,  and  at  the  same  instant,  from 
the  opposite  side,  resounded  the 
adverse  shout  of  Elderkin  too<,El- 
derkin  too.  Owing  to  some  pecu- 
liar state  of  the  atmosphere,  the 
awful  noises  and  cries  appeared  to 
the  distressed  Windhamites  to  be 
directly  over  their  heads.” 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Windsor,  Me. 

Kennebec  co.  Windsor  was  in- 
corporated by  the  name  of  Malta, 
in  1S09.  In  1821  it  took  the  name 
of  Gerry,  and  in  1822  it  received 
its  present  name.  It  lies  12  miles 
from  Augusta,  by  which  it  is  bound- 
ed on  the  west.  Population,  1837, 
1,660.  Wheat  crop,  same  year, 
5,947  bushels. 

This  town  is  watered  by  the  up- 
per branches  of  Sheepscot  river, 
and  by  several  handsome  ponds. 
The  surface  of  the  town  is  diversi- 
fied: the  soil  is  generally  good,  and 
its  agricultural  condition  improv- 
ing. There  are  some  manufactures 
in  the  town. 

Windsor,  IV.  II. 

Hillsborough  co.  This  town  con- 
tains only  5,335  acres.  It  is  diver- 
sified with  hills:  its  soil  is  strong, 
good  for  grazing, and  for  bread  stuffs, 
of  which  quantities  sufficient  for  use 
at  home,  and  some  for  the  markets 
are  raised.  Black  pond,  near  the 
centre,  is  said  to  be  160  rods  long 
and  SO  broad  ; and  one  near  the  S. 
E.  corner  of  the  town,  is  about 
SO  rods  long  and  40  wide. 

Windsor  was  formerly  called 
Campbell's  Gore.  It  was  incorpo- 
rated with  town  privileges  in  1798. 
Population,  1830,  226. 

Windsor  County,  Vt» 

Woodstock  is  the  county  town. 
This  county  is  bounded  N.  by  the 
county  of  Orange,  E.  by  Connecti- 
cut river,  S.  by  Windham  county, 
and  W.  by  Rutland  and  a part  of 
Addison  counties.  It  contains  an 
area  of  about  900  square  miles. 
Population,  1810,  34,877  ; 1820, 
38,233;  1830,  40,625:  population 
to  a square  mile,  48.  Incorporated 
in  1781. 

Windsor  county  is  watered  by 
White,  Queechy,  Black,  West  and 
Williams’  rivers,  and  by  other  ex- 
cellent mill  streams.  The  surface 
of  the  county  is  uneven,  and  in 


some  parts  mountainous,  but  gen- 
erally, it  is  not  too  elevated  to  ad- 
mit of  cultivation.  The  soil  pro- 
duces finecropsof  grain,  hay,  veg- 
etables and  fruits:  the  lands  are 
peculiarly  adapted  for  grazing,  and 
about  200,000  sheep  graze  on  its 
varied  surface  of  hills  and  valleys 

The  beautiful  Connecticut,  which 
washes  its  whole  eastern  boundary, 
gives  to  this  county  large  tracts  of 
alluvial  meadow  land,  and  affords 
it  a navigable  channel  to  the  sea 
board,  for  its  surplus  productions, 
and  for  its  wants  from  abroad. 

The  hydraulic  power  of  Windsor 
county  is  very  large,  and  its  local 
position  is  such  as  to  induce  men  of 
enterprize  and  capital  to  embark  in 
manufacturing  operations,  which 
are  annually  increasing  with  fair 
prospects  of  success. 

Windsor,  Yt. 

Windsor  co.  Windsor  was  first 
settled  in  1764.  Its  surface  is  un- 
even, hut  there  are  but  few  parts 
of  it  unfit  for  cultivation.  It  con- 
tains large  tracts  of  alluvial  mead- 
j ow,  and  the  uplands  are  generally 
fertile.  Mill  brook  waters  the 
south  part  of  the  town,  and  fur- 
nishes it  with  excellent  mill  sites. 
The  manufactures  of  the  town  are 
numerous  and  valuable.  The  Ag- 
ricultural interests  are  also  valu- 
able : 10,000  sheep  are  annually 
sheared  in  the  town,  and  many 
neat  cattle,  horses  and  productions 
of  the  dairy  are  annually  transpor- 
ted to  its  various  markets. 

This  town  has  become  the  cen- 
tre of  an  important  commerce,  both 
from  the  river  and  a fertile  interior 
country.  The  favorable  position 
of  Windsor,  as  a place  of  trade, 
was  early  discovered,  and  it  has 
been  fortunate  in  possessing  a suc- 
cession of  men,  who,  by  their  en- 
terprise and  wealth,  have  rendered 
it  one  of  the  most  flourishing  towns 
on  Connecticut  river. 

Windsor  is  situated  on  the  west 
side  of  that  delightful  river,  55 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


miles  S.  by  E.  from  Montpelier, 
105  N.  W.  from  Boston,  55  N.  E. 
from  Bennington,  95  S.  S.  W.  from 
Burlington,  and  127  miles  above 
Hartford,  Ct.  Population,  in  1820, 
2,956;  1830,3,134. 

The  village  of  Windsor  is  on  el- 
evated ground,  on  the  bank  of  the 
river:  it  is  compactly,  and  some- 
what irregularly  built,  but  very 
beautiful.  There  are  but  few  vil- 
lages in  our  country  which  make  a 
more  delightful  appearance.  It 
contains  a great  number  of  hand- 
some dwelling  houses  and  stores. 
Some  of  the  private  houses,  church- 
es and  other  public  buildings  are  in 
a style  of  superior  elegance.  This 
is  the  site  of  the  Vermont  State 
prison.  The  streets  are  wide  and 
beautifully  shaded.  The  scenery 
around  Windsor  is  highly  pictur- 
esque ; from  the  high  lands  across 
the  river,  in  Cornish,  which  is  uni- 
ted to  Windsor  by  a bridge,  or  on 
the  Ascutney  at  the  south  part  of 
the  town,  some  of  the  best  land- 
scapes in  our  country  are  presen- 
ted to  view. 

AVindsor,  Mass. 

, Berkshire  co.  This  town  is  situa- 

1 ted  on  the  ridge  of  high  lands  which 
divides  the  waters  of  the  Hous- 
atonick  and  Connecticut.  Branch- 
es of  the-  Housatonick  and  West- 
field  rivers  rise  here.  There  are 
some  good  fish  ponds  in  the  town, 
but  no  important  streams.  The 
surface  of  the  town  is  much  brok- 
en, but  the  soil  is  warm  and  finely 
adapted  for  grazing.  There  are 
some  excellent  farmers  in  Windsor, 
and  the  productions  of  the  dairy 
and  of  cattle  are  considerable.  In 
1837,  there  were  7,157  sheep  in 
the  town,  principally  of  the  Saxo- 
ny and  Merino  breeds.  Their  woo! 
weighed  21,387 -lbs.,  and  sold  for 
$10,521.  This  town  is  remarka- 
ble for  the  longevity  of  its  inhab- 
itants ; which  is  doubtless  owing  to 
the  purity  of  its  air  and  water. 

Windsor  contains  beds  of  serpen- 


tine and  soapstone.  It  is  117  miles 
W.  by  N.  from  Boston,  18  N.  N.  E. 
from  Lenox,  and  12  E.  N.  E.  from 
Pittsfield.  Incorporated  in  1771. 
Population,  1837,  887. 

Windsor,  Ct. 

Hartford  co.  This  most  ancient 
town  in  Connecticut  is  situated  on 
the  west  side  of  Connecticut  river, 
6 miles  N.  from  Hartford.  Popu- 
lation. 133(0,  8,220.  The  surface 
of  the  town  is  generally  level,  hav- 
ing some  extensive  plains.  The 
soil  is  various,  and  free  from  stone  : 
some  of  it  is  light,  but  a large  pro- 
portion of  it  is  fertile,  containing 
extensive  tracts  of  rich  meadow. 

Farmington  river  passes  through 
the  town,  and  meeting  the  Con- 
necticut, gives  the  town  a good  hy- 
draulic power. 

There  are  in  Windsor  4 paper 
mills,  2 manufactories  of  cotton 
batting,  and  factories  of  satinet, 
Kentucky  jean,  wire,  &c.  The 
business  in  these  manufacturing 
establishments  is  very  considerable. 
At  a place  called  Pine  Meadow,  at 
the  commencement  of  the  locks  on 
the  Enfield  canal,  a variety  of  ship 
and  other  timber  is  prepared  for 
market.  Pine  Meadow  is  opposite 
to  Warehouse  Point,  in  East  Wind- 
sor. 

The  centre  village  in  Windsor  is 
pleasantly  extended  on  the  banks  of 
the  Connecticut : it  is  well  built, 
well  shaded,  and  commands  de- 
lightful prospects. 

Poquonnuck  village  is  a few 
miles  N.  from  the  centre.  It  is  a 
manufacturing  village,  delightfully 
situated  at  the  head  of  navigation 
on  Farmington  river. 

“ In  1631,  Wahquimacut,  an  Indi- 
an sachem,  living  near  Connecticut 
river,  made  a journey  to  Plymouth 
and  Boston,  and  earnestly  entreat- 
ed the  governors  of  each  of  the 
colonies  to  send  men  to  make  set- 
tlements on  the  river.  He  repre- 
sented the  fruitfulness  of  the  coun- 
try, and  promised  the  English,  that 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


if  they  would  make  a settlement,  he 
would  annually  supply  them  with 
corn,  and  give  them  eighty  beaver 
skins. 

“ The  governor  of  Massachusetts, 
although  he  treated  the  sachem 
and  his  company  with  generosity, 
paid  no  attention  to  his  proposals. 
Mr.  Winslow,  the  governor  of 
Plymouth,  judged  it  worthy  of  at- 
tention. It  seems  that  soon  after 
that,  he  went  into  Connecticut,  and 
discovered  the  river  and  the  adja- 
cent parts.  It  appeared  that  the 
earnestness  with  which  the  sachem 
solicited  the  English  to  make  set- 
tlements on  the  river,  originated 
from  the  distressed  state  of  the  riv- 
er Indians.  Pekoath,  the  great  sa- 
chem of  the  Pequots,  was  at  war 
with  them  and  driving  them  from 
the  country,  and  they  imagined 
that  if  the  English  made  settle- 
ments on  the  river,  they  would  as- 
sist them  in  defending  themselves 
against  their  too  powerful  enemies. 
“Governor  Winslow  of  Plymouth, 
being  pleased  with  the  appearance 
of  the  country,  having  vi  ited  it, 
the  Plymouth  people  made  prepar- 
ations for  erecting  a trading  house, 
and  establishing  a small  company 
upon  the  river.  In  1633,  William 
Holmes,  w ith  his  associates,  having 
prepared  the  frame  of  a house,  with 
boards  and  materials  for  covering  it 
immediately,  put  them  on  board  of 
a vessel  and  sailed  for  Connecticut. 
Holmes  landed  and  erected  his 
house  a little  below  the  mouth  of 
Farmington  river,  in  Windsor.  Tbe 
house  was  covered  with  the  utmost 
dispatch,  and  fortified  with  palisa- 
does.  The  Plymouth  people  pur- 
chased of  the  Indians  the  land  on 
which  they  erected  their  house. 
This,  governor  Wolcott  says,  was 
the  first  house  erected  in  Connecti- 
cut. 

“ In  June,  1634,  the  Dutch  sent 
Jacob  Van  Curter  to  purchase  lands 
on  the  Connecticut.  He  made  a 
purchase  of  about  twenty  acres  at 
Hartford,  of  Nepuquash,  a Pequot 


captain,  on  the  25th  of  October 
Curter  protested  against  Holmes, 
the  builder  of  the  Plymouth  house. 
Some  time  afterwards,  the  Dutch 
governor,  Van  Twiller,  of  Fort 
Amsterdam,  sent  a reinforcement 
to  Connecticut,  in  order  to  drive 
Holmes  from  the  river.  A party 
of  seventy  men  under  arms,  with 
banners  displayed,  assaulted  the 
Plymouth  house,  but  they  found  it 
so  well  fortified,  and  the  men  who 
kept  it  so  vigilant  and  determined, 
that  it  could  not  be  taken  without 
bloodshed.  They  therefore  came 
to  a parley,  and  finally  returned  in 
peace. 

“ A number  of  Mr.  lVareham’s 
people  came,  in  the  summerof  1635, 
to  Connecticut,  and  made  prepara- 
tions to  bring  thein  families  and 
make  a permanent  settlement.  Af- 
ter having  made  such  preparations 
as  they  judged  necessary,  they  be- 
gan to  remove  their  families  and 
property.  On  the  15th  of  October, 
about  sixty  men,  women  and  chil- 
dren, with  their  horses,  cattle  and 
swine,  commenced  their  journey 
from  Massachusetts,  through  the 
wilderness,  to  Connecticut  river. 
After  a tedious  and  difficultjourney, 
through  swamps  and  rivers,  over 
mountains  and  rough  grounds, which 
w’ere  passed  with  great  dilficulty 
and  fatigue,  they  arrived  safely  at 
the  places  of  their  respective  des- 
tination. They  were  so  long  on 
their  journey,  and  so  much  time 
and  pains  were  spent  in  passing  the 
river,  and  in  getting  over  their 
cattle,  that  after  all  their  exertions, 
winter  came  upon  them  before  they 
were  prepared. 

“ About  the  beginning  of  Decem- 
ber, provisions  generally  failed  in 
the  settlements  on  the  river,  and 
famine  and  death  looked  the  in- 
habitants in  the  face.  In  their  dis- 
tress, some  of  them  in  this  severe 
season  attempted  to  go  through  the 
wilderness  to  the  nearest  settlement 
in  Massachusetts.  A company  of 
thirteen,  who  made  the  attempt. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


lost  one  of  their  number,  who,  in 
passing  a river,  fell  through  the 
ice  and  was  drowned.  The  other 
twelve  were  ten  days  on  their  jour- 
ney, and  had  they  not  received  as- 
sistance from  the  Indians,  would 
all  have  perished.  Such  was  the 
general  distress  by  the  3d  and  4th 
of  December,  that  a considerable 
part  of  the  settlers  were  obliged  to 
leave  their  habitations.  Seventy 
persons,  men,  women  and  children, 
were  obliged,  in  the  severity  of 
winter,  to  go  down  to  the  mouth  ol 
the  river  to  meet  their  provisions,  as 
the  only  expedient  to  preserve  their 
lives.  Not  meeting  the  vessels 
which  they  expected,  they  all  went 
on  board  of  the  Rebecca,  a vessel 
of  about  60  tons.  This  vessel,  two 
days  before,  was  frozen  in,  twenty 
miles  up  the  river  ; but  by  the  fall- 
ing of  a small  rain,  and  the  intlu- 
eirce  of  the  tide,  the  ice  became  so 
broken,  that  she  made  a shift  to  get 
out.  She  however  ran  upon  the 
bar,  and  the  people  were  forced  to 
unlade  her  to  get  her  off.  Site  was 
reladcd,  and  in  five  days  reached 
Boston.  Had  it  not  been  for  these 
providential  circumstances,  the  peo- 
ple must  have  perished  fron>-fani- 
ine. 

“ The  people  who  remained  and 
kept  their  stations  on  the  river,  suf- 
fered in  an  extreme  degree.  After 
all  the  help  they  were  able  to  ob- 
tain, by  hunting  and  from  the  In- 
dians, they  were  obliged  to  subsist 
on  acorns,  malt  and  grains.  The 
cattle,  which  could  not  be  got  over 
the  river  before  winter,  lived  by 
browsing  in  the  woods  and  mead- 
ows. They  wintered  as  well,  or 
better,  than  those  that  were  brought 
over,  and  for  which  all  the  provis- 
ion was  made,  and  care  taken,  of 
which  the  settlers  were  capable. 
A great  number  of  the  cattle,  how- 
ever, perished.  The  Dorchester 
or  Windsor  people  lost,  in  this  spe- 
cies of  property,  about  two  hun- 
dred pounds  sterling.  Upon  the 
breaking  up  of  winter,  and  during 

42 


the  summer  following,  the  settlers 
came  in  large  companies,  and  the 
settlements  at  Windsor,  Hartford 
and  Wethersfield  were  firmly  es- 
tablished.'’ 

The  first  of  the  four  following 
epitaphs  is  supposed  to  be  the  most 
ancient  monumental  inscription  in 
the  state. 

Hcere 

Iveth  Ephraim  Hvit, 
sometimes 

Teacher  to  ye  chvrch  of 
Windsor,  who 
died  September  4th, 

1644. 

Who  when  hrelivf  I wre  drew  ovr  eitall  brr»(h, 

Who  when  h«y  d ed  hn  dym<  Was  nvr  draih, 

Who  «u  ye  ittjr  uf  t ale,  ya  clinches  sLUT, 

Alas,  the  luucs  forbid  an  rj  i apb. 

Here 

vnder  lyeth  the  body  of 
Henry  Wolcot, 
sometimes 

a Maiestrate  of  this  Ivrisdiction, 
who  died  ye  30th  day 
of  May, 

Anno  Salvtis  1655, 

JE  tatis  77. 

Here  lyeth 
the  body  cf  the 
lion.  Ko^er  Wolcott,  Esq. 
of  Windsor,  who 
for  several 

years  was  Governor  of  the 
Colony  of 
Connecticut,  died 
May  17th, 

Anno  Salutis  1767, 
iEtatis  89. 

Ear'Vs  l iehest  station  ends  in  “ Here  he  lies  j*» 

And  “ dust  to  dust”  concludes  her  noblest  soug. 

To  the  memory  of  Oliver  Ellsworth, 
LL.  D.,  an  assistant  in  the  Council,  and 
a judge  of  the  Superior  Court  of  the 
State  of  Connecticut.  A member  of  the 
Convention  which  formed,  and  of  the 
State  Convention  of  Connecticut, 
which  adopted  the  Constitution  of  the 
U.  States. — Senator  and  Chief  Justice 
of  the  U.  States  ; one  of  the  Envoys 
extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipo- 
tentiary, who  made  the  convention  of 
1800  between  the  U.  States  and  the 
French  Republic.  Amiable  and  exem- 
plary in  all  the  relations  of  the  domes- 
tic, social  and  Christian  character. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Pre-eminently  useful  in  all  the  offices 
he  sustained,  whose  great  talents  un- 
der the  guidance  of  indexible  integrity, 
consummate  wisdom,  and  enlightened 
zeal,  placed  him  among  the  first  of  the 
illustrious  statesmen  who  achieved  and 
established  the  independence  of  the 
American  Republic,  Rom  at  Windsor 
April  2yth,  1745,  and  died  Nov.  26, 
1307. 

The  ancient  boundaries  of  Wind- 
sor extended  46  miles  in  circum- 
ference, lying  on  both  sides  of  the 
river.  Within  these  limits  there 
were  ten  distinct  Indian  tribes  or 
sovereignties.  In  the  year  1670 
there  was  a large  Indian  fortress 
at  Windsor,  and  nineteen  natives  to 
one  Englishman  : but  another  race 
has  arisen : — 

"The  chiefs  of  other  days  are  de- 
parted. 

They  have  gone  without  their  fame. 
The  people  are  like  the  waves  of  the 
ocean : 

Like  the  leaves  of  woody  Morven, 
They  pass  away  in  the  rustling  blast, 
And  other  leaves  lift  their  green  heads 
on  high." 

Winhall,  Vt. 

Bennington  co.  Winhall  is 
bounded  on  the  W.  by  Manches- 
ter, and  is  33  miles  S.  W.  from 
Windsor.  This  town  was  charter- 
ed in  1761,  and  its  settlement  com- 
menced during  the  revolutionary 
war.  Population,  1830,  571.  The 
surface  is  rough,  and  the  soil  not 
very  productive. 

I Viqhall  River  rises  in  this  town 
and  affords  it  a good  water  power. 
It  passes  through  a part  of  Jamaica, 
and  joins  West  river  in  Londonder- 
ry. 

Winnepisiogee  Lake,  N.  H. 

This  lake  possesses  singular 
charms.  However  romantic  and 
beautiful  Lake  George,  the  charm- 
er of  all  travelers,  appears  in  its 
elevation,  the  purity  of  its  waters, 
its  depth,  its  rapid  outlet,  its  365 
islands  which  bespangle  its  bosom, 
its  mountain  scenery,  its  fish,  its 


mineralogy ; still  in  all,  but  its  his- 
toric fame,  it  has  a rival  at  the  east, 
in  the  Winnepisiogee  of  New 
Hampshire. 

There  are  more  than  forty  differ- 
ent ways  of  spelling  the  name  of 
this  lake.  It  was  formerly  written 
as  though  it  had  six  syllables ; but 
the  pronunciation  which  has  gener- 
ally obtained  with  those  best  ac- 
quainted with  the  region  of  the 
lake,  and  the  Indian  pronunciation 
of  the  name,  was  Win-nc-pe- 
sock-e.  The  following  authorities 
show  this  : 

Winnapusseakit : Sherman  and 

luce's  Report,  1652. 
Winnipesocket : Bartlett’s  Narra- 
tive, 1708. 

Winnipissocay:  Penhallow’s  W ars, 
1726. 

JVi  nap  os  awe;  lie : Canterbury  char- 
ter, 1727. 

Winnepissocay : Petition,  1733. 
Winnipeshoky  : Petition,  1744. 
Winnepesucket : Stevens’  Journal, 
1746. 

I Vinepesocky  : Surveyor  Clement, 
1746. 

JVinipiseoce : Theodore  Atkinson, 

1746. 

Winnepesacket : Governor  Shir- 

ley, 1747. 

T Vinipesockee  : Bryant’s  Journal, 

1747. ’ 

Winnopcssoekct : Map  of  New 

Hampshire,  1750. 

Winipisoky  : Hon.  George  Boyd, 
1785. 

Winnepisiogee  : The  present  mode 
of  spelling,  pronounced  Wini- 
pisoky, or  Win-ne-pe-sock-c. 
This  lake  is  situated  in  the  coun- 
ty of  Strafford.  Its  form  is  very 
irregular.  At  the  west  end  it  is 
divided  into  three  large  bays;  on 
the  north  is  a fourth ; and  at  the 
east  end  there  are  three  others. 
Its  general  course  is  from  N.  W. 
to  S.  E. ; its  length  is  about  22 
miles,  and  it  varies  in  width  from 
one  to  ten  miles.  This  lake  is  en- 
vironed by  the  pleasant  towns  of 
Moultonborough,  Tuftonborough, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


Wolfeborough, Centre  Harbor,  Mer- 
edith, Gilford,  and  Alton,  and  over- 
looked by  other  deligtful  towns. 

The  w aters  of  the  Winnepisiogee 
arc  remarkably  pure,  and  its  depth 
in  some  places  is  said  to  be  unfath- 
omable. Its  sources  are  principally 
from  springs  within  its  bo.;om.  Its 
outlet  is  the  rapid  river  of  its  own 
name.  Its  height  above  the  level 
of  the  sea  is472  feet.  It  is  stored 
with  a great  variety  of  excellent 
lish  : in  the  summer  season,  ►team 
boats,  sloops  and  smaller  vessels 
ply  on  its  waters,  and  in  the  win- 
ter season  it  presents  an  icy  ex- 
pansion of  great  usefulness  and 
beauty. 

Like  Casco  bay  and  Lake  George, 
this  lake  is  said  to  contain  3G5 
islands.  Without  supposing  the 
days  of  the  year  to  have  been  con- 
sulted on  the  subject,  the  number 
is  very  great;  several  of  which 
comprise  farms  of  from  200  to  500 
acres. 

The  beauties  of  this  lake  were 
thus  described,  by  the  celebrated 
Dr.  Dwight,  many  years  ago. 

“ The  prospect  of  this  lake,  and 
its  environs,  is  enchanting;  audits 
beauties  are  seen  with  great  advan- 
tage from  a delightful  elevation  a 
little,  distance  from  the  road  towards 
Plymouth.  The  day  was  remarka- 
bly fine.  Not  a breath  disturbed 
the  leaves,  or  ruffled  the  surface 
of  the  waters.  The  sky  was  se- 
rene and  beautiful.  The  sun  shone 
with  a soft  and  elegant  lustre; 
such  as  seems  peculiar  to  that  de- 
lightful weather,  which  from  the 
20th  of  September  to  the  20th  of 
October,  so  often  elicits  from  the 
mouths  of  mankind  the  epithet  of 
charming.  Mildness  tempered  the 
heat;  and  serenity  hushed  the 
world  into  universal  quiet.  The 
Winnepisiogee  was  an  immense 
field  of  glass  ; silvered  by  the  lus- 
tre which  floated  on  its  surface. 
Its  borders,  now  in  full  view,  now 
dimly  retiring  from  the  eye,  were 
formed  by  those  flowing  lines, 


those  masterly  sweeps  of  nature, 
from  which  art  has  derived  all  its 
apprehensions  of  case  and  grace; 
alternated  at  the  same  time  by  the 
intrusion  of  points,  by  turns  rough 
and  bold,  or  marked  with  the  high- 
est elegance  of  figure.  In  the 
centre  a noble  channel  spread 
twenty-two  miles  before  the  eye, 
uninterrupted  even  by  a bush  or  a 
rock.  On  both  sides  of  this  avenue 
a train  of  islands  arranged  them- 
selves, as  if  to  adorn  it  with  the 
finish,  which  could  he  given  only 
by  their  glowing  verdure,  aud 
graceful  form*. 

“ Nor  is  this  lake  less  distinguish- 
ed by  its  suite  of  hills,  and  moun- 
tains. On  the  northwest  ascends  a 
remarkably  beautiful  eminence, 
called  the  Red  Mountain  ; limited 
every  where  by  circular  lines,  and 
in  the  proper  sense  elegant  in  its 
figure  beyond  any  other  mountain, 
among  the  multitude,  which  I have 
examined.  On  the  south  ascends 
Mount  Major;  a ridge,  of  a bolder 
aspect,  and  loftier  height.  At  a 
still  greater  distance  in  the  south- 
east rises  another  mountain,  more 
obscure  and  misty  ; presenting  its 
loftiest  summit,  of  an  exactly  semi- 
circular form,  directly  at  the  foot 
of  the  channel  above  mentioned, 
and  terminating  the  watery  vista 
between  the  islands,  by  which  it  is 
bordered,  in  a magnificent  manner. 
On  the  northeast  the  great  Ossipee 
raises  its  long  chain  of  summits 
with  a bold  sublimity,  and  proudly 
looks  down  on  all  the  surrounding 
region. 

“ As  we  did  not  cross  the  Winne- 
pisiogee, I am  unable  to  determine 
in  what  manner  an  excursion  on  its 
waters  might  be  compared  with 
that  which  I made  on  Lake  George. 
That  the  internal  and  successive 
beauties  of  the  Winnepisiogee 
strongly  resemble,  and  nearly  ap- 
proach those  of  Lake  George,  I can- 
not entertain  a doubt.  That  they 
exceed  them  seems  scarcely  credi- 
ble. But  the  prospect  from  the  hill 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


at  the  head  of  Centre  Harbor  is 
much  superior  to  that  from  Fort 
George;  a fact  of  which  hardly 
any  thing  could  have  convinced 
me,  except  the  testimony  of  my 
own  eyes.  The  Winnepisiogee 
presents  a field  of  at  least  twice 
the  extent.  The  islands  in  view 
are  more  numerous  ; of  finer  forms, 
and  more  happily  arranged.  The 
shores  arc  not  inferior.  The  ex- 
pansion is  far  more  magnificent; 
and  the  grandeur  of  the  mountains, 
particularly  of  the  Great  Ossipee, 
can  scarcely  be  rivalled.  It  can- 
not be  remarked  without  some  sur- 
prise, that  Lake  George  is  annually 
visited  by  people  from  the  coast  of 
New  England  ; and  that  the  Win- 
nepisiogee, notwithstanding  all  its 
accumulation  of  splendor  and  ele- 
gance, is  almost  as  much  unknown 
to  the  inhabitants  of  this  country, 
as  if  it  lay  on  the  eastern  side  of 
the  Caspian.”  Sec  Centre  Harbor. 

Winnepisiogee  River,  N.  II., 

Is  the  great  outlet  to  the  lake  of 
that  name ; and  issues  from  the 
southwest  arm  of  the  lake.  It 
thence  passes  through  two  bays 
between  Meredith  and  Gilford,  en- 
tering the  Great  Bay  in  the  north- 
east part  of  Sanbornton.  From 
thence  it  passes  through  two  other 
bays,  forming  the  boundary  between 
Sanbornton  on  the  northwest,  and 
Gilmanton  and  Northtield  on  the 
southeast;  and  unites  with  the 
Pemigewasset  a short  distance  be- 
low Webster’s  falls.  The  stream 
is  rapid  in  its  course,  and  has  a fall 
of  232  feet  from  the  lake  to  its 
junction  with  the  other  branch  of 
the  Merrimack  : this  name  being 
given  to  the  confluent  stream. — 
There  are  numerous  bridges  over 
the  Winnepisiogee ; which  also 
furnishes  many  excellent  privileges 
for  factories  or  other  machinery. 
See  Merrimack  River. 

Winnicut  River,  N.  H., 

Or  the  Winniconett,  a tributary 


of  the  Piscataqua,  rises  in  a swamp 
between  Hampton  and  N.  Hamp- 
ton, and  passes  north  into  the  Great 
Bay  at  Greenland. 

Winooski  City,  Vt. 

See  Burlington. 

Winslow,  Me. 

Kennebec  co.  This  is  a beauti- 
ful town,  opposite  to  Waterville  : it 
is  watered  by  Kennebec  and  Sebas- 
ticook  rivers,  by  several  ponds,  and 
by  a line  stream,  a branch  of  the 
Sebasticook.  Its  water  power  is 
constant  and  abundant.  The  soil 
of  the  town  is  fertile  ; the  surface 
is  diversified,  and  rendered  pro- 
ductive by  industrious  and  indepen- 
dent farmers.  Winslow  is  18  miles 
N.  by  E.  from  Augusta.  It  was 
incorporated  in  1771.  Population, 
in  1837,1,557.  Wheat  crop,  same 
year,  6,910  bushels. 

Wintlirop,  Me. 

Keunebcc  co.  This  town  is  fine- 
ly situated,  having  a fertile  soil,  an 
undulating  surface,  and  comprising 
six  beautiful  sheets  of  water;  the 
Cobbessecontee  and  some  of  its  trib- 
utaries. The  largest  of  these  lakes 
or  ponds  is  ten  miles  in  length,  and 
from  one  to  three  miles  in  width. 
These  waters  give  to  Winthrop  a 
valuable  water  power,  and  which  is 
partly  improved  by  a large  cotton 
mill,  a flour  mill,  carding  and  cloth 
dressing  establishments,  saw  mills, 
Sac.  There  are  also  in  the  town 
extensive  manufactures  of  leather, 
boots  and  shoes. 

The  principal  village  is  delight- 
fully located,  in  the  form  of  a cres- 
cent, at  the  union  of  the  North 
lake,  extending  into  Readfield, 
about  six  miles,  with  the  South  lake 
extending  into  Monmouth,  about 
the  same  distance.  This  village  is 
10  miles  W.  from  Augusta.  The 
East  village  likewise  is  pleasantly 
situated  at  the  northern  extremity 
of  the  large  lake,  and  is  about  6 
miles  from  Augusta. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


These  village*  arc  neatly  built, 
and  are  nourishing  places  ot  bu*u- 
neas.  The  lakes  add  much  to  the 
beauty  of  the  town.  The  descent 
of  their  banks  is  gently  sloping, 
with  a dispersion  of  acclivities, 
which  serve  to  heighten  the  beauty 
of  the  scenery  : tneir  waters  are 
deep,  clear,  and  are  stocked  with 
an  abundance  of  trout,  pickerel, 
perch,  and  other  fish. 

There  is  in  this  town  an  elevated 
tract  of  land  containing  an  inex- 
haustible quantity  of  iron  ore,  or  the 
material  Iroin  which  copperas  is 
manufactured.  Large  quantities 
of  copperas  were  made  here  during 
the  late  war,  and  it  is  thought  that 
this  ore  might  be  advantageously 
used  in  times  of  peace. 

Winthrop  is  an  excellent  farming 
town,  and  the  moral*  character  ot 
its  inhabitants  is  said  to  be  uncom- 
monly good.  It  was  incorporated 
in  1771.  Population,  1337,  2,003. 
Wheat  crop,  same  year,  5,194  bush- 
els. 

Wiscasset,  Me. 

Lincoln  co.  Shire  town.  W is- 
casset  is  a port  of  entry,  situated 
on  the  west  side  of  Sheepscat  riv- 
er, 20  miles  from  the  sea;  24  miles 
S.  S.  E.  from  Augusta,  42  N.  E. 
from  Portland,  and  10  N.  E.  from 
Bath.  It  was  incorporated  in  1760. 
Population,  1S37,  2,246. 

Wiscasset  contains  a noble  har- 
bor for  vessels  of  the  largest  class  : 
it  is  easy  of  access  and  seldom  ob- 
structed by  ice.  For  many  years 
previous  to  the  commencement  of 
the  commercial  restrictions, in  1307, 
Wiscasset  was  one  of  the  most  ac- 
tive and  flourishing  sea  ports  in 
Maine.  During  the  disastrous  pe- 
riod which  followed,  Wiscasset  suf- 
fered severely,  in  common  -with  all 
towns  largely  engaged  in  naviga- 
tion. 

Since  the  termination  of  the  war 
the  town  has  been  slowly  but  safely 
progressing  in  wealth  and  prosperi- 
ty. In  addition  to  its  commerce  in 

42* 


lumber  and  ship  building,  this 
place  is  largely  and  profitably  en- 
gaged in  the  fishery,  for  which  pur- 
suit it  is  admirably  located.  The 
tonnage  of  this  district  in  1337,  was 
1 1 ,662  tons. 

The  village  of  Wiscasset  i$  de- 
lightfully situated  on  rising  ground, 
in  view  of  the  harbor.  The  court 
house,  churches,  stores,  and  dwell- 
ing houses  are  built  with  taste,  and 
many  of  them  with  elegance.  A 
more  beautiful  village  is  rarely 
seen. 

Woburn,  Mass. 

Middlesex  co.  This  town  is  sit- 
uated 10  miles  N.  W.  by  N.  from 
Boston,  12  E.  by  N.  from  Concord, 
and  14  W.  from  Salem.  It  was 
incorporated  in  1642,  and  first  set- 
tled in  1640.  Population,  1330, 
1,977;  1837,  2,643. 

There  are  some  elevations  in  Wo- 
burn which  give  the  surface  a vari- 
egated and  pleasing  aspect.  There 
is  considerable  wood  land  in  the 
town,  and  some  pine  plain  land; 
but  the  soil  is  generally  strong, 
fertile  and  well  improved.  It  con- 
tains some  beautiful  farms. 

The  manufactures  of  the  town 
consist  of  leather,  boots,  shoes,  in- 
dia  rubber,  chairs,  door  sashes, 
blinds,  tin,  cabinet  and  wooden 
wares  : total  value,  the  year  end- 
ing April,  1,  1837,  $421,042. 

Horn  Pond  in  this  town  is  a de- 
lightful sheet  of  water,  surrounded 
by  evergeens,  and  is  so  remaikable 
for  its  rural  beauties  as  to  attract 
many  visitors  from  a distance.  This 
pond  serves  as  a passage  for  the 
Middlesex  canal;  it  also  furnishes 
the  town  with  a water  power  of 
some  value.  The  waters  of  this 
and  several  smaller  ponds  in  Wo- 
burn fall  into  Mystic  river,  through 
Mystic  pond  in  Medford. 

Wolcott,  Vt. 

Lamoille  co.  Wolcott  is  well 
watered  by  Lamoille  river,  and  by 
Green  and  Wild  Branch,  its  branch- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


es.  “Fish  Pond,”  in  Wolcott,  is  a 
pretty  piece  of  water,  and  bears 
an  appropriate  name.  There  is 
some  good  grain  land  in  the  town, 
but  most  of  the  lands  are  tit  only 
for  pasturage.  There  are  some 
mills  in  the  town,  and  about  1,500 
sheep. 

Wolcott  was  chartered  in  I7S1. 
It  is  22  miles  N.  from  Montpelier, 
and  7 S.  E.  from  Hyde  Park.  Pop- 
ulation, 1S30,  492. 

"Wolcott,  Ct. 

New  Haven  co.  This  is  a small 
town,  watered  by  a branch  of  Nau- 
gatuck river ; 22  miles  N.  from 
New  Haven.  Population,  1830, 
843.  The  town  was  incorporated 
in  1796.  The  territory  was  former- 
ly a parish  in  the  towns  of  Far- 
mington and  Waterbury;  and  from 
that  circumstance  was  called  “ Far- 
mingbury.”  The  lands  in  Wol- 
cott are  elevated,  rough,  stony,  and 
hard  to  cultivate.  One  of  the 
highest  hills  in  this  part  of  the 
state  lies  in  this  town  : it  commands 
a very  extended  prospect  of  Long 
Island  Sound  and  the  adjacent 
country. 

Wolcott  vllle,  Ct. 

See  Torrington. 

Wolfcborough,  N.  II. 

Strafford  co.  This  town  is  45 
miles  N.  N.  W.  from  Portsmouth, 
and  45  N.  E.  from  Concord.  It  is 
bounded  S.  E.  by  Brookfield  and 
New  Durham,  S.  W.  by  Winne- 
pisiogee  lake  and  Alton,  N.  E.  by 
Ossipee,  and  N.  W.  by  Tuftonbo- 
rough. 

The  soil  is  rocky,  but  produc- 
tive, and  the  face  of  the  country 
level.  The  wood  is  principally  oak 
and  other  hard  timber.  The  only 
river  is  Smith’s,  so  called  from  a 
hunter  of  that  name  : it  issues  from 
a large  pond  of  the  same  name  in 
the  S.  E.  part  of  the  town,  and 
discharges  its  waters  into  the  lake. 
*There  are  four  other  ponds  of  con- 


siderable magnitude,  called  Crook- 
ed, Rust's,  Barton’s,  and  Sargent’s 
ponds.  There  is  a bridge  over 
Smith’s  river  about  60  feet  long, 
near  its  entrance  into  the  lake. 
Near  this  bridge  is  a pleasant  vil- 
lage. 

The  charter  of  Wolfeborough 
was  granted  in  1770,  to  Gov.  John 
Wentworth,  Mark  II.  Wentworth 
and  others.  Gov.  ..Wentworth,  dis- 
tinguished for  his  enterprise  and 
taste,  and  a fondness  for  agricultural 
improvements,  erected  a splendid 
mansion  about  5 miles  east  of  the 
bridge,  and  made  it  his  summer 
residence. 

At  the  foot  of  a hill,  near  one  of 
the  ponds  in  this  town,  is  a miner- 
al spring,  the  waters  of  which  are 
of  a quality  similar  to  those  of  Sara- 
toga, but  not  so  strongly  impregna- 
ted. Population,  1830, 1,928. 

Wonasquntuckct  River,  R.  I. 

Providence  co.  This  river  rises 
in  Smithfield,  and  after  passing 
nearly  through  that  town,  it  runs 
between  North  Providence  and 
Johnston,  and  forms  the  head  of 
Providence  river.  This  stream  is 
celebrated  for  its  hydraulic  power 
and  the  numerous  manufacturing 
establishments  erected  on  its  banks. 

Woodbridge,  Ct. 

New  Haven  co.  The  territory 
of  this  town  belonged  to  the  towns 
of  New  Haven  and  Milford,  and 
was  called  the  parish  of  “ Amity,” 
from  1739,  until  its  incorporation  in 
1784.  West  river  runs  on  the  west 
side  of  West  Rock,  a range  of  moun- 
tains on  the  eastern  border  of  the 
town.  The  surface  of  the  town  is 
hilly,  but  t*e  soil  is  excellent  for 
grazing,  and  much  butter  and 
cheese  is  annually  taken  to  the 
New  Haven  market,  from  which  it 
lies  6 miles  S.  W.  Population,  in 
1830,  844. 

The  regicides,  Goffe  and  Whal- 
ley,  had  a number  of  places  of  con- 
cealment in  the  limits  of  Wood- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


bridge,  the  most  noted  of  which  is 
JIatchet  Harbor  or  the  Lodge,  near 
a beautiful  spring,  in  a valley,  about 
7 miles  from  New  Haven. 

Woodbury,  Vt. 

Washington  co.  Woodbury  is 
watered  by  branches  of  Onion  and 
Lamoille  rivers,  and  contains  a 
greater  number  of  ponds  than  any 
other  town  in  the  state.  These 
ponds  afford  a great  variety  of  fish. 
Woodbury  lies  15  miles  N.  by  E. 
from  Montpelier.  Population,  1800, 
23;  1820,432;  1830,824. 

Woodbury,  Ct. 

Litchfield  co.  The  settlement 
of  this  town  commenced  in  the 
year  1672  : in  1674,  it  was  incorpo- 
rated. 

This  is  a good  grazing  township  ; 
the  soil  is  generally  warm  and  fer- 
tile. Between  four  and  live  thou- 
sand sheep  are  annually  sheared  in 
Woodbury. 

The  village  is  situated  in  a pleas- 
ant valley,  and  watered  by  a num- 
ber of  small  streams,  which  form 
the  Pomperaug.  It  is  surrounded 
by  high  hills  on  every  side,  forming 
a kind  of  amphitheatre,  whi<!ti  ren- 
ders it  strikingly  romantic.  The 
village  contains  some  handsome 
buildings,  three  satinet,  one  tin  and 
two  nail  factories.  This  place  lies 
25  miles  N.  W.  from  New  Haven, 
36  W.  S.  W.  from  Hartford,  and  15 
S.  from  Litchfield.  Population,  in 
1830,  2,049. 

Bethel  Rock,  near  the  village  of 
Woodbury,  is  about  forty  feet  in 
height,  and  projects  over  3 or  4 
feet,  forming  a kind  of  shelter  from 
the  wind  and  rain.  There  is  a fine 
grove  near  it.  This  spot  is  fre- 
quently visited : it  excites  solemn 
and  pleasing  impressions. 

Woodford,  Vt. 

Bennington  co.  This  mountain 
town  is  7 miles  E.  from  Benning- 
ton, on  the  road  to  Brattleborough. 
Population,  1830,  395. 


Woodford  contains  several  large 
ponds,  from  which  issue  branches 
of  Woloomsack  and  Deerfield  riv- 
ers. There  is  a good  deal  of  w ild 
scenery  on  the  road  in  crossing  the 
mountains  from  Bennington  through 
Woodford  and  Searabur^h : the 

gurgling  of  the  streams  down  the 
mountain  sides,  allay,  in  a great 
degree,  the  tatigue  of  the  jour- 
ney. The  greater  part  ol  this 
township  is  too  elevated  and  broken 
for  cultivation.  It  is  a good  loca- 
tion for  the  sportsman  ; for  fish  and 
lowl  are  abundant,  and  the  deer, 
the  bear,  and  other  w ild  animals, 
roam  with  almost  undisputed  sway 

Wood's  Hole,  Mass. 

See  Falmouth. 

Wood  River,  R.  I. 

Sec  Hopkinton. 

Woodstock,  Me. 

Oxford  co.  A part  of  this  town- 
ship is  mountainous  ; but  it  contains 
large  tracts  of  undulating,  fertile 
land.  It  is  bespangled  with  beau- 
tiful ponds,  forming  mill  streams, 
which  pass  to  Little  Androscoggin 
river. 

Woodstock  was  incorporated  in 
1815.  It  lies  42  miles  W.  from 
Augusta,  and  10  N.  W.  from  Paris. 
Population,  in  1837,  699.  Wheat 
crop,  same  year,  2,669  bushels. 

Woodstock,  Vt. 

Shire  town,  Windsor  county. 
This  town  was  first  settled  about 
the  year  1768.  It  is  well  wa- 
tered by  Queechy  river  and  its 
branches,  which  propel  a woolen 
mill,  a scythe  and  axe  factory,  an 
establishment  for  the  manufacture 
of  woolen  machinery,  and  several 
smaller  manufacturing  works. 

The  soil  of  the  tow  n is  generally 
very  fertile,  with  a pleasant  surface 
of  hills  and  vales.  The  agricultu- 
ral productions  are  large  and  valua- 
ble : they  consist  of  beef,  pork,  but- 
ter. cheese,  apples,  cider  and  wool, 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


of  which  9,000  fleeces  were  shorn 
in  1337. 

“ Woodstock  Green,”  so  called,  is 
a beautiful  village.  It  is  the  seat 
of  a flourishing  country  trade,  and 
contains  many  veryhandsome  build- 
ings. The  court  house,  planned, 
and  built  under  the  supervision  of 
Amini  B.  Young,  Esq.,  a native  ar- 
chitect of  great  promise,  is  one  of 
the  most  chaste  and  classical  struc- 
tures in  New  England.  The  south 
village  is  neat  and  pleasant:  it  is 
about  5 miles  from  the  “Green.” 

Woodstock  lies  40  miles  S.  from 
Montpelier,  and  11  N.  W.  from 
Windsor.  Population,  1330,  3,014. 

'Woodstock,  Ct. 

Windham  co.  Woodstock  is  bound- 
ed N.  by  the  Massachusetts  line, 
E.  by  Thompson,  W.  by  Union  and 
Ashford,  and  S.  by  Pomfret  and 
Ashford.  It  is  8 mile9  long,  and 
upwards  of  7 in  breadth.  The  sur- 
face of  the  town  is  characteristical- 
ly hilly,  but  not  mountainous  or 
broken,  and  comprises  very  little 
waste  land,  most  or  all  of  the  emi- 
nences being  capable  of  cultivation. 
The  prevailing  soil  is  a deep  grav- 
elly loam,  which  is  strong  and  fer- 
tile. It  is  best  adapted  to  grazing, 
but  generally  admits  of  tillage; 
and  considerable  quantities  of  grain 
are  annually  raised,  consisting  prin- 
cipally of  rye  and  corn;  and  it  may 
be  considered  one  of  the  richest  ag- 
ricultural towns  in  this  part  of  the 
state.  There  are  4 woolen  and  4 
cotton  factories  in  the  limits  of  the 
town.  There  are  also  about  900 
persons  engaged  in  the  shoe  mak- 
ing business,  principally  in  the 
western  part  of  the  town.  The 
town  is  divided  into  three  parts, 
viz.  the  old  society  of  Woodstock, 
West  Woodstock  or  New  Roxbury, 
and  Muddy  Brook  society  or  North 
Woodstock, 

The  villages  of  Thompson,  North 
Killingly,  and  Dudley  in  Massa- 
chusetts, on  corresponding  eleva- 


tions, are  in  fair  view,  from  the  vil- 
lage in  Old  Woodstock,  which  is  41 
miles  E.  N.  E.  from  Hartford, 82  N. 
from  Norwich,  32  W.  N.  W.  from 
Providence,  and  12  N.  by  W.  from 
Brooklyn.  First  settled,  in  1686. 
Population,  1830.  2,915.  The  vil- 
lage of  Muddy  Brook,  or  North 
, Woodstock,  is  about  three  miles 
distant,  situated  in  a beautiful  val- 
ley, through  which  Muddy  Brook, 
a tine  mill  stream,  passes.  The 
1 village  is  in  two  parts,  in  each  of 
which  is  a Congregational  church, 
upwards  of  one  milo  distant  from 
each  other.  The  houses  in  this 
village  are  more  clustered  than  in 
any  other  part  of  the  town,  and 
viewod  froiA  the  surrounding  hills 
present  an  uncommonly  beautiful 
appearance.  The  west  part  is  call- 
ed “Village  corner.” 

General  William  Eaton,  a 
consul  to  Tunis,  from  1797  to  1803, 
and  the  hero  of  Dcrne,  in  1804,  wa3 
born  in  this  town  in  1764.  lie  died 
at  Briirifield,  Mass.,  in  1811. 

“ Gen.  Eaton  was  a very  extra- 
ordinary character;  he  possessed 
much  original  genius,  was  bold  in 
hi;  conceptions,  ardent  in  his  pas- 
sions, determined  in  his  resolutions, 
and  indefatigably  persevering  in 
his  conduct.  He  possessed  con- 
siderable literary  acquirements,  and 
the  style  of  his  writings  was  char- 
acteristic of  his  mind  ; bold,  ener- 
getic and  decisive.  His  courage 
was  equalled  only  by  his  resolu- 
tion, and  the  boldness  of  his  enter- 
prises, by  his  ability  and  persever- 
ance to  execute  them.” 

Woolwich,  ]>Ie. 

Lincoln  co.  Woolwich  lies  a lit- 
tle above  Bath,  on  the  east  side  of 
Kennebec  river,  32  miles  S.  from 
Augusta,  and  7 W.  from  Wiscasset. 
It  was  incorporated  in  1759.  Pop- 
ulation, 1837,  1,433.  Woolwich 

has  several  ponds  and  small  streams, 
and  its  navigable  privileges  are 
valuable. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


"Woonsocket  Falls,  R.  I. 

See  Smithfield. 

"Worcester,  Yt. 

Washington  co.  This  town  is 
situated  10  miles  N.  from  Montpe- 
lier and  30  E.  hy  S from  Burling- 
ton. First  settled,  1797.  Popula- 
tion, 1820,  1 1 . :m  I in  1830,  132.  A 
branch  of  Onion  river  gives  the 
town  a good  water  power,  and 
which  is  used  for  various  purposes. 
Much  of  this  township  is  moun- 
tainous ; but  there  is  some  good  land 
along  the  stream,  and  the  high- 
lands aft’ord  pasturage  for  cattle. 

Worcester  County,  'lass. 

Worcester  is  the  county  town. 
This  county  was  incorporated  in 
1731.  Population,  in  1820,  73,035  ; 
1830,  84,365;  IS37,  96,551.  It 
contains  an  area  of  1,500  square 
miles. 

This  county  crosses  the  state  from 
New  Hampshire  on  the  north,  to 
Connecticut  and  Rhode  Island  on 
the  south.  It  is  bounded  W.  by 
the  counties  of  Franklin,  Hamp- 
shire, and  Hampden,  and~_E.  by 
Norfolk  and  Middlesex  coulitics. 
This  is  the  largest  county  in  the 
state.  Its  territory  is  larger  than 
the  state  of  Rhode  Island,  and  its 
population  is  greater  than  that  of 
the  state  of  Delaware.  Its  sur- 
face is  rather  undulating  than  hilly. 
The  soil  is  generally  strong,  and 
produces  all  kinds  of  grain,  grasses, 
fruits,  &c.  common  to  its  climate. 
Its  water  power  is  abundant  in  al- 
most every  town,  and  perhaps  in 
no  section  of  New  England  are  the 
interests  of  agriculture,  commerce 
and  manufactures  more  completely 
blended;  nor  can  there  be  found 
better  resources  for  their  united 
support.  Its  principal  rivers  are 
the  Blackstone,  Quinabaug,  Nash- 
ua, Ware,  Millers,  and  Mill.  There 
are  in  this  county  54  towns,  and  64 
inhabitants  to  a square  ?ni!e. 

In  1837,  the  value  of  the  manu- 


factures in  the  county  of  Worces- 
ter was  $11,407,790:  the  number 
of  sheep  in  the  county  was  24,901  ; 
value  of  the  wool,  $37,267. 

Worcester,  Mass. 

County  town,  Worcester  co.  This 
town  was  incorporated  in  1684,  but 
in  consequence  of  Indian  hostili- 
ties, the  first  towa  meeting  was  not 
held  until  1722.  This  part  of  the 
country  was  called  by  the  Indians, 
Quitisigamond,  and  Tatmuck  and 
Uogaclwak  hills  were  Indian  rei.i- 
dences. 

The  central  situation  of  the 
town,  both  in  regard  to  the  county 
and  state,  the  fertility  of  its  soil 
and  that  of  the  surrounding  coun- 
try, the  salubrity  of  its  climate, 
and  the  industry,  intelligence  and 
wealth  of  its  people,  have  loug 
since  entitled  it  to  the  honor  of  be- 
ing called  the  chief  town  in  “the 
Heart  of  the  Commonwealth.”  The 
town  is  situated  in  a valley,  and 
surrounded  by  hills  of  gentle  ac- 
clivity. It  is  well  built  and  beau- 
tifully shaded,  and  travellers  from 
every  direction,  are  delighted  with 
its  neatness  and  beauty. 

A number  of  the  streams  which 
form  the  head  waters  of  the  Black- 
stone  meet  in  this  town,  and  fur- 
nish a considerable  water  power. 

Worcester  is  40  miles  W.  from 
Boston,  51  E.  from  Northampton, 
38  S.  W.  from  Lowell,  and  41  N.  N. 
W.  from  Providence,  R.  I.  Popu- 
lation, 1820,  2,962;  1830,  4,172; 
1835,6,624;  1S37,  7,117. 

There  are  in  Worcester  8 woolen, 
3 cotton  and  2 paper  mills  ; an  air 
and  cupola  furnace,  9 woolen  ma- 
chinery factories,  3 tin  factories, 
and  manufactures  of  coaches,  chais- 
es, boots,  shoes,  hats, cutlery,  chairs, 
cabinet  ware,  ploughs,  straw  bon- 
nets, palm-leaf  hats,  wire,  lead 
pipe,  paper  machinery,  &c. : total 
value,  the  year  ending  April  1, 
1837,  $1,042,369. 

Worcester  is  the  centre  of  a large 
inland  trade.  The  Blackstone  ca- 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


nal,  from  Providence,  R.  I., 45  miles 
in  length,  terminates  here ; and 
here  is  a permanent  depot  on  the 
great  western  rail  road  from  Boston 
to  the  Hudson  river. 

This  is  the  seat  of  many  religious, 
literary,  and  philanthropic  societies. 

The  State  Lunatic  Asylum,  es- 
tablished in  this  town  in  1832,  is  an 
institution  honorable  to  the  nature 
of  man.  It  is  a beautiful  building, 
delightfully  located,  and  admirably 
conducted.  Its  plan  and  arrange- 
ments are  so  excellent  as  to  render 
it  a model  for  similar  institutions 
in  other  states. 

This  institution  is  a receptacle 
for  all  persons  arraigned  as  crimi- 
nals, but  found  to  have  committed 
the  offences  in  a state  of  insanity  ; 
of  paupers,  and  of  those  who  are 
so  furiously  mad  as  to  render  their 
continuance  at  large  dangerous  to 
the  community. 

Although  the  worst  cases  of  in- 
sanity are  found  here,  yet  experi- 
ence has  proved  that  there  are  very 
few  cases  of  derangement  which 
may  not  be  ameliorated  by  the 
kindly  influence  of  humane  treat- 
ment. The  average  recoveries,  to 
the  present  time,  is  about  56  pr.  ct. 

The  American  Antiquarian  So- 
ciety, was  founded  in  1812.  By 
the  liberality  of  the  late  Isaiah 
Thomas,  LL.  D.,  one  of  its  first 
benefactors,  a spacious  hall  was 
erected  in  1820,  for  the  reception 
of  its  large  and  valuable  cabinet  of 
antiquities,  and  its  library  of  about 
12,000  volumes  of  American  pub- 
lications, particularly  of  all  works 
pertaining  to  American  history,  and 
literature  generally. 

Mr.  Thomas  was  the  father  of 
New  England  printers.  He  pub- 
lished the  first  newspaper  in  this 
town,  in  1775,  and,  a few  years  af- 
ter, the  first  bible  in  America.  He 
was  a gentleman  of  great  patri- 
otism and  liberality.  lie  was  born 
in  Boston,  January  19th,  1749,  and 
died  in  this  town,  April  4, 1831. 


'Worthington,  Mass. 

Hampshire  co.  This  town  has  a 
good  soil : it  is  pleasantly  situated 
on  elevated  ground : it  has  some 
mineral  treasures,  and  is  washed  by 
a branch  of  Westfield  river.  It  is 
103  miles  W.  from  Boston,  65  E. 
from  Albany,  N.  Y.,  and  17  W.  N. 
W.  from  Northampton.  Incorpora- 
ted. 1763.  Population,  1837,  1,142. 

The  manufactures  of  Worthing- 
ton consist  of  leather,  boots,  shoes, 
curtains,  children’s  wagons,  and 
hats:  annual  value,  about  $50,000. 

In  1837,  there  were  sheared  in 
this  town  9,050  merino  sheep  : the 
wool  weighed  27,000  pounds,  and 
sold  for  $16,875. 

Wreutham,  Mass. 

Norfolk  co.  There  is  a large 
pond  near  the  centre  of  this  town, 
from  which  issue  several  streams 
which  flow  to  the  Charles,  Nepon- 
set  and  Taunton.  In  this  town  arc 
one  woolen  and  four  cotton  mills, 
an  axe  manufactory  ; boat  build- 
ing to  a considerable  extent ; and 
manufactures  of  boots,  shoes,  hats, 
hoops  and  straw  bonnets.  The  to- 
tal value  of  the  manufactures  of 
this  town,  for  the  year  ending  April 
1,  1837,  was  $204,806;  of  which 
$77,815  was  for  straw  bonnets. 

Wrentham  is  a pleasant  town, 
with  a tolerable  soil  and  diversified 
surface.  It  was  taken  from  Ded- 
ham in  1673.  Population,  1837, 
2,817. 

A family  of  Indians  once  resi- 
ded in  a cavern  in  this  town, called 
“ Wampum’s  Rock,”  which  place 
is  rather  a curiosity.  The  Indian 
name  of  the  town  was  TValloma- 
pogge. 

Wrentham  is  27  miles  S.  by  W. 
from  Boston,  and  15  S.  by  W.  from 
Dedham.  This  town  is  bounded  S. 
E.  by  Mansfield,  and  within  the  re- 
gion of  a vast  bed  of  anthracite  coal. 

Ynntic  River,  Ct. 

New  London  co.  This  stream 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


rises  by  several  branches  in  the 
northwest  part  of  the  county,  and 
passing  in  a southeast  course  meets 
the  united  waters  of  the  Quinnc- 
baug  and  Shetucket  at  Norwich, 
where  the  waters  of  the  three  riv- 
ers fall  with  great  rapidity,  form- 
ing the  Thames,  and  producing  a 
valuable  hydraulic  power.  See 
Norwich. 

It  is  said  that  a party  of  Mohc- 
gan  Indians  plunged  themselves 
down  tho  Yantic  falls,  when  pur- 
sued by  their  foes,  the  Narragan- 
sets. 

Yarmouth,  .tlass. 

Barnstable  co.  Yarmouth  ex- 
tends across  Cape  Cod,  and  has  a 
good  harbor  on  each  side.  There 
are  several  ponds  in  the  town,  from 
which  issue  a small  stream,  called 
Bass  river,  and  from  which  a small 
water  power  is  derived.  The  soil 
of  the  cape  here  becomes  thin, 
sandy  and  unproductive.  The  peo- 
ple of  this  town  are  principally  de- 
voted to  the  fishing  business,  coast- 
ing trade,  and  the  manufacture  of 
salt.  There  are,  however,  some 
manufactures  of  vessels,  corjlage, 
leather,  cabinet  and  tin  wares, 
chairs,  boots  and  shoes.  Some 
sheep  are  kept,  but  the  agricultur- 
al productions  are  small.  A large 
number  of  vessels  are  engaged  in 
the  coasting  trade,  and  in  1837,  13 
vessels,  of  about  50  tons  each,  were 
employed  in  the  cod  and  mackerel 
fishery  : the  product,  that  year, 
was  $26,622. 

During  that  year  there  were  in 
operation  in  this  town,  52  establish- 
ments for  the  manufacture  of  com- 
mon salt,  and  4 for  the  manufac- 
ture of  Epsom  salts.  The  quantity 
of  common  salt  made  was  365,200 
bushels.  The  value  of  common 
salt  was  $109,560;  of  Epsom  salts, 
$1,350.  Hands  employed,  55. 

In  1837,  there  were  in  the  state 
of  Massachusetts  743  establishments 
for  the  manufacture  of  salt:  758,- 
392  bushels  were  made,  valued  at 


$216,059,  employing  703  hands. 

Yarmouth  is  bounded  W.  by 
Barnstable,  and  lies  72  miles  S.  E. 
from  Bo-ton.  Incorporated,  1639. 
Population,  in  1330,  2,251  ; 1837, 
2,454. 

York.  County,  31c. 

Alfred  is  the  county  town.  This 
county  is  bounded  N.  by  Oxford 
coufity,  N.  E.  by  the  county  of 
Cumberland,  E.  by  the  ocean,  S. 
by  Portsmouth  harbor,  and  W.  by 
Stratford  county,  N.  H.  It  com- 
prises an  area  of  about  818  square 
miles.  Its  population  in  1810,  was 
41,877;  1820,46,283;  1830,51,722; 
and  in  1837,  53,731.  Population  to 
a square  mile,  66.  The  surface 
of  the  county  is  rough  and  uneven, 
but  not  mountainous;  its  highest 
elevation  is  Mount  Agamenticus. 
Its  soil  is  hard  and  rocky,  particu- 
larly on  the  sea  coast,  which  ex- 
tends about  35  miles.  There  is, 
however,  much  good  land  within 
the  limits  of  York  county  : it  pro- 
duces large  quantities  of  English 
and  salt  hay,  potatoes  and  other 
vegetables,  corn,  and  some  wheat; 
but  the  latter  grain  is  not  so  abun- 
dant in  this  as  in  the  more  eastern 
counties.  The  quantity  of  wheat 
grown  in  this  county  in  1837,  was 
but  17,795  bushels.  There  is  much 
good  grazing  land  in  the  county, 
and  in  1337,  there  were  60,392 
sheep  within  its  limits. 

The  sea  coast  is  lined  with  fine 
harbors  tor  the  fishery,  and  many 
vessels  are  built  of  native  timber. 
The  county  contains  many  capes, 
points  and  necks  of  land,  on  which 
are  well  conducted  light  houses. 
The  tonnage  of  the  three  districts 
within  the  county,  Saco,  Kenne 
bunk  and  York,  in  1837,  was  11,505 
tons.  York  county  contains  many 
excellent  mill  streams;  and  the 
value  of  its  hydraulic  power  is  be- 
ginning to  be  seen  and  felt. 

This  ancient  county  was  the 
lodgement  of  some  of  the  first  set- 
tlers of  New  England.  See  Saco. 


NEW  ENGLAND  GAZETTEER. 


York,  Me. 

York  co.  This  is  an  ancient  mar- 
itime town,  on  the  coast,  between 
Kittery  r.n  1 ells.  It  is  bounded 
W.  by  Sou,  . Berwick.  This  was 
for  many  years  the  shire  town,  and 
the  place  of  holding  the  courts  and 
keeping  the  records  for  the  whole 
province,  until  the  counties  of 
Cumberland  and  Lincoln  were  set 
off  in  1760.  The  town  was  incor- 
porated in  1653. 

York  has  a court  house  and  gaol, 
but  all  the  county  courts  have  been, 
within  a few  years  past,  removed  to 
Alfred.  The  principal  harbor  is  York 
river,  about  6 miles  from  Ports- 
mouth, N.  II.,  with  water  sufficient 
for  vessels  from  200  to  300  tons  bur- 
then. The  entrance,  however,  i9 
difficult,  being  narrow  and  crooked. 
The  other  harbor  is  cape  Ncddock, 
about  4 miles  N.  E.  of  the  former, 
navigable  about  a mile  from  the 
sea  at  full  tides  only  ; it  having  a 
sand  bar  at  its  month,  sufficient  to 
prevent  vessels  of  any  considera- 
ble burthen  from  passing  at  low 
water. 

Cape  Ncddock  and  Bald  Head  are 
the  head  lands.  The  former  is  a 
little  to  the  south  of  cape  Neddock 
river.  At  the  end  of  this  cape  is  a 
small  hillock  called  the  Nubble,  on 
which  Congress  has  recently  au- 
thorised the  erection  of  a Light 
house.  Boon  Island  lies  about  9 


miles  southeast  of  this  point.  Bald 
Head  makes  the  S.  W.  part  of  Wells 
bay. 

The  settlement  of  this  place  be- 
gan about  the  year  1630  : it  was 
then  called  Agamcnticus,  from  a 
mountain  of  that  name  in  the  north 
part  of  the  town.  This  is  of  consid- 
erable elevation,  and  a noted  land 
mark.  From  its  summit,  there  is 
an  extensive  prospect  bounded  by 
the  great  ranges  of  the  N.  H. 
mountains  on  the  N.  and  N.  W\, 
and  the  Atlantic  on  the  coast  from 
Cape  Ann  to  Cape  Elizabeth. 

This  town  was  nearly  destroyed 
by  the  Indians  and  French  in  1692, 
who,  coming  on  snow  shoes,  sur- 
prised the  unwary  inhabitants  at 
early  morning.  This  calamity  was 
so  desolating,  that  the  few  remain- 
ing inhabitants  had  thoughts  of 
abandoning  the  place  altogether; 
but  a number  remained,  though 
suffering  under  severe  privations 
from  the  destruction  of  almost  every 
thing  that  could  give  them  shelter 
or  sustenance. 

The  population  of  the  town  in 
1830,  was  3,485 ; but  has  been  re- 
duced since  that  time,  by  the  an- 
nexation of  a portion  of  its  northern 
angle  to  South  Berwick.  Its  popu- 
lation in  1837,  was  3,001. 

York  is  situated  99  miles  S.  W. 
from  Augusta,  45  S.  W.  by  S.  from 
Portland,  22  S.  S.  E.  from  Alfred  and 
9 N.  by  E.  from  Portsmouth,  N.  H. 


DOES  NOT  CIRCULATE 


